Vol.No.55 No.08 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY AUGUST 21, 2017

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Special Prayers: August 20 - 26, 2017Annual Medical Alumni Reunion 2017Ophthalmology:Dr. Andrew David Braganza

and StaffDr. Thomas Kuriakose and StaffDr. Padma Paul and StaffDr. Shirley David and Staff

Low Cost Effective Care Unit :Dr. Sunil Abraham and StaffDr. Shirley David and Staff

Department of Family Medicine:Dr. Sunil Abraham and StaffDr. Shirley David and Staff

Shalom Family Medicine Centre:Dr. Sunil Abraham and StaffDr. Shirley David and Staff

International Service Fellowship (Interserve)Council Members: Mr. Eappen John

Mr. Vijay Alexander

Sunday Services : August 27, 2017

6.00 pm : Scudder AuditoriumMBBS Special Service Batch of 2015

6.30 pm : Hospital ChapelRev. Lalbiaksanga Pachua

MBBS Batch of 1992

The Medical Alumni Reunion was heldfrom 10th to 12th August 2017. Over 200alumni from various parts of the worldgathered in Vellore to take part in thecelebrations. The special batches were1942, 1947, 1952,1957, 1962, 1967, 1972,1977, 1982, 1987 and 1992.

The celebrations commenced on11th August with the representativesof the special reunion batches sharingtheir experiences with the medicalstudents The alumni who spokeincluded Dr.Rohan Ganguli (1967),Dr.Christiana Joseph (1972),Dr.Dayalan Clarke (1977),Dr.Prabhakar Thyagarajan(1982),Drs.Rahul Lath and MadhaviSingh(1987) and Drs.Rohit John andMini Elizabeth George(1992). Therewere short video clips of interviewswith Dr. Rose Satyam (1942) andDr.Zarina Isaac (1947).

This was followed by a CME session.The speakers included Dr. K.S. Joseph(1977), Dr.Liza Jacob (1982),Dr.Sekhar Krishnan (1987) andDr.Shalini Mishra(1992).The General Reunion on 12th Augustbegan with traditional tree planting.The Director, Dr. Sunil Chandy and thePrincipal, Dr. Anna Pulimood presentedsome of the newer developments in

CMC to the alumni. The MedicalSuperintendent, Dr. C.E. Eapenoffered his felicitations. The Presidentof the Student’s AssociationMr.Shantanu Nayak welcomed the alumnion behalf of the student body.

At the General Body Meeting of theAlumni Association, the office bearerswho were nominated and elected were:Dr.Abraham Peedicayil (1975) electedas President.

Dr. Anne Jennifer Priscilla (1991)elected as Treasurer for a period of3 years.Dr. Pritish John Korula(1998) electedas Entertainment Secretary for aperiod of 1 year.Dr. B. Selvamani (Treasurer, AlumniAssociation, 2013-2017).

Dr.Abhay Gahukamble (EntertainmentSecretary, Alumni Association, 2015-2017) for the activities of the AlumniAssociation was appreciated.

The contributions of Dr. PrathapTharyan (President, AlumniAssociation, 2012-2017) werehighlighted followed by theintroductions and photographs of thespecial batch, who then proceededto the Men’s and Women’s Hostels,

where the current students, along withthe alumni, entertained the crowd.

At the Thanksgiving Service in theScudder Auditorium, Dr. GeegeeGeorge (1977) gave the message.The newest batch of alumni (the presentinterns), were given the charge to serveand not to seek to be served. Drs. RoyJoseph(1967) and Dr. Lenny Markose(1972) passed on the torch of light tothe representatives of the batch of2012.

This was followed by the informalentertainment, which had the packedScudder auditorium in splits of laughter.The alumni left with loads ofphotographs and memories of happytimes spent in Vellore.

Special Issue

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

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21957 and non special batches MBBS Batch of 1967 MBBS Batch of 1972

Dr. Denny Fleming joined the ClinicalPharmacology unit of the Department ofPharmacology and Clinical Pharmacologyin 1998. She was instrumental in initiatingthe development of the ModernTherapeutic Drug Monitoring Servicesand the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratoryin CMC. She patiently trained the facultyand technical staff in the operation of thehighly technical HPLC Equipment and theapplication of pharmacokinetics as anintegral component of patient care. Shewas associated with the InternationalAssociation of Therapeutic DrugMonitoring and Clinical Toxicology(IATDMCT) which enabled theDepartment to host two nationalconferences in collaboration with thisorganisation. Over the past two years,she has been integral in setting up theassay and process for detecting inbornerrors of metabolism with utmost care;

