All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur organised a first-of-its-kind State Undergraduate (UG) Conference on Respiratory Physiology for First Year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students on March 29, 2026. The conference, titled “Breathing Life into Science: Exploring Insights and Innovations in Respiratory Physiology,” witnessed participation from over 250 students representing 15 medical colleges across the state, along with Heads of Departments and faculty members of Physiology.

The Guests of Honour included Prof. (Dr.) Ramji Singh, former Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Kalyani and Dean of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, MMI Medical College and Research Centre (AIMMMCR), Bhilai; Prof. (Dr.) Eli Mohapatra, Dean (Academics), AIIMS Raipur; and Prof. (Dr.) K.D. Chavali, Dean (Student Welfare), AIIMS Raipur. The dignitaries emphasised the importance of developing communication skills and fostering a spirit of enquiry among medical students in the present media-driven era.

The conference was organised under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Ramanjan Sinha (Organising Chairman), Prof. (Dr.) Arunita Jagzape (Organising Secretary) and Dr. Dipali K. Chatur (Joint Organising Secretary), with active support from departmental faculty, postgraduate students, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars, undergraduate volunteers and staff.

The academic proceedings commenced with a quiz on Respiratory Physiology, moderated by Dr. Upasana Kachroo and conducted by senior residents and postgraduate students. Scientific sessions covered key topics including architectural and physiological insights into airways by Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Vedanthan from Colorado, United States of America (online), physiology of transplanted lungs by Prof. (Dr.) Meenakshi Sinha, and obstructive sleep apnea by Dr. Dipali Chatur.

A team from Nagpur comprising Dr. Rajratna Ramteke, Dr. Divya Agrawal and Mr. Abhay Santoshwar, under the guidance of Dr. Satish Deopujari, presented working models to simplify complex concepts in Respiratory Physiology. Student engagement activities included competitions such as “Young Orator,” “Artificial Intelligence Ramp in Respiratory Physiology,” and “System Bus,” incorporating flowcharts, mind maps and concept mapping, with participants from various institutions securing top honours.

The conference also saw active participation from Heads of Departments and faculty members from medical colleges across Chhattisgarh, including Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences (SSIMS), Bhilai; Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Sciences (SBIMS), Raipur; Government Medical College (GMC), Mahasamund; Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College (Pt. JNMMC), Raipur; Chandulal Chandrakar Government Medical College (CCGMC), Durg; Government Medical College (GMC), Kanker; Government Medical College (GMC), Korba; Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Raipur; Government Medical College (GMC), Ambikapur; and AIMMMCR, Bhilai, among others.

A panel discussion titled “Teacher-Learner Perspective: Clinical Outreach of Respiratory Physiology,” moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Meenakshi Sinha, brought together experts from multiple disciplines, including Physiology, Pulmonary Medicine, Anaesthesia and Paediatrics. The panel featured Dr. Vijendra Kumar Painkra (Physiology), Dr. Ranganath T.G. (Pulmonary Medicine), Prof. (Dr.) Rashmi Dubey (Anaesthesia), Prof. (Dr.) Tushar Jagzape (Paediatrics), along with student representatives Dr. Sohan Painkray, a Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) postgraduate student, and Mr. Somnath Panda, a final-year MBBS student, offering valuable clinical perspectives on recent advancements in the field.

A unique feature of the conference was a mindfulness session on ‘Pranayama’, conducted by Dr. Vikram Pai, providing participants with a holistic learning experience.

The conference, exclusively designed for first-year MBBS students across Chhattisgarh, was widely appreciated for its academic depth and innovative approach. Lieutenant General Ashok Jindal (Retired), Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (Chief Executive Officer), AIIMS Raipur, commended the initiative, stating that it successfully nurtures young talent and reinforces Physiology as a foundational discipline in medical education.

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