The pathology department JIPMER, Karaikal was started in June 2017. We follow the newly introduced Integrated Curriculum of JIPMER. To enhance the learning process of students, we adapt various innovative teaching-learning modalities like Problem-based learning (PBL), Team-based learning (TBL), Cross-grouping, e-modules via MOODLE etc..,. To impart a clear concept of theory, we conduct student-centric small group teachings, interactive peer learning sessions and integrated sessions with other departments. We routinely organize student seminars, quizzes, role-play, debate and MCQ-based self-evaluation tests. We have built case-based OSPEs for the practical sessions and Assessments. To enhance practical skills, students are given the opportunity to perform bone marrow aspiration & biopsy on cadavers and FNAC simulation training. We often conduct Open book tests to improve the learning process of students and conduct structured viva for a uniform evaluation of students. We also take the students to outside visits such as Blood banks. We are currently supporting the Government Hospital, Karaikal in Clinical Pathology, Haematology and Cytology at present and are in the process of developing a Histopathology unit.

The Department provides MBBS students with Pathology training. The department has handled 5 batches so far (2017-2021) and students passed their final examination with flying colours. Currently, MBBS 2022  batch students (62) are undergoing training in Pathology.

Department Administration 

Professor & Head – Dr.M.Balamurugan, MD

Associate Professors: Dr Niraimathi M, MD, DNB, PDCC (Renal & transplant pathology)

Dr Arun Kumar K, MD

Assistant Professor: Dr Norton Stephen, MD, DNB, MNAMS

Senior resident: Dr Ananya P, MD, DNB

Stenographer: Mr Hari Vignesh

Research and Publications                                                  

1. Venkatesan J, Manickam N, Madasamy B, Rajagopal MD, Karthikeyan AK. The Impact of Patient-Centric Interactive E-Module in Pathology Among Medical Undergraduates. Med Sci Educ. 2023 Oct 3;33(6):1347-1358. doi: 10.1007/s40670-023-01869-x. PMID: 38188400; PMCID: PMC10767029.
2. Varghese RG, Manickam N, Mohanraj A. Enhancing the interpretational skills of complete blood count reports by second year medical students using competency based learning method. J Curr Res Sci Med. 2023; 9:48-52. doi:10.4103/jcrsm.jcrsm_21_23.

Research Completed in 2023-2024

• Problem based Integrated Module for Active learning of Pathology – A Potpourri approach. (JIP/IEC/2022/007, 13.05.2022) – Niraimathi Manickam, Balamurugan Madasamy

Publications — Indexed Journals

• Venkatesan J, Manickam N, Madasamy B, Rajagopal MD, Karthikeyan AK. The Impact of Patient-Centric Interactive E-Module in Pathology Among Medical Undergraduates. Med Sci Educ. 2023 Oct 3;33(6):1347-1358. doi: 10.1007/s40670-023-01869-x. PMID: 38188400; PMCID: PMC10767029.

Monographs/Manuals/Reports

• Manickam N, Madasamy B, Karythikeyan AK. Student-Centric Teaching-Learning Methods for Active Learning of Pathology among Undergraduate Students: Our Experience. TNPCIAPM Newsletter. 2023 Jan-July; 4-6. (https://tnpciapm.org/news.php)    

The department provides the following services in GH, Karaikal: Fine needle aspirations (FNAC), PAP smears, Peripheral smears, Fluid cytology and Coombs tests. Faculty are coordinating with GH officials for the Blood Bank component licence work.

Departmental Activities

1. Six “Interactive Peer learning” sessions on salient topics in General Pathology where case scenarios are worked up, taught & learnt among students in small groups facilitated by faculties from March 2023 till May 2023
2. Integrated case-based discussion with the Department of Forensic Medicine on ‘Hemodynamic disorders’ on 9th March 2023
3.  Two Integrated modules on
   A. ‘Hemolytic anemia’ with General Medicine (24th to 27th July 2023)
   B. ‘Tuberculosis’ with Pulmonary Medicine & Pharmacology (1st to 9th dec 2023)
   constituting problem-based learning (3 case narratives) blending Affective & Psychomotor domain activities, cross-grouping, and group games along with Reflective writing/ Peer assessment
4. Four sessions of “Team-based learning” on Inflammation, Neoplasia, Nutritional disorders, Intracellular accumulation
5. “Sensitization workshop on PBL for faculty & SRs of JIPMER Karaikal” at JIPMER Karaikal on 20th Sept 2023
6. In-conference workshop on “Sensitization workshop on PBL for undergraduate Teaching and Learning” at MEDUCON 2023, JIPMER, Pondicherry on 29th Sept 2023
7. Roleplay on ‘Breaking bad news’ related to malignancy on 14th March 2024 by three student groups facilitated by faculty with peer assessment by a four-member student panel. Invited faculty from Department of Surgery, Orthopedics & Dentistry.

Faculty participation in conferences/workshops

1. Dr Niraimathi M, Dr Balamurgan M and Dr Arun Kumar K conducted the “Sensitization workshop on PBL for faculty & SRs of JIPMER Karaikal” at JIPMER Karaikal on 20th Sept 2023
2. Dr Niraimathi M, Dr Balamurgan M and Dr Arun Kumar K conducted an In-conference workshop on “Sensitization workshop on PBL for undergraduate Teaching and Learning” at MEDUCON 2023, JIPMER, Pondicherry on 29th Sept 2023.
3. Dr Niraimathi M presented an oral paper titled ‘Are ‘We’ Better than ‘Me’?: A RATling Teaching-Learning Technique for Medical Undergraduates’ and received Second prize at MEDUCON 2023, JIPMER, Puducherry on 29th Sept 2023

Participation in health camps/ public health awareness/ education programme

1. 9th International Yoga day on 21st June, 2023 at Anna College, Karaikal
2. Red run for HIV awareness on 16th August, 2023
3. Swachhata Pakhwada – cleaning activity in Pine Beach on 1st October 2023 at Stadium, Karaikal.

Administrative Assignments

1. Dr. M. Balamurugan is the Associate Dean of JIPMER Karaikal and Warden of the Boys’ hostel. He is a member of the anti-ragging committee. Also, he is the Chairman of the House Allotment Committee of JIPMER Karaikal campus.
2. Niraimathi M holds the post of Assistant warden of the Girls’ hostel and MBBS (2021) batch in charge. She is a member of the anti-ragging committee and a core committee member for National TB Elimination Program, JIPMER Karaikal campus.
3. Arun Kumar K is MBBS (2022) batch in charge. He is the officer in charge of Sports. He is the Nodal officer of the Electoral Literacy Club. He holds the post of the departmental store in charge.