The 39th National Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology kickstarted today
The 39th National Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology (NWCP 2023) organized by the Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh kickstarted today with delegates coming from all across the country. The workshop is one of the oldest workshops in the field of Clinical Pharmacology with its roots going back to nearly 40 years.
The day began with the Inauguration ceremony graced by Prof. R.K. Ratho (Sub dean-research, PGIMER), Prof. Vipin Koushal (Medical Superintendent, PGIMER) and Prof. P.L. Sharma (Professer Emeritus, Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER).
The dignitaries initiated the workshop by a traditional lamp lighting. Prof. Samir Malhotra, Head of the Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER and the Organizing Chairperson of the workshop welcomed the delegates and dignitaries. He gave the delegates a glimpse of what this workshop aims to accomplish in the weeklong scientific session.
He was followed by Prof. R.K. Ratho and Prof. Vipin Koushal who congratulated the Department for organizing this workshop running in its 39th year. Prof. Ratho highlighted the importance of these academic feasts for sharing knowledge and sensitizing the younger generation, which includes faculty, residents and scientists for the opportunities and challenges in the field.
Prof. P. L. Sharma (Professor Emeritus and Guest of Honour ) delivered the Inaugural Address. He gave a brief history of discipline of Clinical Pharmacology in India. Prof. P. L. Sharma, who is the founder of this workshop, commended the continued efforts of the department for carrying out the legacy of conducting the workshop and bringing it to new heights.
Dr. Ashish Kakkar, Organizing Secretary of the workshop, delivered the Vote of Thanks, thanking all present and all those involved in the conduct of the workshop. He also addressed the group and gave an outline of the workshop.
The dignitaries were presented with mementos by Prof. Samir Malhotra.
Prof. Nusrat Shafiq, Professor, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, was the first speaker of the proceedings. She shared her perspective on the Role of Clinical Pharmacology, and its contributions to the real world scenario. She shared her experiences and discussed simple ways in which a Clinical Pharmacologist can participate and contribute to patient care in their respective institutes.
Prof. Samir Malhotra then took a session on “Margins in Clinical Trials”. He also highlighted the importance if interpreting data from superiority trials correctly, and applying it in clinical practice. He shared his own experiences delving into analysis of published studies, his observations from them.
Speakers representing both government agencies, and industry shared their experiences and knowledge with the audience. Dr. Jerin J. Cherian, Scientist E, in ICMR, shared his views on ICMR initiatives for Multi Centre Clinical Trials.
Session on analytical methods and Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) wastaken by Mr. Chandrasekar M, senior application scientist, SciEx Pvt. Ltd. Dr. Nanda Gamad, from Viatris Ltd, spoke on Clinical trial study designs
The day ended with a discussion on elements of clinical trial protocol by Dr. Ashish Kakkar and Prof. Nusrat Shafiq (PGIMER). The importance of having a well-defined research question was emphasized and the resources available for designing a research protocol were highlighted.
