CHANDIGARH-05.04. 2025 The much awaited 2nd Rastogi-Dash Clinical Case Conference on Thyroid Disorders, the landmark event aimed to enhance the understanding and treatment of thyroid disorders, commenced at PGIMER today, attracting leading endocrinologists and healthcare professionals from across the country.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, gracing as Chief Guest, inaugurated the Conference with an inspiring address, “I am privileged to stand here today, reflecting on the giants of our past from the Deptt. of Endocrinology, such as Prof. G.K. Rastogi and Prof. R.J. Dash, who laid the foundation for the excellence we continue to witness," he stated. His tribute underscored the continuity and commitment that defines PGIMER's mission.

Expressing pride in the department’s impeccable reputation for patient care, Prof. Lal remarked, “The Department of Endocrinology remains a beacon of patient care, a testament to the dedication of its team." His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the department's commitment to excellence despite the fractured healthcare ecosystem.

Looking forward, Director, PGIMER shared ambitious plans for the department. "We are constructing a new center in Sarangpur to elevate our capabilities. Despite funding challenges, we are actively advocating for our needs to continue our essential work," he said, outlining a vision for future growth.

Earlier, Prof. Sanjay Bhadada, Head, Department of Endocrinology and Organizing Chairman of the Conference, reflected on the department's growth. "We began with just two or three faculty members, and now we proudly have eight, along with 14 PhD students and 13 DM residents. Our student population has grown to approximately 100, showcasing our commitment to excellence in endocrinology."

Prof. Bhadada proudly shared that India's first DM program in Endocrinology was initiated here in the department, crediting Prof. Dash, being the first DM student, for paving the way for future generations and setting high standards in the field. Prof. Bhadada emphasized the importance of patient care, noting, "With around 3 million patients visiting PGIMER each year, our department manages approximately 5% of the outpatient cases."

Prof. Bhadada concluded by expressing gratitude to alumni and colleagues present at the conference. "Having around 80% of our alumni here today, spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, is a testament to our strong community and shared commitment to advancing endocrinology."

The conference attendees also paid tribute to Prof. G. K. Rastogi and Prof. R. J. Dash, both former heads of the department whose monumental contributions have shaped modern endocrinology practices.

In recognition of exceptional contributions to the field, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. M. V. Muraleedharan, honoring his decades of dedication and transformative impact in endocrinology.

The Day One of the Conference featured an impressive line-up of cases addressing challenging thyroid conditions. The first case presented by Dr. Saksham Pandey focused on managing thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Following this, Dr. Vivek Jha tackled euthyroid Graves’ Disease complications. Significant discussions were led by Dr. Soumya Ranjan on Turner syndrome, while Dr. Preeti Namjoshi presented innovative plasmapheresis treatments. The event included diverse case reports exploring thyroid malignancies and rare conditions, featuring esteemed experts and mentorship from notable figures in the field. The day concluded with networking and insights into thyroid pathology, highlighting advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

The Symposium on Day 2 i.e. April 6, 2025, continues with a focus on genetic disorders of the thyroid and TSHoma, featuring an engaging lineup of cases highlighting complex thyroid conditions. Dr. Ayush Agarwal's presentation, “Thyroid’s Silent Rebellion,” will explore hormonal resistance, while Dr. Mangesh Pathade will address the challenges of diagnosing rare presentations. Dr. V. Suresh will discuss a case involving a functioning pituitary macroadenoma, followed by Dr. Ravi Shah's insights into unsuppressed TSH.