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Ofcial quarterly Communication from Indian Chest Society
A
Note From
The President’s Desk..
Dr. S. K. Luhadia
Dear Colleagues,
Indian Chest Society is growing very fast in terms of Academic & Research activities. Young
chest physicians are showing a great interest in becoming its members. This year we have
further strengthened our democratic character as democracy is backbone of any society.
We have started e -voting and more than 1200 members have used their voting right,
which is more than twice as compared to previous years. There was neck to neck contest
for almost every post. I congratulate our dynamic secretary Dr. Rajesh Swarnkar and our
past President & returning election officer Dr. Suryakant Tripathy for completing successful
electoral process & e -voting.
I am also thankful to our esteemed members for participating in huge numbers in the
election and hope that voting percentage will further rise in future.
The society will further achieve great heights under the leadership of Dr. Sudhir Choudhary
& Dr. D. J Christopher, our future president & president elect respectively.
The forthcoming NAPCON - 2018 at Ahmedabad is again going to be a mega event under
the able leadership of Dr. Rajesh Solanki. The academic programme prepared by Dr. S. K
Katiyar along with Dr. Nikhil Sarangdhar will be excellent in terms of academics. I appeal all
the members of ICS to kindly attend and participate in this conference with full enthusiasm
& interest.
Long live Indian Chest Society and NAPCON!!!
With Regards
Dr. S. K. Luhadia
Secretariat Address: Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar, Secretary, Indian Chest Society, ICS Secretariat office, IMA Annexe
IMA House, North Ambazari Road, Nagpur -440010, Email: icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com
1
A
Note From
The Secretary’s Desk..
Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar
Secretary, Indian Chest Society
Hello Members !!!
They say there is no shortcut to success and this has proved true when all the efforts of ICS
team proved successful in bringing you to vote in such huge numbers. Let me start by
thanking each one of you for voting for the 2018 GB Elections and making a grand success
whopping 1117 votes were registered by us which are more than two times our usual
ballot. The learnings are pretty clear that ICS going digital has helped all its members with
the ease and convenience of choosing their members at the touch of their mobiles in
minutes. I would sincerely appreciate the efforts of all our GB Members, Dr. SuryaKant,
Election Officer for e-voting, Dr. Jyoti Bajpai for her continuous efforts and last but not the
least Mrs. Sakshi Deshmukh for helping me bring this remarkable possibility in our society.
A more detailed experience is shared by in her article on “Every Vote does Count Indeed !!!
ICS e-voting journey from Traditional to Digital...
We at ICS are keen to bring, HERMES Europe Adult Respiratory exam will now be held in
India and this is the first time anywhere out of Europe. Also, we have strengthened our
international ties by collaborating with Lung Health Joint Fellowships with the ERS is also a
great venture of ICS which our young members can avail benefits of. I am thankful to Dr.
Raja Dhar for constantly putting in efforts for all these tie-ups.
RESPIRE has been loved by all our members and we wish you would help us with your
feedback and suggestions for our constant improvement. Do write to us at
icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com for your queries, suggestions and feedbacks.
I also hope you follow us digitally on our Facebook and Twitter Handles for all the latest at
ICS.
We have a great new team on board, after elections and I wish all of them a great tenure
ahead. They have been introduced to you inside the newsletter.
Happy Reading!!!
Secretariat Address: Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar, Secretary, Indian Chest Society, ICS Secretariat office, IMA Annexe
IMA House, North Ambazari Road, Nagpur -440010, Email: icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com
2
THE COVER STORY
Dr. Ashok Mahashur, Past President & Founder Joint Secretary Of ICS
Talks To Dr Amita Nene, Member ICS
Dr. Ashok Mahashur was born in Khamgaon, his training and get his MD in TB & Chest Diseases
near Akola, Maharashtra in December 1948. He in 1976 from the Bombay University.
did his basic education in Khamgaon, nurturing a
keen desire to become a doctor since a very He then immediately joined the Dept. of Chest
young age. Worked hard and was academically Medicine at Seth GS Medical College and KEM
inclined - doing well through his early years, and Hospital - which was probably the only Non-TB
then, with the grace of God, procured an MBBS respiratory disease Dept at that time. DR. S. R.
seat at the Govt. Medical College in Nagpur in Kamat, a no-nonsense man, was the HOD who
1966. Working hard through all those years, he played a major role in his development,
completed his MBBS in 1971. cultivating Respiratory diseases as a Speciality.
