Focused Obstetric Course – An Introduction, an Inspiration
Mangaluru: The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Father Muller Medical College, Kankanady, Mangalore, successfully organized “FOCII 2026 – Focused Obstetric Course” on 21st February 2026 at the Decennial Memorial Hall. The programme was designed as a skill-based postgraduate teaching initiative aimed at strengthening clinical competence in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The event was organized under the leadership of Dr. Mahesha Navada (HOD and Unit Chief), Organizing Chairperson, with Dr. Ektha M. Shetty (Assistant Professor) and Dr. Jyotsna Coelho (Assistant Professor) serving as Organizing Secretaries.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with an invocation and welcome address by Dr. Mahesha Navada (Professor and HOD, Department of OBG), followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Chief Guest, Dr. Rathnamala M. Desai, Professor Emeritus, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing clinical excellence and continuous learning. The Presidential Address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI.
The Guests of Honour, Dr. Kameshwari Surampudi, Professor, and Dr. Vishaka Nagaraj, Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad, graced the occasion and later served as faculty for the afternoon hands-on workshop. The session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ektha M. Shetty (Assistant Professor). The overall programme was compered by Dr. Lisa Melita Pinto (Senior Resident) and Dr. Nishmitha S. Rodrigues (Senior Resident), while the inauguration ceremony was compered by Dr. Nikitha James (Assistant Professor).
On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Prema D’Cunha, senior faculty and former staff member of the department, was felicitated in recognition of her dedicated service. A citation was presented in her honour.
The scientific sessions covered key obstetric topics, including ultrasound fundamentals by Dr. Mahesh and Dr. Prathima (Associate Professor and Fetal Medicine Specialist), pelvic anatomy by Dr. Anjum Iftikhar (Gynaec Oncologist), CTG interpretation by Dr. Rathnamala M. Desai (Professor), right documentation practices by Dr. Sujaya V. Rao (Professor), practical pelvic examination by Dr. Shraddha Shetty (Professor and HOD, Kasturba Medical College), labour room drills by Dr. Joylene Dalemida (Professor), Dr. Shannon Fernandes (Professor), Dr. Chethana Bolanthkodi (Associate Professor), and Dr. Alveera D’Souza, and stress management during residency with emphasis on practical application and clinical decision-making by Dr. Caroline D’Souza (Consultant Psychiatrist).
The highlight of the programme was the hands-on workshop on perineal tear repair conducted by Dr. Kameshwari Surampudi and Dr. Vishaka Nagaraj, Consultant, Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad. The workshop provided structured training in applied anatomy, repair techniques of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and hands-on practice using simulation models.
FOCII 2026 successfully achieved its objective of being both “An Introduction and An Inspiration” and was widely appreciated for its academic value and practical orientation. Around 100 postgraduate students benefited from the programme. The Department expressed sincere gratitude to the management, faculty, and participants for their support in making the event a grand success.
