Three PGI Chandigarh faculty win RAE awards at NAMS foundation day

Chandigarh: Three faculty members from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, were honoured with the prestigious Recognitions of Academic Excellence (RAE) during the 60th foundation day celebrations of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) held on Tuesday.

The awardees also presented their research work during the Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme organised as part of the event.

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Among the awardees, Prof Aman Sharma, from the Department of Internal Medicine, received the RAE General Amir Chand Award for his work on non-communicable diseases, particularly systemic vasculitis. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of how these rare inflammatory conditions affect Indian patients. His team’s work on Deficiency of ADA2 (DADA2), a rare genetic disorder, represents one of the largest clinical datasets globally.

Prof. Sharma has also played a key role in developing India-specific guidelines for ANCA-associated vasculitis, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. His work has helped improve diagnostic accuracy, including differentiating these conditions from diseases such as tuberculosis. His research on the use of PET scans in relapsing polychondritis has been incorporated into leading global medical references, including UpToDate and standard rheumatology textbooks.

According to India News Calling, “Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between high-level research and the actual needs of patients in our clinics," said Prof. Sharma. "By refining how we use imaging to differentiate these diseases from more common conditions like tuberculosis, we can provide faster, more accurate care."

Prof Naveen Kalra from the radiodiagnosis department received the RAE Dr Khandelwal award for Interventional Radiology. He presented an extensive body of work done in the field of locoregional treatment of liver cancer. He highlighted the new techniques that were done for the first time at PGI, including cryoablation and irreversible electroporation, reports Hindustan Times.

The third award was presented to Prof. Sonu Goel from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, who received the RAE R.V. Rajam Award for his contributions to community health. With over 25 years of experience, his efforts in tobacco control have had a significant public health impact. He also highlighted the International Public Health Management Development Program, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, which has trained senior policymakers from 97 countries in public health leadership.

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