Published on: February 20, 2025
Conference on Hernia Vision 2025 at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jolly Grant, Dehradun
The Department of General Surgery, in association with the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI), hosted a ground-breaking two-day conference titled “Hernia Vision 2025” on February 14th and 15th, 2025, at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Jolly Grant, Dehradun. The event brought together leading experts in the field to discuss the latest trends and advancements in hernia surgery, focusing on innovative surgical techniques and the future of hernia management.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Dr Ashok Deorari, Principal of HIMS SRHU, who graciously chaired the inauguration ceremony. His address highlighted the importance of such academic events in fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise among surgeons and healthcare professionals. Guest of Honour Dr Vijendra Chouhan spoke on Shri Swami Rama, how he transformed this barren land into a beautiful University.
The Organizing Chairman, Dr Hemant Nautiyal, delivered the opening remarks and spoke in-depth about the importance of laparoscopic anatomy in the management of inguinal hernia. His insightful presentation set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding anatomical intricacies for successful laparoscopic hernia repair.
The conference featured an impactful Oration by Dr Parveen Bhatia, Director, Bhatia Global Hospital New Delhi a distinguished expert in laparoscopic surgery. Dr Bhatia addressed “Common Mistakes in Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery and How to Avoid Them”, providing invaluable insights into common pitfalls and offering practical tips for surgeons to enhance their technical skills and improve patient outcomes during laparoscopic procedures.
A key highlight of the event was the lecture by Dr A.K. Attri, Director, Principal GMCH, Chandigarh, who spoke on “Open Inguinal Hernia in the Current Era”. His session underscored the continued relevance of open hernia surgery and its evolving role in the modern treatment landscape, providing a balanced perspective on both traditional and contemporary approaches.
The conference featured, Master video presentations by leading experts on Laparoscopic hernia surgery and Robotic Hernia Surgery, showcasing the cutting-edge technology transforming hernia repair. Their lectures illustrated how robotic systems enhance precision, reduce recovery times, and improve patient safety in complex hernia cases. Presentations were followed by deep discussions on the topic.
The conference provided an excellent platform for medical professionals to exchange knowledge through interactive sessions. It also offered a glimpse into the future of hernia surgery, with experts sharing their perspectives on upcoming trends, technologies, and surgical innovations. The conference was attended by over 150 delegates and around 25 Faculty members.
The event concluded on a highly positive note, with participants expressing their appreciation for the wealth of information shared and the opportunity to learn from esteemed professionals in the field. “Hernia Vision 2025” successfully advanced the dialogue on the future of hernia surgery, ensuring that attendees are well-prepared to adopt the latest techniques and technologies in their practice.
Prof Rakesh Kumar
Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.
With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.
Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.