Aerospace Medicine Conference Highlights Collaboration
The 63rd annual conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) took place from December 5 to 7, 2024, at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru. This significant event brought together military and civilian dignitaries to discuss advancements in aerospace medicine. The theme for this year’s conference was “Collaborate for Research,” reflecting the society’s commitment to collective efforts in exploring new frontiers in aerospace medicine.
Inauguration and Keynote Addresses
The conference commenced with an inaugural address by Air Marshal SP Dharkar, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS). He emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ or self-reliance within the defense forces. His remarks underscored the need for unity among various stakeholders in the field of aerospace medicine. During the event, he also recognized young academic achievers in the discipline, highlighting the future of aerospace medicine in India.
Air Marshal Rajesh Vaidya, the Director General Medical Services (Air), delivered the presidential address. He discussed the collaborative achievements of the Indian Air Force’s medical services. His speech focused on the importance of teamwork and innovation in addressing the unique challenges faced by aerospace medicine professionals. The emphasis on collaboration resonated throughout the conference, setting a tone for the discussions and presentations that followed.
Distinguished Orations and Expert Insights
One of the highlights of the conference was the prestigious Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Oration. This year, Dr. VR Lalithambika, a Professor of Practice at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras and a distinguished scientist, delivered a compelling talk titled “The Next Giant Leap: My Reflections on India’s Human Space Flight Programme.” Dr. Lalithambika’s presentation provided delegates with insights into India’s advancements in human space exploration. Her oration followed a legacy of esteemed speakers, including notable figures like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Wg Cdr Rakesh Sharma (Retd).
Additionally, the Air Vice Marshal MM Srinagesh Memorial Oration was presented by Wg Cdr Karthik Kalyanram (Retd). He shared his experiences from the Indian Air Force, focusing on “Effective Strategies for Low Resource Settings.” His talk highlighted innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in rural areas, showcasing how military experience can positively impact civilian health initiatives.
Scientific Deliberations and Future Directions
The conference featured a panel discussion known as “The Jemi Harmusji Framji Manekshaw Panel,” which included guest lectures from experts like Dr. SL Vaya and Dr. Hanumantray Baluragi. These discussions covered a range of topics, including aviation medicine, space physiology, and high-altitude physiology. The scientific deliberations provided valuable insights into operational aerospace medicine, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and collaboration in the field.
The conference celebrated the multifaceted discipline of aerospace medicine and highlighted the IAM’s innovative efforts to advance aerospace medicine initiatives in India. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the conference aimed to pave the way for future advancements in this critical field. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to research and collaboration, ensuring that aerospace medicine continues to evolve and meet the challenges of the future.
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