an example of the dedication andcommitment that Dr. Denny embodies.Dr. Joe Fleming joined the Department ofClinical Biochemistry in 1998, where heplayed a significant role in introducingStandard Operating Procedures forlaboratory tests. Extremely meticulous inhis work and documentation, he wasresponsible for the NABL accreditation ofClinical Biochemistry Laboratory. Hisexpertise was evident from simple aspectslike routine tests to working complicatedequipments like the ICP MasSpectrophotometer. Dr. Joe was activelyinvolved in teaching, research, serving onseveral research projects and supervisingdoctoral candidates.The Colleagues and staff of both thedepartments appreciate and value the love,dedication, integrity and humility thatmarked their professional work and life. AsDr. Denny would remark, ‘Do what is rightin God’s eyes and He will take care of youand the Department’.It is this same spirit that they brought alivewithin the CMC community. They havebeen involved with the spiritual nurture ofthe community, speaking at retreats, leadingBible studies for students, and serving on

Alumni Award of Distinction 2017

the College Chapel committee.Through their biblical and theologicalinsights, they have helped many findmeaning and purpose in their lives.Dr. Denny is well known for hertalent in dramatics and theatre, andhas directed countless Easter andChristmas plays. As one student putsit, ‘How Dr. Denny passionatelyincorporated Jesus into every act,every song and everything issomething we all can learn from.’Their home was open to staff andstudents and many have found asecond home in their warmth, loveand generosity. Lovingremembrances from several batchesof students recall how their lives havebeen enriched by ‘Aunty Denny andUncle’s Joe’s words ofencouragement, philosophical andspiritual discussions, baked goodiesand hearty meals, and wide openwelcoming arms….’ Drs. Denny andJoe have truly exemplified the loveof Christ in their lives and work withtheir belief that our lives must be‘spiraling steadily around and towardsJesus.’

Mr. Brian Witchalls arrived in Vellore fromthe UK in 1962 and was asked to takecharge of the Transport Department.The following year Mr.Brian and Mrs. Anngot married in the St. John’s Church,Vellore, with the reception held in BigBungalow and their honeymoon in Aunt

Ida’s Hilltop Bungalow in Kodaikanal.Their elder son, Nigel, was born in CMCand both Nigel and Jeremy attendedVidyalayam, along with the other campuskids. Interestingly, his son Nigel and wife,Mary Witchalls worked in CMC for threeyears -he in the Air ConditioningDepartment and Mary Witchalls, in thePromotion and PTP Office.

Mr. Brian became more widely involvedin engineering in CMC from 1966. He setup the first Refrigeration section and wasinvolved in projects such as the WilliamsBuilding, the Engineering Block, Laundry,CSSD and the EMD. He was in-charge

of the College Maintenance for anumber of years, focusing onimproving the water supply to theCollege Campus. Mr. Brian alsoserved as the Deputy Superintendentfor Engineering for 6 years. Heremains an active member of theCollege and St.John’s Choir.Initially, Mrs. Ann helped inVidyalayam and was also in-chargeof the St.John’s Sunday School.Along with Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Bakerand Mrs. Carman, she startedthe Foster System, one of thehighlights of campus life in CMC.

Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian Witchalls

Dr. Denny and Joe Fleming

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3MBBS Batch of 1977 MBBS Batch of 1982 MBBS Batch of 1987

College Motto Award 2017 goes to Dr. Nidhi Chaudhary

Several senior staff are among their firstfoster children. Mrs. Ann also workedin the Public Relations Office, helpingproduce several annual publications.Both Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian wereactively involved in extra-curricularactivities, directing and helping withnumerous productions for College Day,Hostel plays and Staff Entertainments.Their modified ‘mini bus’ wasoverflowing with students on Saturdayafternoon for the ride to the KatpadiFarm for swimming. And as Mrs. Annsays, ‘We were always staunchmembers of Cochrane House, and theirmusic practice often took place in ourhome.’ Senior alumni fondly rememberthe cake and other treats that werealways and readily available in theirhome!

