AIIMS Bhopal has achieved remarkable milestones in various academic forums. The active participation of faculty members in conferences and workshops not only enhances their skills but also keeps them updated with the latest advancements in medical science.
Recently, Dr Harshita S, an MD student from the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Bhopal, along with her mentor Professor Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt, was awarded the prestigious Indian Journal of Pediatrics (IJP) Best MD Thesis in Pediatrics Award. This honor was conferred at the IJP Annual Scientific Day, held on October 6, 2024, at AIIMS, New Delhi. Their research, titled "Unravelling Hidden Organ Damage: Impact of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Abnormalities and Sleep Apnea in Children with Sickle Cell Disease," was recognized among top submissions from various medical institutes across India. Four outstanding candidates were selected to present their research during the 17th Dr. KC Chaudhary Awards ceremony, including Dr. Harshita S. The participating institutes included JIPMER (Pondicherry), PGIMER (Chandigarh), AIIMS Jodhpur, and AIIMS Bhopal.
Commenting on this significant achievement, Prof. Singh stated, "This award not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of Dr. Harshita, but also reflects the excellence of our entire institution. Our goal is to improve children's health, and we will continue to innovate in the diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease.
This research emphasizes the importance of regular screening tests, such as echocardiography, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and proteinuria, to better assess the health status of children with sickle cell disease. As kidney disease is a common complication for adults with sickle cell disease, utilizing these tests for early identification and timely intervention is essential. This approach will help reduce future complications and enhance the quality of life for these children. The American Heart Association (AHA) also recommends monitoring blood pressure and checking for early signs of kidney failure in these patients to address any serious issues proactively.
Prof. Singh congratulated Dr. Harshita and her mentor, Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt, along with their team of expert collaborators, for their significant contribution to this critical research and emphasized that their significant contribution to this vital research is not only commendable but also has the potential to open new avenues for the treatment of sickle cell disease in the future.
