Sucheta Dandekar Organizes National Conference of Biochemists
Sucheta Dandekar, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry
Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital
Mumbai, India
Sucheta Dandekar (PHIL 2010) organized the 37th National Conference of the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India in Mumbai, December 11-15, 2010. Included in the conference was a panel discussion on “The Best Practices in Biochemistry Medical Education and What Needs to Be Changed,” moderated by Suresh Chari (GSMC 2009). GSMC-FAIMER Regional Institute Director Avinash Supe (PHIL 2002, IFME 2007), Rohini Bhadre (GSMC 2009), and Dr. Dandekar were the panelists. Dr. F. R. Billimoria, former Professor and Head, Sion Hospital, Mumbai, and Dr. Jogenananda Pramanik, Head of Biochemistry and Director of International Relations, Allianze College of Medical Sciences in Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia, chaired the session.
The panelists deliberated on the need to decrease number of “wet” practicals in biochemistry laboratory training and emphasize the interpretation of laboratory results. They concluded that horizontal integration and vertical integration is necessary, and that case-based/problem-based learning should also be included. Seminars by the students can be included in the curriculum to encourage self-learning. Methods for implementing the proposed curriculum put forward by the Medical Council of India were also discussed.