In 1983, they returned to the UK for theirsons’ tertiary education. While in the UK,Mrs. Ann became involved with the Friendsof Vellore, UK. She has been particularlyactive in the Person-to Person (PTP)scheme, tirelessly campaigning for fundsand donations for this innovative programmefor poor patients from in and around Vellore.When Mr. Brian retired in 1999, they offeredtheir time and service to CMC again. Sincethen they have been coming back to CMCfor 5 months every year. Mr. Brian continuesto help with the Engineering Department,using his expertise to set up waterreclamation and recycling systems in thecampus. Mrs. Ann continued her work withthe Friends of Vellore and the PTP scheme,having only recently handed over charge toDr Dayalan Clarke. She remains a trusteeof the Friends of Vellore, UK, seeing inwhat ways this organisation can continue

to contribute to CMC. They are afamiliar sight on campus, cycling theirway around and Mrs. Ann always beingadmired for the beautiful saris she soelegantly wears.Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian have given somuch of themselves - their time, skills,talents, resources; things that cannot bepriced but are invaluable to the buildingof an institution and a community…. ‘tobuilding God’s kingdom’ as Aunt Idaeloquently put it.The Alumni Association and the CMCcommunity thanks Drs. Denny and JoeFleming, Mrs. Ann and Mr. BrianWitchalls for their immense contributionto the Christian Medical College, itsstaff and students through theirdedication and commitment, and is proudto honour them with the Alumni Awardfor the year 2017.

The 2017 College Motto Award waspresented to Dr. Nidhi Chaudharywho joined CMC in 1992. Ongraduating in 1998, she joined CMCLudhiana from where she completedher DCH in 2001. An opportunity toimplement a health programme with anNGO for underprivileged adolescentsand home-based care for infantchildren in the villages and slums ofHaryana and Chandigarh set the pacefor what was to follow.After 3 years of working withadolescents, she joined UNICEF towork with the Uttar PradeshState Health System, focusing onimproving immunisation coverage.

She encountered firsthand the grim healthrealities faced by majority of Indians andthe challenges of an exigent public healthsystem. Through strategic planning andtraining of workers, she focussed onrigorous implementation that led to animprovement in the routine immunisationand Vitamin A coverage in the focusdistricts where she was working.Enthused, she moved to the neighbouringstate of Uttarakhand in 2006 and workedwith the Ministry of Health and FamilyWelfare. She developed and implementedguidelines to improve the health indicatorsof women and children and trained ANMsand ASHA workers who worked at thegrassroots level. Inspired by herexperience at CHAD, Dr. Nidhi initiatedMobile Health Vans that reachedpreviously underserved areas inUttarakhand. In addition, she trainedhealth workers from 12 other states.Clearly, what she accomplished in the hillystate of Uttarakhand could be replicatedacross India at a low and affordable cost.

In 2009, Nidhi took on the additionalresponsibility of National ProfessionalOfficer in Nutrition, Food Safety andNursing Education and worked withthe WHO in India. This gave her theopportunity to liaise with UN agenciesand the Government to implementpolicies and strategies according toWHO recommendations. In this role,Nidhi developed guidelines on nutritionfor children with severe acutemalnutrition and children infected withHIV; she disseminated WHOpractices to medical and nursingstudents, and other health trainees.This led to greater responsibilities asteam leader in the northern belt ofIndia. The experience and awarenessgained from the COP and CHPpostings as a student in CMC stoodher in good stead as she worked topromote low cost high impactinterventions for Reproductive,Maternal Newborn, Child andAdolescent health (RMNCHA) in fivehigh-priority districts.

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2nd Certificate course on Hospital Infection Control Antimicrobial StewardshipBreast Feeding Week Celebration

The world breast feeding week was celebrated from 1st to 7th August, 2017 by theDepartment of Neonatology and the department of Maternity nursing. The entireweek witnesses various educative and awareness programs on the benefits ofbreastfeeding.The inaugural programme began with an opening prayer by Rev. Saramma Kuruvillafollowed by welcome by Mrs. Ebenezer Ellen Benjamin, Head of MaternityNursing department. Dr.Sridhar head of the

Department of Neonatology introduced the chief guest for the occasion,Dr. C. Inbaraj Department of Pediatrics from Vellore Medical College. Heintroduced the theme for the event “sustaining breast feeding together”. Followingthe felicitation by Mrs. Florence Segaran, Deputy Nursing Superintendent, a shorttime of educational entertainment and quiz programme was conducted.The celebrations helped spread awareness regarding the benefits of breastfeedingand culminated in the creation of a ‘breast feeding advocacy group’.

Dedication of specialised Skin Care UnitA special skin care unit was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Chandy, on 4th August in theM3 ward, a 4 bedded facility providing specialized care for patients with skin failurewhere strict reverse barrier nursing (protective isolation) can be maintained.Dr. Susanne Pulimood welcomed the gathering and Dr. Renu George spoke aboutthe facility emphasizing the long felt need for such a specialized area and thanked theadministration for this provision. A special thanks was also extended to theDepartment of Engineering for having modified the area to accommodate the unit.Rev. Rachita Rout offered a prayer of dedication, Dr. C.E. Eapen, MedicalSuperintendent and Sister Florence, Nursing Superintendent gave the felicitations andSr.Ruby Jacob offered the vote of thanks.

