Srinagar, November 23:
The Endocrine & Breast Cancer Division of the Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery, SKIMS, today organised a day-long Endocrine Surgery Update, bringing together leading national experts to deliberate on the latest breakthroughs, innovative technologies, and emerging trends shaping the field of endocrine surgery.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. S.K. Mishra, Professor of Endocrine Surgery at RMLIMS Lucknow and former President of the Indian Association of Endocrine Surgeons (IAES), who served as the Chief Guest. In his keynote lecture, Prof. Mishra offered an in-depth overview of the current and future landscape of endocrine surgery. He commended Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS, for his visionary leadership in promoting diversification, establishing new subspecialities, and strengthening the research ecosystem at the Institute.
Emphasising the importance of research rooted in regional health challenges, Prof. Mishra noted that impactful scientific work in areas such as iron deficiency and ascariasis has historically contributed to large-scale eradication of these conditions.
The event featured comprehensive discussions on technological advancements, evolving surgical techniques, and recent developments in endocrine surgical care.
Director SKIMS Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie lauded Prof. Aijaz A. Mallik, HOD General & Minimal Invasive Surgery and Head, Endocrine & Breast Surgery, for his pioneering role in establishing the Endocrine Surgery Division at SKIMS — now among only eight such centres in India. He highlighted that SKIMS has achieved a national milestone by launching the MCh Endocrine Surgery programme, emerging even ahead of AIIMS New Delhi in this domain and underscoring the Institute’s academic distinction.
Reflecting on the institution’s trajectory, Prof. Ashraf stated that SKIMS has demonstrated remarkable resilience over the years, yet full institutional autonomy remains crucial for its optimal functioning. Reiterating the need for continued diversification and creation of new subspecialities, he stressed that SKIMS must remain aligned with global and national advancements. He encouraged senior faculty to steer research towards high-impact, forward-looking domains that redefine the academic culture of the institution.
Dean Medical Faculty Prof. G.M. Gulzar and Principal SKIMS Medical College Prof. Fazal Q. Parray also addressed the gathering, congratulating the organising committee for hosting an academically enriching event that brought renewed focus to the evolving field of endocrine surgery.
In his welcome address, Prof. Aijaz A. Mallik, Organising Chairman and HOD General & Minimal Invasive Surgery, expressed gratitude to invited experts and acknowledged the dynamic leadership of the SKIMS administration. He noted that endocrine surgery has undergone a global transformation and SKIMS is committed to adopting cutting-edge techniques and aligning with international best practices. Calling the establishment of the MCh programme a historic accomplishment, he said that SKIMS—one of only seven accredited centres in India—now occupies a prestigious position on the global academic map.
Guest of Honour and IAES President Prof. Gaurav Agarwal, IAES Secretary Prof. Pooja Ramakant, and Past President Prof. Anjali congratulated SKIMS for hosting the event, observing that such initiatives are vital for elevating surgical standards in the region.
The inaugural session concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Organising Secretary Prof. Munir A. Wani, who expressed appreciation to all delegates, participants, and distinguished guests for contributing to a meaningful and productive academic exchange | Kashmir Pen
(IA generated representative image)
