Objectives of Teaching – Physiology

A) Knowledge

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the normal functioning of all organ systems, regulatory mechanisms, and interactions for coordinated total body function.
• Understand the basic principles, mechanisms, and homeostatic control of all human body functions.
• Elucidate the physiological aspects of normal growth and development.
• Analyze physiological responses and adaptations to various stresses during life processes.
• Apply physiological principles underlying disease states.
• Correlate physiological knowledge with areas indicated by National Health Programs.

B) Skills

The student will acquire the following skills:

• Perform experiments related to the study of physiological functions.
• Interpret experimental and investigative data.
• Differentiate between normal and abnormal data obtained from laboratory tests.

C) Integration

• At the end of integrated teaching, the student will acquire an integrated understanding of organ structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms, enabling correlation between basic physiological concepts and clinical practice.

Infrastructure and Services Provided

The Department of Physiology at ANIIMS comprises dedicated faculty members who are actively involved in teaching, research, and co-curricular activities. The department provides a strong academic platform for the MBBS course based on the CBME curriculum with an integrated approach. Novel teaching and assessment methods are implemented to enhance understanding of normal body functions. Students are supported with research laboratories, facilities for laboratory-based human clinical examination, hematology, and e-learning resources including Ex-Physio software.

The department is well equipped for undergraduate teaching and follows need-based and value-based education. Updated teaching–learning methodologies are adopted to make learning effective and engaging. Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) are used as part of formative assessment.

The Physiology department infrastructure includes one demonstration hall and five fully equipped laboratories: Hematology Laboratory, Human Physiology Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory, Mammalian Laboratory, and Research Laboratory. Faculty members conduct teaching programs for undergraduate MBBS and Physiotherapy students. The consistent academic performance of students reflects the quality of teaching provided.

• Hematology Laboratory: Equipped with binocular microscopes and instruments for hematology practicals and skill training.
• Clinical Laboratory: Equipped with instruments required for learning clinical examination skills on patients.
• Human Physiology Laboratory: Equipped with physiography systems, bicycle ergometer, digital sphygmomanometers, and other NMC-recommended equipment.
• Mammalian Laboratory: Houses instruments related to mammalian experiments, supplemented with Ex-Physio online software.
• Research Laboratory: Equipped with RMS single and multi-channel research physiograph and bicycle ergometer.

Each laboratory has the capacity to accommodate 50 students. The department also has a demonstration room with a seating capacity of 50 students. In addition to resources available in the central library, the departmental library contains sufficient books and journals for reference by faculty and students.

The department regularly conducts academic activities such as seminars, guest lectures, clinical discussions, and workshops. Students are guided and motivated to undertake research activities under ICMR and are trained for quiz and pedagogy competitions at the national level. All sections of the department have good internet connectivity, and PowerPoint presentations of lectures and question banks are made available to students for academic support.

Activities During the Year 2024–2025

Under the guidance of Dr. Neha Kulkarni, Professor & Head, the Department of Physiology, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Sri Vijaya Puram, successfully celebrated Physiology Week 2025 at ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.

Scientific Session

As part of Physiology Week Celebration 2025, a Scientific Session was successfully conducted at ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was graced by Dr. M. K. Saha, MS & Director I/c, ANIIMS, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Prakash B. M., Dean Academics I/c, ANIIMS, as the Guest of Honour.

The academic session featured expert scientific talks by Dr. Chinmay Shah, Dean and Professor of Physiology, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, on “Research Opportunities for Undergraduate Students”, and Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Associate Professor of Physiology, JN Medical College, Belagavi, who discussed “Contemporary Physiological Perspectives Relevant to Gen Z”.

The event also included glimpses of the PhysioVision 3D Model Competition and prize distribution. The programme witnessed active participation from faculty members and students and contributed meaningfully to academic enrichment and research orientation among undergraduates.

PhysioVision – 3D Model Competition

On 20 November 2025, the Department of Physiology conducted a 3D Model Competition as part of the Physiology Week celebration. The event aimed to encourage students to translate physiological concepts into three-dimensional models, fostering creativity, innovation, and deeper conceptual understanding.