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Workshop on Hospital Safety and Occupational HealthThe 3rd comprehensive workshop on hospital safety and occupational healthfor Department Safety Advisors (DSAs) was conducted on 4th and 5th ofAugust 2017 by the Safety Cell and Quality Management Cell. The workshopbegan with a the word of prayer by Chaplain Raja followed by the welcome byDr. Vikram Mathews, Associate Director (Admin) and Head, Safety Cell.The workshop focused on the importance and the central role played by theDSA’s within the institution as they serve as the liaison between the safety cell

College Motto Award 2017 goes to Dr. Nidhi Chaudhary Continued from Page 3

In 2016, she trained in the School ofSocial Entrepreneurs, New Delhi and,along with her sister, set up theNavyaTarang Foundation that servesthe urban poor through NavyaTarangClinics in Chandigarh. Of thisendeavour she says, “I find theinequities in continued high rates ofillness and deaths due to preventablecauses amongst underprivilegedgroups highly disturbing. Women andchildren die not due to incurablediseases, but due to lack of ourwillingness as a society to ensureaccess to quality health services forall. NavyaTarang endeavours toensure equitable access to quality

health services for the underprivileged. Byestablishing a network of Tarang primaryhealth care clinics, I want to break the viciouscycle of illness, poverty and debt by providingquality curative, preventive and promotiveprimary health services at an affordable cost.”

Dr. Nidhi invested in the first clinic withher personal savings, which was OPDbased service and has liaised with acharitable hospital for diagnostic andlaboratory services. She runs this clinic asa not-for-profit social enterprise and raisesincome to be only self-sustainable Sheaims to open 5 more primary health carecentres for the urban poor in the city and amultispecialty centre. Based on the successof the NavyaTarang project, Nidhi was

recently selected by IIM Bangaloreto participate in the ‘Launch pad forSocial Ventures.’ Unstinting in theirsupport has been her family,particularly her husband, Dr.Balwinder Mohan (Batch of 1990)and their two sons, Gul Samarth andKrishiv.

Nidhi’s work among the least of ourbrethren echoes stirring words fromthe College Song. She strives in herown way to ‘banish clouds ofsuffering’; to be ‘strong to serve,strong to save the defenceless….’ herwork and life truly reflecting the mottoof CMC, ‘Not to be ministered untobut to minister.’

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2nd Certificate course on Hospital Infection Control Antimicrobial StewardshipWorkshop on Hospital Safety and Occupational Health

Congratulations!The following candidates were successful in the Postgraduate Diploma Examination held in April 2017:(University Results published on 28.06.2017)

Diploma - April 2017 session (Passed out candidates)MD. RadiotherapyDr. Arun Krishnan M.P.Dr. Rajkrishna B.Dr. Sham Sundar C.Dr. Shina Goyal

MD. AnaesthesiaDr. Karen Lynn LeeDr. Amit MathewDr. Arun Sankar K.

Dr. Deepthy D. PillaiDr. Felinda Angelin J.Dr. Jesudoss A.Dr. Joseph Punnoose PaarelDr. Jacob ChandyDr. Novin Chacko JohnDr. Arun Kumar Gautham C.H.

MD. BiochemistryDr. V. Padmanaban

MD. Community MedicineDr. Beeson ThomasDr. A. Charles Pon RubanDr. Fernandes Dolorosa EleuterioDr. Kusum V. MorayDr. Martina Shalini A.J.Dr. Mohan Raaj P.K.Dr. Sumanto Pal

The CMC community is grateful for their hardwork and dedication to the institution and wishes them a blessed andpeaceful retirement.

Retirements

Mrs. Juliet Xavier, Sr. Gr. Charge Nurse, retired on 11th July, 2017 after 29 years of service to theinstitution. Her husband Mr. Xavier retired from BHELL, Ranipet and they are blessed with twodaughters Mrs. Shirley Pon, Mrs. Jenifer and three Grand Children.

Mr. C. Ganesan, Sel. Gr. R.C.O Gr.II, RUHSA retired on 1st August, 2017 after 37 years ofservice to the institution. His wife, Mrs. Tamilselvi is a teacher. They have two sons, both areengineering graduates working in Chennai.

Mrs. Suganthini J., Instructor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, retired on 12th July, 2017 nearly34 years of committed service to the institution. Her husband Mr. Sudhakar Mithra is working in aprivate concern. They are blessed with a daughter Ms. Jenifer Sugashini.