These formative years formed the base of his
Due to family compulsions, he had to come to career till he retired as a Professor and Head
Mumbai. Having done his MBBS in Nagpur, he from KEM Hospital, his parent institute.
had to struggle a lot to get a PG seat in Mumbai
but finally got his PG seat in Chest Medicine in Dr. Amita Nene - Dear Sir, We all know that you
1973 at the Grant Medical College, Mumbai. were one of the key persons responsible for
It was a memorable moment for him to complete conceptualizing and creating the Indian Chest
3
Society. This was truly a great step forward for one of the first papers on non TB pulmonology
our field of Pulmonology and we all and brought into light that we also diagnosed
pulmonologists will always remain grateful to and treated diseases other than TB.
you and to the other founder members of the
Indian Chest Society for your great vision and all Dr. Amita Nene - That's truly commendable Sir !!
your extraordinary efforts. What inspired the birth of ICS? Was there any
stimulating factor?
Our Pulmonology community is extremely
interested in knowing how you did this all and Dr. Mahashur – After my paper presentation at
the tremendous efforts that you and other the conference, I was surprised that very few
founder members put in creating the Indian physicians were aware of the condition ILD. This
Chest Society and bringing it to its current, highly motivated me to think that in our speciality,
respectable position. significant progress and research was being done
with respect to TB, but there was very little
Can you pls tell us what was the status of chest awareness and few efforts were being made to
medicine prior to the formation of the ICS? promote education in non-tuberculous
respiratory medicine. It highlighted the need to
Dr. Mahashur - In the 1970s chest medicine was work simultaneously to improve awareness,
only tuberculosis. I passed my MD Chest and TB knowledge and research in non-TB respiratory
in 1976. That was the nomenclature used for our diseases amongst clinicians by getting maximum
degree at that time. Before 1973, it was called chest physicians together for this purpose and I
MD TB. Everyone referred to us as TB specialists was occupied with this thought.
and there was very little awareness about non-
tubercular chest diseases. Incidentally, on the same evening in this Nagpur
1979 API meeting, was the general body meeting
Dr. Amita Nene- That's very interesting… Pls, tell of the chest group where Dr. S R. Kamat
us about your non-TB work in those days !! proposed that a new democratic nationwide
Pulmonology society is created which would
Dr. Mahashur - Immediately after completing my have true national representation with a
MD, I joined Chest Medicine Dept at Seth GS transparent election process.
Medical College and KEM Hospital with Dr S R
Kamat. This dept was entirely dealing with non- This did not meet with an easy approval and so
tuberculous respiratory diseases. After working he came to me and said that we must take lead in
for a few years, I realized that our PG training and creating such a new National Chest Association
clinical approach is TB centric. There were a lot of w h i c h i s t ra n s p a r e n t , i n c l u s i v e a n d
non-tuberculous diseases which were on a rise representative of the entire country - with the
and needed special attention. whole and sole intention of spreading
knowledge. This very important day of 1979 API
The opportunity came in 1979, while I was a Meeting in Nagpur led to the conception of
lecturer in this department and was involved in Indian Chest Society
the research in ILD in India. My paper on ILD was
accepted for verbal presentation and discussion Dr. Amita Nene - Sounds really exciting Sir !! So
in the API conference at Nagpur in January 1979. how was ICS finally formed?
In those days, the number of chest physicians
was small and National College of Chest Dr. Mahashur - Within 4 days of coming to
Physicians (NCCP) was holding its annual chest Mumbai, I called the meeting of important chest
conference under the banner of API. physicians in the seminar hall of KEM hospital
Mumbai. It was attended by Dr S R Kamat, Dr. P.
My paper in the API meeting in 1979 on ILD was G. Kamath, Dr. A. P. Rao, Dr. Sundari Mirchandani
4
and by me - Dr. A. A Mahashur. etc was the real task and I still have fond
memories of the entire process.
All of us agreed to the idea of starting a society
which would encourage research in all types of We all five founder members sitting in one fiat
respiratory diseases and spread of knowledge car, literally went around to Pharma companies
and would function democratically by strictly one-on-one requesting for their support and
adhering to the constitution formed on eventually managed to raise as much as four
democratic principles. After a lot of lakh rupees – a very good amount in those
deliberation, the society was named INDIAN times.
CHEST SOCIETY. Dr P G Kamath wrote the
original constitution of ICS. A new society was Our first meeting was held at the Hotel
born in May 1979. Dr. P. G Kamath was the President in South Bombay and was very very
unanimous choice for secretary's post, Dr. M P. successful
Mehrotra, a senior physician from Agra was
elected as President, Dr. A. P. Rao as Vice We spent about two lakh rupees for organizing
President and me, Dr. Mahashur as joint this first annual meeting of Indian Chest
secretary. Society and we put the remaining two lakh
rupees in the association kitty.
Dr. Amita Nene– That's Fantastic !! Can you pls
tell us something about the early years of the This first meeting marked the rise of our Indian
ICS. Did the society prosper immediately or Chest Society which soon grew nationwide.
was there an inertia time for people to accept
the ICS? Over time the pre-existing Association of Chest
physicians of India asked to join hands with us
Dr. Mahashur - The philosophy of the Indian and combine our annual meeting and we
Chest Society was to have membership and readily agreed as we wanted single and true
representation across the country with elected national pulmonology representation
office bearers on an annual basis.
