Activities and Events

Activities and events conducted by IRA members in the past 2 months

Rheuma-Insight 2024: an Essential Gathering for Rheumatologists, Physicians, Researchers,
and Allied Healthcare Professionals, a CME organized by IRA Assam Chapter and Department
of General Medicine, AIIMS, Guwahati on 26th July, 2024.

– Dhrubajyoti Sharma, Guwahat

World Scleroderma awareness day at BVP Pune – Patients attended the awareness program
in good numbers – Lectures, question answer session, NFC Camp were very well received.

– Kavita Krishna, Pune

On the occasion of World Yoga day, BVP Pune and WHIRA organised a Yoga session for our
patients with Rheumatic Diseases.

– Kavita Krishna, Pune

SOARCON 2024 report

The Rheumatology Association of Gujarat (RAG) and the Society of Osteoarthritis Research (SOAR) jointly organized SOARCON 2024, a national conference on the sole subject of Osteoarthritis. It was held on July 13-14, 2024; at Gift City, Gandhinagar. Dr. C. Balakrishnan served as the Scientific Chair and Dr. Shabbir Chikani as the Organizing Secretary. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. Achal Gulati, former Head of the NMC, as the chief guest. The event drew over 275 delegates and faculty members.

Themed “Reframing Osteoarthritis: Pioneering Perspectives & Practices,” the conference aimed to shift the perception of osteoarthritis (OA) from an inevitable, aging-related degenerative disease to a potentially modifiable condition. The program was meticulously designed to cover a comprehensive range of topics. From clinical approaches and surgical options to rehabilitation strategies. It aimed at fostering interdisciplinary dialogues among rheumatologists, surgeons, physiotherapists, pain specialists and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. Eminent faculties from all corners of India shared their expertise and experiences.

A highlight of SOARCON 2024 was the three dedicated sessions focusing on OA in specific regions: the knee, hand, and spine. These sessions began with in-depth analyses of pain associated with OA in these areas and progressed to discussions on the day-to-day clinical challenges in managing the condition. This structured approach facilitated practical learning and comprehensive coverage of the subject.

In addition to region specific OA management, the conference included an Obesity Symposiumlooking at obesity as a disease. An innovative MRI Workshop provided interactive insights into knee and spine imaging techniques.

Conference attracted high quality papers. Free Paper session and poster presentations offered a platform for attendees to present and discuss their latest research and clinical experiences. The best three papers received the prize of registration sponsorship to present their work at OARSI world congress 2025 to be held at Incheon, South Korea.

Overall, SOARCON 2024 was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and updates on OA management while promoting interdisciplinary communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes in this most prevalent arthritis.

-Shabbir Chikani, Rajkot

Disclaimer
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