Devadoss Hospital Celebrates 200th Academic Forum with Focus on Obesity Epidemic
In a significant milestone for medical education in Tamil Nadu, Devadoss Hospital in Madurai commemorated its 200th Academic Forum by organizing OBESICON 2026. This specialized conference was dedicated to addressing obesity as a rapidly rising epidemic that is profoundly affecting modern society across India and globally.
Inauguration and Key Themes
The programme was formally inaugurated by Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar, the esteemed dean of Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. In his opening remarks, Dr Kumar emphasized the growing burden of obesity and its multifaceted impact on individuals and communities. He highlighted how this condition not only compromises overall health but also severely diminishes quality of life and contributes to long-term morbidity, including chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart ailments.
Multidisciplinary Expert Insights
OBESICON 2026 featured presentations from a diverse panel of medical specialists, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the obesity challenge. Experts from key domains shared their latest research and clinical experiences:
- Diabetology: Discussing the strong link between obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Pulmonology: Exploring respiratory issues exacerbated by excess weight.
- Surgery: Presenting on bariatric and metabolic surgical interventions.
- Cardiology: Analyzing cardiovascular risks associated with obesity.
- Behavioural Psychology: Addressing lifestyle modifications and mental health aspects.
This collaborative effort underscored the necessity of an integrated medical strategy to combat obesity effectively.
A Landmark Achievement in Medical Education
Reflecting on this milestone, hospital chairman Dr A Devadoss expressed pride in the institution's commitment to academic excellence. "Reaching our 200th Academic Forum is a tribute to the spirit of lifelong learning and collaboration that defines modern medicine," he stated. Dr Devadoss further noted that such forums are crucial for fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and improving patient care standards in the region.
The event not only celebrated a historic achievement but also reinforced Devadoss Hospital's role as a leader in healthcare education and public health initiatives in South India. By focusing on obesity—a pressing public health issue—the hospital demonstrated its proactive approach to addressing contemporary medical challenges through education and expert dialogue.