Dr. Amita Nene – Truly incredible Sir !! Can you
The membership drive yielded quick results pls tell us about your involvement in the day to
from East, South and Central zones. The day functioning of the ICS in these early years
response was growing and to reach to larger since its inception?
physicians and chest physicians it was decided
to start a national journal in 1980. The first Dr. Mahashur - With Dr. P. G. Kamath being the
journal of ICS named LUNG INDIA was ICS secretary since inception through the late
published under the editorship of Dr C V 80s, my involvement with the association as
Ramakrishnan. It continues to be published the joint secretary was complete and right
uninterrupted from 1980 till date. from the start. I was entrusted with handling all
matters of the secretary's office including
We proudly watched our ICS grow in numbers correspondence, memberships, and planning
to soon become the most influential academic meetings.
Society for pulmonology
I continued to work for ICS in all capacities
Dr. Amita Nene – That's wonderful… So when without a break and with the meticulous
was the first ICS national meeting held? Can nature of Dr. P. G Kamath and constant pushing
you tell us something about this meeting? from Dr. S. R Kamat, it was indeed difficult to
balance both the hospital and ICS work.
Dr. Mahashur - We finally decided to have our Honestly, this was the most hectic period of my
first annual meeting of ICS in 1981. career. I wish to mention and give full credit to
my wife Mukul and my son Nikhil who allowed
Planning the meeting, the venue, the budget me to pursue my passion without complaining
5
and were always supportive and made it possible active working of ICS but continue to take
for me to be what I am today. I owe a lot to them. interest in all activities of the society. The society
has given me access to national exposure and
Dr. Amita Nene – Hats off to you and your lovely gain in-depth knowledge from all respiratory
family !! How do you think has the ICS grown in physicians in the country, interact and exchange
the recent past? Are you happy with the growth academic thoughts, and encouraged me to get
of ICS? involved in research, education and patient care.
I could train a large no of PGs between 1977 till
Dr. Mahashur - As I look back, I feel very very date and am enjoying it still. My work has been
proud and as a dream come true. Respiratory recognized by ICS, International Academy of
medicine has grown into an important and much Allergy and Immunology, and Maharashtra
sought-after speciality. All respiratory physicians University of Health Sciences.
are at same wavelength because of a large
number of frequent interactive sessions, CMEs, Dr. Amita Nene - Dear Sir, the entire Indian
exposure to international conferences with the Pulmonology family is extremely grateful to you
opportunity to shine not only at home but also and the other 4 founder members of the ICS. Pls
internationally - given awards as appreciation for let us know what your vision for ICS from hereon
their work. Every year ICS is coming up with is. How would you want us to continue with the
newer incentives to encourage young scientists ICS legacy??
to excel in their favourite area. The journal has
achieved an international standard under able Dr. Mahashur - With the way the ICS is growing I
editorship. predict it to be the topmost organization in
respiratory medicine that is dedicated to the
I congratulate and offer my sincere thanks to all welfare of each and every respiratory physician
members of ICS and all the governing body and helping their growth. I visualize ICS as a body
members from the inception of ICS till date for that would dictate health policies for respiratory
their contribution, dedication and hard work to diseases to the Government and would help in
make ICS an internationally recognized body. implementing effective policies for TB control
Each of You have made us - all founder members and awareness.
happy and proud by helping their dream come
true. I bless you all for your and Indian Chest I am highly proud of the talent and foresight of
Society's continued success and academic young members of the governing body of ICS.
prosperity.
In the end, I earnestly request to all members to
Dr. Amita Nene – Thank you very much, Sir, for continue to stick to the drafted constitution and
your blessings and kind words !! Can you please stick to it in difficult situations so that no decision
tell us what ICS has given back to you? would sound difficult to take. I bless the society
for a bright future and pray for its success in all its
Dr. Mahashur - I have now retired from the future ventures.
Your feedback and suggestions are welcomed @ icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com or
visit our website www.indianchestsociety.com
6RECENT UPDATES
EBUS: The journey so far and beyond…
Dr. Prashant N. Chhajed
Dr. Prashant N. Chhajed is a Governing Council Dr. Yasufuku and Dr. Chhajed developed the EBUS
Member of the Indian Chest Society (2017 – TBNA in Chiba, Japan and presented the first
2019). He has been Chair, West Zone, Indian paper on EBUS TBNA at ATS International
Chest Society (2014 – 2107). Dr. Chhajed Conference in 2003 and published the Original
habilitated as Privat Dozent at University of Basel, Paper, as first large series on EBUS TBNA in Journal
Switzerland (2007). He is the current Chair, CHEST in 2004. His research has received several
Interventional Pulmonology Group at the awards at ERS, Swiss TB Award, Swiss Society of
European Respiratory Society (2018 – 2021). Dr. Pulmonology, Charak Award, St Vincent's
Chhajed has also held the following positions in Hospital, Garvan Institute, etc. He has conducted
International Societies: Secretary, Interventional many workshops and lectures nationally and
Pulmonology, ERS (2015 – 2018); Member of internationally on Interventional Pulmonology
Program Committee, American Thoracic Society and EBUS TBNA over the last 15 years. He has
(2005 – 2015); Member of Planning Committee, been on Editorial Board of CHEST (2005 – 2010)
ATS (2006 -2009); Secretary, European and continues to be on Editorial Board of
Association of Bronchology & Interventional RESPIRATION, Journal of Bronchology &
Pulmonology (2006 – 2010); Vice President, Interventional Pulmonology, Lung India, JCRT, etc.
