The 68th Annual Conference of Indian Radiological & Imaging Association (IRIA), to be held at Kochi this year, is just around the corner. Dr K Mohanan, Organising Chairman, IRIA 2015 speaks about his preparation for the upcoming event and gives an update on the focus areas this year, in conversation with Raelene Kambli
What does it mean to be the organising chairperson of IRIA 2015?
The opportunity to organise IRIA 2015 was given to us two years ago. My role involves looking after the overall operations, organisation and policy making process. I have had prior experience in organising the IRIA event, earlier in 1994, therefore, I was aware of the requirements and responsibilities associated with organising such a big radiology event.
What is the rationale behind choosing Kochi as the destination to hold the IRIA 2015?
Kochi is a good destination for manufacturers as well as post graduate students.
How long have you been preparing for this annual meeting? What are the challenges faced so far?
We have been preparing for the event since the last two years in a concerted manner. Our team has been dedicated to providing the best platform for radiologists, students, manufacturers and hospital CEOs at this year’s IRIA.
Speaking about the challenges, the biggest hurdle that we crossed was of raising funds. We had to build a feasible strategy to attract exhibitors and sponsors. However, with the help of our technology partners we were able to raise enough funds to organise the event.
What are the highlights of this year? What is the theme selected this year?
Our focus this year is to attract as many as post-graduates and young radiologists as possible. The idea is to encourage post graduates and young radiologists to take up entrepreneurship.
Highlights of scientific programme:
Day 1
- MD/ DNB Examination: Featuring Dr Bipin Batra, Executive Director of NBE, this session is meant to address the concerns of PGs about the exams starting with how to prepare, how best to write the theory and tips to shine in the practicals
- Starting your practice: Dr Harsh Mahajan will speak about financing options. Also, Dr Radesh, will explain the trend of selling radiological practice to corporates
Day 2
- How I do it -Basic Intervention: Experts will explain step by step how to do biopsies in the chest, abdomen, how to do simple drainage procedures using seldinger technique, and how to do TRUS biopsy. Apart from this, an expert from UK will speak on uterine artery embolisation
Day 3
- Master Class: Speakers from all over the country will conduct CMEs
- Liver imaging and intervention: Entire liver session will be solely dedicated to all aspects of imaging, problem solving and management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Experts from every major institute in the country will cover everything from guidelines to advanced imaging to TACE, RFA and TARE. Intervention talks will be in a ‘How to do it’ format by the foremost experts in the country. We promise you that this session will be comprehensive
- MSK: A single hall will be dedicated to this session conducted by experts from UK and the best from all over India
How will this year’s event be different from past events?
This year since our focus is on young radiologists, we have created a platform wherein post-graduates will be presenting around 1000 research papers. And what’s more interesting is that all of these papers will be screened on 25 plasma TVs during the sessions. Also, these papers will be uploaded on our website which will be available for one year i.e. till the next IRIA meeting.
Is there anything new that will be introduced this year?
This year we will have in all around eight halls and Hall No 8 will be dedicated to exhibitors were they can showcase their selective innovative products and also conduct workshops. Moreover, we have realised that decisions about hospital equipment is taken mainly by hospital CEOs, therefore we have invited them as well.
What is the main focus of the scientific programme planned for this year?
The main focus of the scientific programme is to discuss on topics such as the PNDT Act and safe radiation dose.
Who are the key speakers and faculty?
In all, we have 50 international faculties and 200 national faculties.
What are your expectations from IRIA 2015?
We have worked very hard towards organising this event. We hope to make this event successful in every way.
raelene.kambli@expressindia.com