Technology must complement compassion in healthcare, says BLDE Uni VC

Dharwad: Emphasising the growing role of technology in medicine, BLDE University vice-chancellor Dr Arun Inamdar said integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning into healthcare professions has become essential in the current era of rapidly evolving technology.He was delivering the convocation address at the fourth convocation ceremony of SDM University held on Saturday at D Veerendra Heggade Kalakshetra in Dharwad.Dr Inamdar said the adoption of advanced technologies would provide greater support and strength to the medical profession. However, he cautioned that technology alone would not be sufficient and stressed the need for doctors and healthcare professionals to continuously enhance their expertise, specialisation, and skills.“Providing patient care with patience and compassion should remain the foremost duty of doctors,” he said.Highlighting the importance of dedication and sincerity, he observed that success naturally follows when students work with commitment and purpose. “Purposeful and dedicated efforts help turn dreams into reality. Students should never compare themselves with others,” he advised graduating students.During the convocation, degrees were conferred on 397 undergraduate students, 180 postgraduate students, and seven PhD scholars from various constituent institutions of SDM University.Speaking on the occasion, SDM University vice-chancellor Dr Niranjankumar said medical institutions should not become mere commercial enterprises. “The highest objective of medical education should be to provide quality treatment to every patient irrespective of financial status and to offer the best possible training to students enrolled in the institution,” he stated.Describing the medical profession as highly demanding and stressful, he said students and professionals should cultivate hobbies and healthy habits to manage stress effectively.“Everyone should develop interests such as reading, music, sports, yoga, or meditation. Those who cultivate the habit of reading go on to become leaders who guide society,” he said.Gold MedalistsThe following students received gold medals for academic excellence:Dr Srushti Mahantesh Nagamoti, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital (UG), was adjudged Best Outgoing Student and received the Poojya Shri D Veerendra Heggade Gold Medal.Dr Vedant Vijaykumar Gurav, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital (PG – MD Anesthesiology).Dr Deeksha DS, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital (UG).Dr Bhumika KR, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital (PG – MDS Oral Surgery).Rashmi Bhat, SDM College of Physiotherapy (UG).Chaithra R, SDM College of Physiotherapy (PG – MPT in Obstetrics & Gynecology).Praveen Basavaraj Katti, SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences (UG).Chaitra Basavaraja Honnajjer, SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences (PG).Mumaiyza Shibargatti, SDM Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences (PG).Mallika J Abbigeri, BSc Allied Health Sciences.