SKIMS Inaugurates “Endocrine Surgery Update” — Showcasing Latest Advances in Endocrine Surgery

Srinagar, Nov 23: The Endocrine & Breast Cancer Division, Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery, SKIMS, organised a day-long Endocrine Update today, bringing together leading experts to discuss recent breakthroughs and emerging trends in Endocrine Surgery.

The event was graced by Prof. S.K. Mishra, Professor of Endocrine Surgery, RMLIMS Lucknow and former President of the Indian Association of Endocrine Surgeons (IAES), as the Chief Guest. Earlier, Prof. Mishra delivered an insightful lecture focusing on the current and future landscape of Endocrine Surgery. In his address, he praised Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, for his vision of diversification, creation of subspecialities, and emphasis on strengthening the research ecosystem at SKIMS. He underlined that impactful research must prioritise local health issues, highlighting how scientific work on conditions like iron deficiency and ascariasis enabled large-scale eradication of these problems.

The update featured deliberations on new technologies and recent advances across endocrine surgical procedures.

Director SKIMS Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie commended Prof. Aijaz A. Mallik, HOD General & Minimal Invasive Surgery and Head, Endocrine and Breast Surgery, for making history by establishing the Endocrine Surgery Division at SKIMS — one of only eight such centres in India. He noted that SKIMS has taken a pioneering lead, even ahead of AIIMS New Delhi, by offering MCh Endocrine Surgery, demonstrating the institution’s academic and clinical excellence.

Speaking on the institutional journey, Prof. Ashraf stated that SKIMS has continued to progress with resilience despite challenges over the years, yet its functioning remains hindered without complete institutional autonomy. He reiterated the need for diversification and establishment of new subspecialities to ensure that SKIMS remains nationally and globally relevant. He emphasized that SKIMS is steering research in a new direction, urging senior faculty to lead high-impact research and think beyond traditional frameworks.

Dean Medical Faculty Prof. G.M. Gulzar and Principal SKIMS Medical College Prof. Fazal Q. Parray also addressed the gathering and congratulated the organising committee for hosting an event that provides renewed perspective in the domain of Endocrine Surgery through participation of top national experts.

In his welcome address, Prof. Aijaz A. Mallik, Organising Chairman and HOD, General & Minimal Invasive Surgery, expressed gratitude to all invited experts and acknowledged the proactive leadership of Director SKIMS. He stated that Endocrine Surgery has undergone a major transformation globally and SKIMS is committed to embracing the latest techniques and aligning with international standards. He termed the successful establishment of MCh Endocrine Surgery at SKIMS a pioneering accomplishment placing the Institute on the global academic map, with SKIMS being one of the seven accredited centres in India. He added that today’s programme will benefit faculty and students, offering deeper insights and fostering academic collaboration.

Guest of Honour and President IAES Prof. Gaurav Agarwal, Secretary IAES Prof. Pooja Ramakant, and Past President IAES Prof. Anjali congratulated SKIMS for hosting the event, stating that initiatives like these play a pivotal role in advancing standards of Endocrine Surgery in the region.

The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Organising Secretary Prof. Munir A. Wani, who thanked all delegates, participants, and guests for their presence and contribution in making the academic event purposeful and impactful.