Chandigarh, January 7, 2025 – In a powerful address at the inaugural ceremony of the new academic session at PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr. Digambar Behera, Professor Emeritus and President of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), New Delhi, underlined the critical importance of empathy and ethical practice in medicine.
“The art of patient handling and communication is critical, as our patients deserve not only our expertise but also our empathy. The most effective treatments often stem from a compassionate interaction, not just from a clinical assessment,” stated Dr. Behera, who served as the Chief Guest at the event.
A Call for Humanity in Medicine
Addressing the theme, “Medicine: Past, Present & Future – Evolution Through the Ages,” Dr. Behera shared insights from his illustrious 47-year career. He emphasized that the foundation of medical education must go beyond technical knowledge, embedding ethical and humane practices into the core of healthcare.
“Medical education encompasses more than just acquiring technical knowledge; it must also instil the ethical foundations of our profession. As you encounter complex scenarios, always strive to bring a sense of humanity into your practice,” he urged the audience of faculty, staff, and newly inducted resident doctors.
Dr. Behera highlighted the challenges posed by dehumanized patient interactions, calling on young doctors to prioritize the art of patient handling from the outset. He applauded PGIMER’s legacy of providing equitable care, saying, “Our service delivery should be without consideration of caste, creed, or color. The institute has always maintained this philosophy.”
Adapting to a Technological Era
Dr. Behera also addressed the role of technology in modern healthcare, stating, “AI should be a partner, not a replacement. Medicine is a bridge between science and humanity. By combining knowledge, technology, and empathy, we can save the future of healthcare.” He encouraged the new batch of residents to embrace innovation while upholding compassion as their guiding principle.
Ceremony Highlights
The event was graced by PGIMER luminaries, including former directors, deans, and senior faculty such as Prof. Y.K. Chawla, Prof. Jagat Ram, and Prof. Subhash Verma. The atmosphere was imbued with camaraderie as faculty and staff welcomed the new cohort of residents.
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, emphasized the institute’s commitment to humanity in healthcare. “In the realm of healthcare, it is not the state-of-the-art infrastructure that define our greatness, but rather our unwavering commitment to humanity,” he remarked.
The ceremony concluded with a badge-pinning ceremony for the incoming residents, followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), who urged the audience to uphold PGIMER’s legacy of excellence.
The new academic session marks a significant step forward for PGIMER, as it continues to blend cutting-edge medical research with the timeless values of empathy and service to humanity.