EABIP (2005 –2006). Dr. Chhajed has 125 peer-reviewed publications
on PubMed
The utility of endobronchial ultrasound guided and hilar lymphnodes on a day. care setting
transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) under moderate sedation with high diagnostic
was first reported in 2004. (1) The new ebus accuracy. Enlarged mediastinal and hilar
bronchoscope with a linear probe at its tip allows lymphnodes as well as subcentimeter sized
real time visualisation and sampling of lymph nodes can be sampled using EBUS-TBNA.
paratracheal and peribronchial lymphnodes. It is performed using a 21 or 22 gauge dedicated
The ability to sample mediastinal and hilar TBNA needle. The anaesthesia for this procedure
lymphnode stations 10, 11 and 12 with EBUS- varies from conscious sedation to general
TBNA, which were not accessible with anaesthesia based on the patient comfort and
mediastinoscopy, has led to a paradigm shift in safety. Three to five passes per lymphnode are
diagnostic pulmonology and lung cancer staging. obtained for cytology by cellblock and aspirates
The availability and usage of EBUS-TBNA has for microbiological analysis. Core biopsies can
grown exponentially over the last decade, both also be obtained and have been reported to
clinically and geographically. The technique increase the diagnostic yield in both benign and
allows safe, real time sampling of mediastinal malignant pathologies.(2) The training in
7technique of EBUS-TBNA has been incorporated Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality due
in academic curriculum of several institutions to cancer worldwide. While the incidence has
worldwide. been increasing, only around 15% of lung
cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. The
EBUS-TBNA has been reported to be non-inferior molecular profiling of lung cancer has become an
and safe compared to other modalities for tissue important step in deciding therapy for a patient
acquisition.(3) It adds to the diagnosis and with an advanced stage disease. This implies that
prevents more invasive procedures in a patient the pathological subtype, stage of disease and
with an inconclusive CT guided biopsy. molecular profile together constitutes the
Conventional TBNA using flexible bronchoscope complete diagnosis of lung cancer to plan
can be used for sampling mediastinal lymph appropriate therapy for a patient. Accurate
nodes. However, there is no real time guidance mediastinal staging is required in a patient
for this technique and it requires the operator to where obvious distant metastases is ruled out
make a mind map of the mediastinum based on with the help of positron emission tomography
the available imaging. EBUS-TBNA provides real (PET-CT) or computed tomography (CT). PET-CT
time visualization of the lymph node, its size and can yield false positive results in case of
the adjoining blood vessels in the Doppler mode. inflammatory or co-existent infective conditions
This increases the diagnostic accuracy and along with malignancy.(3) Hence, all PET positive
safety.(4) Also, core biopsies can be obtained mediastinal lymph nodes should be sampled for
using EBUS-TBNA which significantly increases accurate staging with no obvious evidence
the diagnostic yield.(2) Endoscopic ultrasound extrathoracic metastases. This can help in down
guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can be staging of PET-CT and help in identifying
used to sample paraesophageal and lower candidates for surgery. EBUS-TBNA has the
medistinal lymph nodes (stations 8 and 9) and advantage of diagnosing, staging and acquiring
also detect liver and adrenal metastases. It can samples for molecular profiling of lung cancer in
co m p l e m e nt E B U S - T B N A i n co m p l ete the same setting. Also, endobronchial staging
mediastinal staging of lung cancer. The EBUS can be done during EBUS bronchoscopy. It can
bronchoscope can be passed through the also diagnose PET positive lymph node with high
esophagus by pulmonologists and used to accuracy. Intrapulmonary lesions adjacent to the
sample station 8 and 9. However, the knowledge trachea or bronchi can also be sampled using
of mediastinal anatomy on transesophageal EBUS-TBNA. It yields the highest tumor RNA
ultrasound is necessary for the operating material when compared to CT guided core
pulmonologist. Mediastinoscopy has been biopsy and bronchoscopic forceps biopsy. EBUS-
considered the gold standard in staging TBNA can accurately diagnose metastatic
mediastinum. However, it is a surgical procedure mediastinal and hilar lymphnodes in a
done under general anesthesia requiring radiologically normal mediastinum.(5) The
hospitalization. Moreover, it can sample reported diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA in
paratracheal and subcarinal lymph nodes. EBUS- malignancy is close to 90%. Moreover, it helps in
TBNA can sample N1 and N2 lymphnodes with restaging of lung cancer after surgery or
high accuracy. EBUS-TBNA is now the initial chemotherapy. It is the only modality which can
choice of modality in mediastinal staging and help in restaging mediastinum after lobectomy
may render mediastinoscopy unnecessary in or pneumonectomy despite distortion of normal
most number of cases. However, negative results mediastinal anatomy. EBUS-TBNA can accurately
on EBUS-TBNA with high suspicion of diagnose and stage small cell lung cancer as well.