Participants showcased a variety of models illustrating key physiological processes and systems, highlighting both scientific accuracy and artistic presentation. The programme provided an engaging platform for experiential learning and promoted interest in physiology through visual and hands-on approaches.

Achievements

• Invited as a Chairperson at the 71st Annual National Conference of the Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPICON 2025), held from 10th to 12th October 2025 at KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka.

Conferences, Workshops & CMEs Attended

Dr. Neha Kulkarni

• Participated as delegate in CME on World AIDS Day, 29th November 2024, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.
• Participated in online symposium on Integrated Teaching in Physiology, 28th February 2025, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi.
• Participated as delegate in Hybrid Conference on Gynaecological Challenges, 30th–31st July 2025, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.
• Participated in hands-on workshop during Hybrid Conference on Gynaecological Challenges, 30th–31st July 2025, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.
• Participated in Pre-Conference Workshop of the 71st Annual National Conference of the Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPICON 2025), 08th–09th October 2025, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi.
• Participated as delegate in the 71st Annual National Conference of the Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPICON 2025), 10th–12th October 2025, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi.

Dr. Manju C

• Completed Advance Course in Medical Education from SRMC, Chennai – March 2024.
• Completed certification on Scientific Writing in Health Research from NPTEL – March 2024.
• Participated in CME on Deafness in India and Advances in Hearing Rehabilitation, 25/09/2024, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.
• Completed certification on Ethics Review of Health Research from NPTEL – March 2024.
• Conducted and participated in Faculty Development Program on AETCOM at MEU, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram – 18th April 2024.
• Participated in Med Ed Connect’24 – Health Profession Education Conference, Govt. Omandurar Medical College, 4th–7th September 2024.
• Certificate of appreciation for oral presentation (online) in NBRCOM 2024 conducted by SYBS.
• Participated in online webinar “Man in Space”, 16/08/2025, AIIMS Rishikesh.
• Participated in National Conference of Indian Society of Hypoxia & Mountain Medicine, NIM Uttarkashi – March 2025.
• Completed online course on PFT – Interpretation and Application in Clinical Practice, Chettinad Hospital & Research – April 2025.
• Completed Orientation Course on AI for Medical Professionals organized by IIIT Hyderabad (NAMS) – September 2025.
• Virtual oral presentation “Nerve conduction velocity alteration in the dominant hand after a 3-hour written test among medical students” – NBRCOM-SYBS-2025, 3rd–7th December.

Dr. Ravi Kumar V

• CME on Multi-organ Involvement in TB, 21st–22nd March 2024, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.
• Participated in Faculty Development Program on AETCOM at MEU, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram – 18th April 2024.
• Participated in CME on Deafness in India and Advances in Hearing Rehabilitation, 25/09/2024, ANIIMS, Sri Vijaya Puram.

Publications

• STS-ICMR Project 2023 – Effect of 3-hour written examination on nerve conduction velocity – Report approved, E-certificate awarded; Best Research Paper Awarded from ACMS, Delhi.
• Chenicherry M et al. Effect of a Three-Hour Written Examination on the Nerve Conduction Velocity of the Dominant Hand in Medical Students. Cureus. 2025;17(11):e98030.
• Singla K, Chenicherry M et al. Student’s perspective on online teaching. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 2022;14(6):250-255.
• Sabitha Rose Jacob et al. Evaluation of learning environment using DREEM questionnaire. Int J Acad Med Pharm 2025;7(5):115-121.
• Kumar VR et al. Effect of Formaldehyde on Pulmonary Parameters in Medical Students. Annals of R.S.C.B. 2021;25(1):3864-3869.
• Kumar VR et al. Effect of Formaldehyde on Cardiorespiratory Parameters. Int J Intg Med Sci 2021;8(2):971-975.
• Kumar VR. Review Article: Cerebral Blood Flow and Physiological Adaptations following Stroke. KJPMR. 2022;19(3):10-18.