To be continued next week

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and the rest of the departments. Thedeliberations for the first day comprisedof modules on basic aspects of safety ina health care setting which includedpatient safety, infrastructure, radiation,food, equipment, personal, fire safety, in-fection control and occupational health.The second day had focused sessions onoccupational health and Dr. DeepakAbraham; Associate Director (HR) addressed the gathering. The workshop was a grand success with positivefeedback from the participants.

Mr. D. Devanandam, Hospital Housekeeping Attendant Gr.I, Q Block, retired on 3rd June, 2017after 40 years of committed service to the institution. They are blessed with a daughter and two sons,Ms. D. Jemimah, Mr. D. Gershom and Mr. D. Mephi Boseth.

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6CMC PROMOTIONS OFFICEE-mail ID: cmc.promotionsoffice@cmcvellore.ac.in

Situations Vac ant1. Senior Resident with M.S. (Ophthalmology) for the Department of OphthalmologySalary: As per institutional rules. Accommodation provided (Partly furnished, depending on availability).

2. Senior Resident with M.D. (Paediatrics) for the Department of Paediatrics Unit-III (Adolescent Medicine)Salary: As per institutional rules. Accommodation provided (Partly furnished, depending on availability).Apply with bio-data, certificates and testimonial copies, contact phone number, email ID and address with pincodeto the Principal, Christian Medical College, Bagayam, Vellore - 632 002. email: princi@cmcvellore.ac.inon or before September 02, 2017 for Item 1 and September 15, 2017 for Item 2.

3. Staff III Technician (Project) for the Department of Neurological SciencesQualifications: H.Sc. with Diploma candidate having experience Health Sector (Post Diploma will be preferred).Only female candidates need to apply.Salary scale: As per institutional rules. Age limit: 35 years. Job description: Medical related.

4(a) Staff II Medical Lab. Technician for the CMC Vellore Chittoor CampusQualifications : B.Sc. (MLT ) / Graduate with CMAI Diploma in MLT.4(b) Staff III Medical Lab. Technician (Graduate Level) for the CMC Vellore Chittoor CampusQualifications : B.Sc. with One Year CMC DMLT.4(c) Staff III Medical Lab. Technician (H.Sc. Level) for the CMC Vellore Chittoor CampusQualifications: H.Sc. with CMAI Diploma in MLT or CMC DMLT.Age limit : 35 years. Salary : As per institutional rules. Job description: To Work in the Laboratory.Applications to be done only through online application system. Please log on to http://www.cmch-vellore.eduLink: “Vacancies”. Note: Only online applications will be accepted; Hard copies will not be accepted.Applications will close on September 04, 2017 for Items 3, 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c).5. Junior Lecturer in Nursing for the College of NursingQualification: M.Sc. Degree in Nursing with minimum of 2 years experience in Continuing Nursing Education activity.Apply with biodata, photograph, certificates, testimonial/s to the Dean, College of Nursing, Christian MedicalCollege, Vellore - 632 004 on or before September 02, 2017 for Item 5.6. Schieffelin Institute of Health - Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri – 632 106 invites applications forthe following Training Programmes:(a) B.Sc. Medical Sociology (1 vacancy)(b) Diploma in Medial Laboratory Technology (3 vacancies)(c) Diploma in Medical Record Technology (1 vacancy)Qualifications: (a) & (b) H.Sc. or equivalent passed with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

(c) H.Sc. passed with any subject.Apply to The Head, Training Department, SIHR & LC, Karigiri - 632 106 in person, along with copies of certificates.Last date for receiving applications is August 24, 2017 for Items 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c).

7. Schieffelin Institute of Health - Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri – 632 106 invites applications forthe following post of Warden. Qualifications : Degree or +2 passed (Only female candidates need to apply).Candidate need to stay in the Nursing Hostel. Preference will be given for unmarried / widowed candidates.Age: above 40 years preferred.Apply with bio-data along with photocopies of certificates and a demand draft for Rs.50/- in favour of“SIH-R&LC., Karigiri” addressed to the Director, SIH-R & LC., Karigiri, Pin - 632 106.Last date for receipt of application is August 26, 2017 for Item 7.

ObituaryMrs. Malliga Ramachandran, wife of Mr. Ramachandran, retired staff Nursing Service, mother ofMr. Dewakar, Hospital Attendant, Department of Pharmacy and Mr. Suresh, Hospital Attendant, ClinicalVirology on 14th August, 2017.Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved members of the family at this time of grief and loss.