malignancy or disease may need to be confirmed Now, with the approved CT screening for lung
on mediastinoscopy . cancer in smokers, accurate mediastinal staging
8will be the need of the hour. The utility of EBUS- processed for cartridge based nucleic acid
TBNA in these situations will expand further. Oral amplification test (Genexpert for MTB/Rif) and
tyrosine kinase inhibitors individualised for liquid based TB cultures. (7) It can help in
treating advanced lung cancers with particular detection of MDR and XDR TB in patients with
genetic mutations has helped in improving the mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. A case
quality of life and survival. The commonest highlighting role of EBUS-TBNA in diagnosis of
mutations in non-small cell lung cancer are MDR-TB in patients with meningitis is reported
epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in the literature. Sarcoidosis poses a diagnostic
anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and Kirsten dilemma in patients with mediastinal
rat sarcoma (Kras). The success rate of multiple lymphadenopathy in a TB endemic region. EBUS-
genome analysing techniques for the above TBNA diagnosis sarcoidosis with high accuracy
mutations on samples acquired by EBUS-TBNA is and the accuracy increases when it is clubbed
reported to be over 90%. EBUS-TBNA samples with transbronchial lung biopsy in the same
when made into cell blocks returned an setting.(8) The characteristics of lymph nodes on
adequacy rate of around 97% when processed endobronchial ultrasound may help in
for various immunohistochemical stains.(3) differentiating the causative pathologies.
EBUS-TBNA has a place in tissue acquisition for Heterogeneous echotexture of the lymph node
research settings as well due to the high quality and coagulation necrosis sign on EBUS are more
genetic material obtained in malignancy. specific for a diagnosis of TB.(9)
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with EBUS-TBNA has a complication rate of 1%.(10) It
malignancy can be due to metastasis, infection can be safely performed in patients who are
or a sarcoid reaction to malignancy. These need elderly, with superior vena cava syndrome or a
to be subtyped accurately even in the space occupying lesion in the brain. However,
management of extra-thoracic malignancy. It infective and fatal complications like massive
can help in down staging PET-CT and also bleeding, bacterial pericarditis and mediastinitis
accurately diagnose granulomatous or have been reported. The role of EBUS-TBNA in
metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes during patients receiving clopidogrel is still
post-therapy PET-CT. EBUS-TBNA can thus controversial. Transvascular EBUS-TBNA through
impact management even in extra thoracic the aorta and pulmonary artery have been
malignancies. It can yield estrogen receptor and reported by expert operators. Endobronchial
progesterone receptor status in patients with ultrasound with elastography is an emerging and
mediastinal lymphadenopathy with carcinoma promising tool to differentiate benign versus
of breast.(6) The role of EBUS-TBNA in malignant lymph nodes. Recently, EBUS-TBNA
diagnosing lymphomas is emerging. has been reported to provide diagnosis in people
living with HIV and mediastinal lympha-
In tuberculosis endemic region, mediastinal denopathy. (11) The ability of EBUS-TBNA to
lymphadenopathy and fever often pose a provide diagnosis in a low lymphocytic situation
diagnostic challenge to the clinicians. The is promising. EBUS-TBNA has certainly
emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) and penetrated and established itself as the standard
extensively drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis of care in diagnostic pulmonology. The past
(TB) has led to acquiring the microbiological fifteen years definitely set the path for the rise
and rise of EBUS-TBNA in the clinical applications
evidence necessary during diagnosis. Accurate
of the technique for maximum patient benefit!
drug susceptibility pattern can prevent a delay in
References:
appropriate therapy and improve outcomes. The
1. Yasufuku K, Chiyo M, Sekine Y, Chhajed PN, Shibuya K,
samples acquired by EBUS-TBNA can be Iizasa T, et al. Real-time endobronchial ultrasound-guided
9transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal and hilar 2018;29(1):35-40.
