Asthma Awareness Enhanced Through Insightful Academic Seminar

Published on: May 9, 2025

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRHU, Swami Ram Nagar, observed World Asthma Day on 9th May 2025 with an academic seminar designed to deepen understanding of asthma among postgraduate students and faculty. The session, titled “Asthma: An Overview,” was conducted from 1:15 PM to 2:30 PM and was presented by Dr. Rakhee Khanduri, Professor and Head of the Department.

The seminar comprehensively covered the topic, starting from the basic pathophysiology of asthma to its clinical presentation, investigative approaches, imaging findings, and the latest treatment protocols. Dr. Khanduri also integrated recent research findings and ongoing clinical trials, offering students a broader perspective on developments in asthma care.

The session was interactive, with students actively participating in group discussions. They raised questions about the role of genetic predisposition in asthma, and the complications related to new diagnostic techniques. Dr. Khanduri responded with both evidence-based explanations and real-life clinical examples, enhancing the practical relevance of the discussion.

The seminar was attended by 23 participants, including postgraduate students, senior residents, faculty, and staff nurses. It served not only as a knowledge-sharing platform but also as a way to assess academic engagement through peer discussions and faculty-led questioning. The seminar concluded with a strong take-home message, offering attendees new insights into asthma management and a deeper understanding of current treatment standards.

The objective of the event—to promote theoretical and clinical learning, encourage critical thinking, and evaluate student performance—was effectively met. The outcome was a well-informed audience equipped with updated knowledge and a refreshed perspective on handling asthma in clinical settings.

Asthma Awareness
Asthma Awareness
Asthma Awareness
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International Endowed Chair Professor

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.