Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine holds annual academic sessions ‘SIMCON 2024’

The Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine (SLCIM) hosted SIMCON 2024, its much-anticipated annual academic sessions, from 7 to 9 November. 

This esteemed event commenced with an inauguration ceremony on the evening of 7 November at 6:00 p.m. in the Oak Room of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

The inauguration began with an inspiring welcome address by SLCIM President Dr. Suranga Manilgama. He extended a warm greeting to the Chief Guest, Queen’s University, Belfast Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Prof. A.P. De Silva, and introduced two distinguished special guests: Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Dr. Palitha Mahipala, and the Guest of Honour, International Society of Internal Medicine (ISIM) President Prof. Virginia Hood.

A noteworthy moment during the ceremony was the launch of a book on toxicology, meticulously prepared by SLCIM members, alongside the unveiling of an ECG quiz portal, developed to foster continuous medical education. The American College of Physicians (ACP) presented Dr. Manilgama, representing the Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine, with a special souvenir symbolising the deep-rooted friendship between the two colleges and their contributions to both local and global medical communities. SLCIM reciprocated with a token of appreciation for ACP, presented by Dr. Manilgama to ACP ambassador Dr. Andrew Dunn.

The ceremony also honoured excellence in various domains of internal medicine. The winners of the SLCIM Future-Inter University Internal Medicine Quiz 2024, recipients of the SLCIM Research Grants, and the awardees for the Best Published Paper were acknowledged for their achievements.

A highlight of the evening was the T. Varagunam Oration, delivered by Professor T. Kumanan, a distinguished Board-Certified Specialist in Internal Medicine and the Chair Professor of Medicine at the University of Jaffna.

The ceremony concluded with an exquisite cultural performance by the Channa & Upuli Performing Arts Foundation, adding a vibrant note to the evening. The inauguration successfully attracted an audience of approximately 350 to 400 participants, including representatives from esteemed international organisations such as the American College of Physicians, Mayo Clinic, the Association of Physicians of Bangladesh, the Association of Physicians of India, the International Society of Internal Medicine, and the Society of Internal Medicine Nepal.

Academic sessions (8 and 9 November)

The academic sessions spanned two full days, 8 and 9 November, running from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These sessions offered a rich array of educational and interactive opportunities, featuring both local and international experts in internal medicine. The program included diverse session formats such as special segments for postgraduate trainees, including the “How to Pass MD” workshops held in the morning, followed by Grand Ward Rounds and “Meet the Experts” sessions. Two keynote addresses covered current topics in internal medicine.

Additionally, the program featured plenary sessions, symposia, and guest lectures on various subjects. The Global Forums, conducted by neighboring countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, added an international perspective. Roundtable discussions and multi-disciplinary meetings addressed issues requiring collaborative decision-making. A much-anticipated segment, the Veteran’s File, was conducted by an experienced physician, providing invaluable insights to participants.

Adding to the excitement was the SIMCON Quiz, conducted by SLCIM members, challenging participants’ knowledge and expertise in internal medicine. In tandem with the academic sessions, free paper sessions provided a platform for scientific abstract presentations in three categories: poster presentations, oral presentations, and case reports. Awards were presented to the best in each category, as well as to the winners, first runner-up, and second runner-up of the SIMCON Quiz.

A remarkable new feature of this year’s sessions was the South Asian Research Forum, held as a concurrent event. This forum showcased high-quality scientific articles that had previously been published, further enriching the knowledge-sharing experience.

Approximately 400 attendees, including consultants, postgraduate trainees, and medical officers, participated in SIMCON 2024. The event concluded successfully on 9 November at 5:00 p.m. Dr. Manilgama, along with the SLCIM council, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the resource persons, both local and international, as well as all stakeholders, volunteers, and participants who contributed to making this event a success.