lymph nodes. Chest. 2004;126(1):122-8. 7. Dhasmana DJ, Ross C, Bradley CJ, Connell DW, George PM,
2. Vaidya PJ, Saha A, Kate AH, Pandey K, Chavhan VB, Leuppi Singanayagam A, et al. Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF in the
JD, et al. Diagnostic value of core biopsy histology and diagnosis of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy by
cytology sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes using 21- endobronchial ultrasound. Annals of the American Thoracic
gauge EBUS-TBNA needle. Journal of cancer research and Society. 2014;11(3):392-6.
therapeutics. 2016;12(3):1172-7. 8. Gupta D, Dadhwal DS, Agarwal R, Gupta N, Bal A,
3. Vaidya PJ, Kate AH, Yasufuku K, Chhajed PN. Aggarwal AN. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle transbronchial needle aspiration vs conventional
aspiration in lung cancer diagnosis and staging. Expert transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of
review of respiratory medicine. 2015;9(1):45-53. sarcoidosis. Chest. 2014;146(3):547-56.
4. Chhajed PN, Odermatt R, von Garnier C, Chaudhari P, 9. Dhooria S, Agarwal R, Aggarwal AN, Bal A, Gupta N, Gupta
Leuppi JD, Stolz D, et al. Endobronchial ultrasound in hilar D. Differentiating tuberculosis from sarcoidosis by
and conventional TBNA-negative/inconclusive mediastinal sonographic characteristics of lymph nodes on
lymphadenopathy. Journal of cancer research and endobronchial ultrasonography: a study of 165 patients.
therapeutics. 2011;7(2):148-51. The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.
5. Herth FJ, Eberhardt R, Krasnik M, Ernst A. Endobronchial 2014;148(2):662-7.
ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of 10. Vaidya PJ, Munavvar M, Leuppi JD, Mehta AC, Chhajed
lymph nodes in the radiologically and positron emission PN. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial
tomography-normal mediastinum in patients with lung needle aspiration: Safe as it sounds. Respirology.
cancer. Chest. 2008;133(4):887-91. 2017;22(6):1093-101.
6. Serra P, Sanz-Santos J, Castella E, Cirauqui B, Andreo 11. Prasad KT, Muthu V, Sehgal IS, Dhooria S, Sharma A,
F, Llatjos M, et al. Identification of oestrogen, progesterone Gupta N, et al. Utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided
receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 transbronchial needle aspiration in HIV-infected patients
expression in mediastinal metastases of breast cancer with undiagnosed intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. Lung
obtained by endobronchial ultrasound-guided India :official organ of Indian Chest Society. 2018;35(5):379-
transbronchial needle aspiration. Cytopathology : official 83.
journal of the British Society for Clinical Cytology.
Your feedback and suggestions are welcomed @ icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com or
visit our website www.indianchestsociety.com
10ICS - ATS Travel Grant Reciepient Interview
Dr. Deepak Muthreja
Dr. Mark Weir, (MD) from Chicago Reviewing The Poster Of Dr. Deepak Muthreja
Q1. Please tell ICS Members about your background and how did you come to know about the
travel grant?
I am Dr. Deepak Muthreja (L-1827) an Interventional Pulmonologist based in Nagpur. I did my MD
Chest Diseases from Government Medical College, Rajkot and currently pursuing European
Respiratory Society's EBUS course having passed Part II assessment. I have also passed HERMES Adult
Respiratory Examination held in paris 2018. Our abstract titled “Removal of Endobronchial
Endodontic Equipments with help of Flexible Video bronchoscope: Single centre experience” was
accepted for presentation at ATS International conference 2018. I became an ICS member in 2015 and
was aware of the travel grant through letters and continuous emails from ICS office.
Their frequency is very appropriate and also the apt timings which young members especially new
ones to get every information required.
Q2. What was the process and how were you selected?
The procedure for applying for a grant is pretty simple. I sent my abstract and the acceptance of it
which I received from ATS to the ICS team via email; I received the approval of my grant once all my
documents were thoroughly verified by ICS Office and the reviewing committee.
Q3. How did the travel grant help you and was there competition for it at ICS?
The travel grant immensely helped me in easing out my financial crunch as travelling to the USA is very
expensive. Although, I did have a hard time competing with other eligible Doctors who had also
applied for the grant. ICS thoroughly verifies all the documents and provides the grant to the most
deserving one with a scrutinising committee overlooking the selection in the most transparent way.
So my advice to all my fellow ICS Members applying for grants would be to make your paper or poster
very sound in all matters and submit required documents correctly and on time.
11Q4. How was experience and what would you say to other young doctors of ICS?
I think ICS is providing a very good opportunity for young doctors to grow by supporting doctors who
require financial assistance. Early career members seldom get the opportunity to attend such
conferences. These kinds of travel grants help them not only for attending the conference but also to
present their work at an international platform. I suggest all young ICS Members to regularly visit the
ICS Website, follow them on social media platforms like their facebook and twitter handles and read all
ICS emails sent to them to know about various travel grants available time to time from various
international societies with which ICS forges tie-ups.
