Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 19: The Father Muller Medical College welcomed the new batch of postgraduates of the various medical streams ushering in a new beginning for the medicos in speciality branches of their choice on August 17 in the Decennial Memorial Hall.

It was a delight to see the glimmering eyes of the newbies into the institution and the zealous fervour they bore towards their speciality and the actualization of their hard work to get the seat.

The day was filled with anticipation and yearning of being in a new yet established institution with over 140 years of service in healthcare. A warm welcome was offered on behalf of the Management by the dean of the Medical College Dr J P Alva, who also advised the PG students to abide by the discipline and standards of the institutions. Being there in mind and body to serve the patient and learn from their mentors should be the promise they need to keep up for themselves.

The chief guest for the day, Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean of the Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, allayed the fears of the post graduates and embolden them that their professional journey will be smooth in the institution with over 140 years of medical history since its existence to serve humanity. The place has the infrastructure, patients load and the best faculty. There is nothing that lacks in the Father Muller Medical College and its hospital. "Make the best of the opportunity and best use of the services of the institution to gain knowledge and practice. I am sure that you all have the subject of your choice and so will love the discipline you have chosen," the chief guest quoted.

The presidential address was delivered by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions who emphasized on the essence of professional acumen saying that, one should possess skills of the good clinician, should give compassionate care with empathy, have good communication, deal with situations professionally, always to be morally and ethically right and be respectful to one's patients and mentors. "Remember the fact that every patient is your teacher; every illness will give you new experiences and teaching, widening your horizon for proper diagnosis and comprehensive care. Always look beyond clinical illness. Always have research acumen," Fr Coelho advised.

He stressed that the health care sector is a high pressured industry today. Various government sanction new protocol and guidelines which at times are seen to be inadequate or inaccessible to the public who want quality care at an affordable cost. "We see at a present situation where there is the fear of the pandemic, fear of infection, psychosocial fear and behavioural changes, which is a challenge we have to face. Being a minority institution governed by the principles of Christ, we have travelled 140 years carrying in the responsibility of the healthcare needs of the people of this region and beyond. It was said that Dr Venkat Rao, our founding surgeon, used to first pray the assistance of Almighty at the chapel every day before his surgeries. So the same to you I say, believe in God and the Chapel for it is the central powerhouse in this campus we all look for divine providence. We thus welcome you to the Mullerian family with open hearts," Fr Coelho said as he welcomed the freshers.

The vice-principal Dr Padmaja Uday Kumar of the medical college proposed the vote of thanks.

In presence was the administrator of the Medical College, Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator of the Medical College Hospital Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, medical superintendent Dr Uday Kumar, heads of departments of the Father Muller Medical College.

The inaugural was followed by the orientation programme wherein the dean, Dr J P Alva briefed them on the college discipline and university rules while Fr Ajith B Menezes, hospital administrator of the Medical College listed the rules and regulations of the campus. It was overwhelming to see 29 out of the 86 postgraduates who were the alumni of Father Muller Medical College back to the campus for their higher education.