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Departmental information |
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Overview of the department |
The department of microbiology at S. Nijalingappa Medical College plays the key roles of microbiological diagnostics, medical education, research, infection prevention & control and antimicrobial stewardship in the hospital. The microbiology department has sufficient qualified and experienced faculty teachers and good infrastructure. Infrastructure and equipment available are state-of-the art and are updated periodically. The microbiology department strives to provide quality and reliable laboratory services at an affordable cost to patients. The department is exemplary in implementing medical education with values. The department supports research activities and encourages interdisciplinary research in collaboration with other departments and institutions. |
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Vision of department |
To be a leading centre of excellence in medical microbiology, dedicated to providing exceptional diagnostic services, providing quality medical education and promoting research in North Karnataka. |
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Mission of department |
Diagnostic services: Providing high-quality, state-of-the-art, comprehensive, and timely diagnostic services to support the clinical management of infectious diseases. Medical education: Providing a system for training medical and paramedical students to a level of competency that is up-to-date globally relevant in the principles and practices of medical microbiology. Research and innovation: Fostering environment for conducting cutting-edge research to unravel the complexities of infectious diseases and develop innovative strategies for prevention and control. Infection prevention & control: Implementing robust infection prevention and control programs to safeguard patient safety and minimize the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Implement antimicrobial stewardship in the hospital. Community collaboration: Engaging with the community to promote public health awareness and advocate for evidence-based practices in infectious disease prevention and control. |
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Infrastructure of the Department
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Diagnostic: The department has dedicated service laboratories for investigations related to – bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology, immunology and serology. The microbiology section of Central laboratory is located in the hospital and it has state-of-the art equipment like BacT/ALERT, Vitek-2 automated system, etc. The molecular microbiology laboratory is located in the first floor of the college building, has scientifically designed spacious layout. It has the equipment which are the best in their class – Automated extractors, real time PCR machine, Truenat PCR system, deep freezers, high end centrifuge machines, biosafety cabinets, laminar air flows, advanced gel documentation system, etc. the laboratories are provided with adequate infection prevention facilities to make it safe to work for the staff. Walk-in cold room provides enough space store diagnostic kits at low temperature. Teaching: The department has four demonstration rooms with seating capacity of 100 students equipped with latest types of audiovisual aids and air-conditioned. Library and seminar hall has large number of books and research journals. The practical hall has a seating capacity for 150 students, has binocular microscopes (Olympus) for students practical exercises. Lectures are conducted in air-conditioned gallery halls with adequate audio-visual aids. All the teaching areas have a pleasant ambience to support student learning. The department museum has a large collection of exhibits and wet specimens along with catalogues that provide an exciting learning ambience for the inquisitive minds of the students. The charts displayed on the walls of corridor help students learn from beautiful images and illustrations. Research: The department has a well laid-out research laboratory with adequate equipment to facilitate research activities. Supporting Infrastructure: the department also has adequate rooms for the faculty and the support staff, office, store rooms, etc. Enough well-maintained rest rooms and drinking water facility is available. |
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Facilities & Services Provided by Department |
Diagnostic facilities: Wide range of microbiology tests are done in the laboratory which include microscopy, bacterial and fungal culture, serology, etc. Molecular tests are available using open-system PCR and Truenat. Automated culture (BacT/ALERT), identification and susceptibility testing methods (Vitek-2) with quality control vouch for quality of results at affordable prices. The laboratory functions round-the-clock to ensure generation of quality reports in less time. The department maintains internal quality control for the diagnostic services, and regularly participates in External Quality Assurance Schemes (EQAS), which are evidence for the quality consciousness of the department and the institution. Educational facilities: Qualified and experienced faculty who are trained in medical education technology use effective teaching-learning methods for undergraduate and postgraduate students to make them competent. All the components of the competency-based medical education envisioned by the National Medical commission is implemented in true spirit. The department has a legacy of prioritising discipline and life values in the students along with the academics. Research: Students are encouraged to participate in research activities and are guided by able faculty. Faculty also conduct various research activities related to infectious diseases. Many such research projects have received extramural funding by reputed agencies like ICMR, RGUHS, etc. Infection prevention & Control, and Antimicrobial Stewardship: The microbiology faculty are members of Hospital infection Control Committee, and Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee. They actively contribute in preparing policies, surveillance, training, and implementation of protocols. |
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Academic Activities: Both undergraduate and Postgraduate |
Competency-based curriculum time table is prepared as per the guidelines of the NMC at the beginning of the academic year and the same is diligently followed. This ensures adequate alignment and integration and helps students learn better. Teaching-learning happens more in small groups than as lectures, that provides ample time and opportunities to the students to discuss, clarify and imbibe concepts well. More engaging and interactive methods like seminars, group projects, role plays, panel discussions, problem-based learning, etc are applied as and when required. Electives modules are conducted on topics such as ‘automated identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing’, ‘molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases’, etc |
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Research Work in the department
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Research work completed in the department
Ongoing Research projects
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Phone number and e mail address |
08352 – 235340 (Extn 1166) |