Q5. After your return, how many days did it take to get the grant and what is the process?
The travel grant is issued after submitting the proof of travel along with a certificate of attendance and
presentation. You also need to submit all original bills paid by you like your travel tickets. These are all
verified at the Treasurer's office. Treasurer's office took around two to four weeks for the release of
funds.
Q6. How do you feel as a receipt on the grant and on being an ICS Member?
This grant has helped me to a large extent to make ends meet and given me an opportunity to present
my work at an International forum. I am very thankful to ICS for giving me this opportunity. I would
encourage the young members of ICS to participate and make the most of the opportunities provided
by ICS. I would request Leadership of ICS to further increase the grant in view of depreciating rupee.
Your feedback and suggestions are welcomed at icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com or
visit our website www.indianchestsociety.com
12ERS Paris Report 2018
Conference of ERS is an important venue for ICS leadership to have meetings with international
societies. This meeting helped ICS to forge new relationships and bring various benefits in terms of
international grants, academic activities, Joint membership plans etc. This time too ICS had its stall at
the ERS Congress, Paris 2018 held from 15-19th September. ICS leadership was represented by Dr.
Rajesh Swarnakar, Hon Secretary, Dr. Raja Dhar, National Representative of ICS for ERS, Dr. Prashant
Chhajed, Member GB, Prof Surya Kant, Ex-President of ICS and Dr.Sundeep Salvi.
Meetings were held with office bearers of ERS, Lung Health Workshop and American College of Chest
Physicians ACCP-Chest to explore possibilities of new ventures with them. ICS in association with ERS
is keen to bring HERMES European Adult Respiratory Examination in India from next year along with
its preparatory course. This will be the first time this exam will be held outside Europe. Another
possibility being actively pursued is Joint Membership with ACCP, discussions on which are underway.
ICS has collaborated with Lung Health in its conference is at NICE from 17th-19th January 2019 giving
three travel grants for accepted abstracts of ICS Members & also the opportunity of being a “Rising
Star”.Keep visiting our website www.indianchestsociety.com for recent updates and detail
information, also follow us on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube for all latest
at ICS.
ICS Lung Health Meeting at ERS Congress Paris 2018
ICS - ERS Meeting at the ERS Congress at Paris 201
13ICS-ACCP meeting at the ERS Congress at Paris 2018
Dr. Raja Dhar, interacting with ICS members at ERS Congress Paris 2018
Dr Rajesh Swarnakar interacting with ICS members at ERS Congress Paris 2018
Dr. Surya Kant Tripathi interacting with ICS members at ERS Congress Paris 2018
Your feedback and suggestions are welcomed at icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com or
visit our website www.indianchestsociety.com
14ICS e-voting journey from
Traditional to Digital...
Mrs.Sakshi Deshmukh,
B.E,M.B.A (Mktg),
Office Executive ,Indian Chest Society,
Nagpur
Dear Friends, An active member of the college committee since
her early college days she has won several awards
Let me introduce you all to our ICS Executive who for her communications and management skills.
must have interacted with you all through her Organizing guest lectures, taking part in various
local mailers, phone, SMS etc from our ICS office. competitions and workshops include her interest
A firm Believer of “Attitude is Everything”...Mrs. while dancing and yoga being her hobbies. With
Sakshi Deshmukh has been working with the her husband Ajinkya Deshmukh, Captain in the
Indian Chest Society as an Office Executive at the Indian Army attending the call of National Duty
Secretary office in Nagpur for 1.5 years. Post posted remotely Sakshi chose to quit her lucrative
completing her MBA from the ICFAI University
job to look after her widowed mother in law in
(IBS Hyderabad) in Marketing and Operations,
Nagpur and agreed to work in Nagpur ICS office.
Mrs. Sakshi Deshmukh was working as a Business
Analyst with Genpact India, a subsidiary of G.E She was the backbone of our maiden ICS e-voting
(USA) in Bengaluru. She has also worked with an endeavour and pens her thought about her
e-commerce firm for almost 2 years, post experience during e-voting in this article.
completing her Engineering in Electronics and
Telecommunication. Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar, Secretary, ICS
It all began with a thought of making the He was surprised to know that without involving
elections at Indian Chest Society more Human Interference at all this process was now
transparent and simultaneously increasing the possible. Without wasting time I contacted some
participation of voters that e-Voting as a vendors and I kept the final list in front of Dr.
resolution was passed in Annual General Swarnakar, the same was discussed in the GB
Meeting of ICS Members at Kolkata NAPCON meeting and CDSL was the clear winner. CDSL e-
2017. Our mandate was to hold ICS Election this Voting System was approved by the Ministry of
year by only electronic voting. Dr. Rajesh Corporate Affairs (MCA) vide its circular no.
Swarnakar, Hon. Secretary of the Indian Chest 21/2011 dated 2nd May 2011. The
Society generally asked me about the e-voting Standardization Testing and Quality Certification
process, how is it conducted and what would be (STQC) has also been taken for the e-Voting
the expenses etc. I am an engineering graduate website. Additionally, the e-Voting system is also
in electronics and telecommunication although ISO 9001:2015 certified. After a detailed
we engineers do not have every answer at our presentation and exhaustive discussion with
tips, I explained some technical aspects about it Governing Body of Indian Chest Society in its
to Dr. Swarnakar. meeting, CDSL was finalized.
15The next big challenge was to have as much made the officer in charge of this election who
correct email ID as possible; this would help us himself received.
involve most of our Life Members. As it was the One to one training in e-voting process in an
first time, Governing Body of ICS instructed exclusive exhaustive session with CDSL trainers.
Two months in advance Email reminders,
CDSL to send postal information of their user ID
Facebook posts, videos and SMS were used to
& e-voting password to all members without
spread awareness before the e-voting actually
emails registered with us. But it was decided that
began. This helped us spread the word and
once they received these instructions by post helped us gain the maximum votes possible.
they will also have to go online and vote on the
CDSL E-VOTING PORTAL. I made a state-wise list From day one I could feel tremendous
of missing email ID and it was worked upon until enthusiasm not only in the nominees but also in
we had retrieved many emails and mobile life members. We were overwhelmed to receive
numbers from fellow members, pharma help hundreds of emails and phone calls every day at
etc. These were then cross-checked, verified and our secretary office. The same was the case with
then included in the final list of 1917 emails in all. the election office at Lucknow of Dr. Suryakant
sir. All these revelations made me understand
I personally made almost 200-250 phone calls
that doctors were a little less tech-savvy as
just to ensure we had the correct email ID on a
presumed earlier or/ and indeed very busy in life
regular basis. Some marketing applications like
to have time to read through our instructive
MailChimp helped me to understand the bounce emails and fish out the CDSL email from their
emails and cleaned them as well. This exercise respective registered accounts with I C S.
also helped us clean our data and make it Members most common complaint was they had
accurate. I really thank all our GB members for not received the user id and password required
their kind support during the retrieval exercise of to perform e-voting. Actually, our emails privacy
emails. and server settings are the players here and a lot
depended on them. The CDSL emails would end
A trial e-voting was also conducted a month up in spam, junk or any other section which was
prior with all GB Members to accrue faith in the not visible immediately and needed to be dug
system. The motive here was to understand the out among so many other emails received on a
system well so that there were no glitches during daily basis which led to panic in some members.
the actual process. Feedbacks and suggestions
from the esteemed GB members were noted The whole process was just three simple steps:
and implemented in the final e-voting 1.Click on Shareholders/Members on the
accordingly. www.evotingindia.in
2.Enter Userid and Password along with captcha
The final e-voting was held from 1st Aug 12 am to code whenever required
20th Aug 11.59 pm. There were in all 21 nominees 3.Choose among the nominees , Vote and submit
fighting for the Post of President, Vice-President
and Member, GB. To help members know the But this sadly seemed to be very confusing
nominees well and to make them take an initially with members copy pasting their
informed decision we had a one-pager designed credentials and putting passwords in the place of
for all nominees which would be displayed on Captcha codes. The captcha basically checks if
the website along with their names. The data the person using the system is a robot/malware
was given to the CDSL team with Dr. Suryakant, thereby ensuring that the whole e-voting
Election officer and Past President of ICS being process is safe, secured not succumbing to any
16deceptive intent. And hence system does not laws of ICS can't vote. Many of them then
take copy paste of user IDs and password. promptly sent their degrees that they had
forgotten to submit to let their associate
Based on queries and difficulties the voters faced membership be converted to life membership.
we promptly compiled a FAQs (Frequently Asked ICS Membership almost doubled of average per
Questions) and mailed them to all our members. month with 46 new life members in the month of
The frequency of doubts reduced after that but A u g u st a n d t h ey a l l wa nte d to e -vo te
until the end, we continued to help the e- immediately since life-members only till 30th
voters..! Also, our nominees who were also very June were allowed to vote we had to ask our
actively campaigning themselves as allowed in members to wait for the next year elections ….!
democratic election process cleared many Correct Address, emails phone numbers and
doubts of members and really helped us majorly new life members were all a result of the
during the election process in getting huge enthusiasm that ensued during e-voting.
numbers in e-voting. We sincerely acknowledge
nominees & voter's cooperation, patience and Out of all the successful emails delivered and
enthusiasm but at the same time seek seen by the Life Members, we were happy that
forgiveness if they had to face some 94% people voted while the overall voting was
inconveniences. 62%. On an average 54-56 people voted daily
which was not a bad number for the first time e-
Some members who were really understanding voters of ICS. We are also happy that 1117 votes
and were tech-savvy could finish the process in were registered in all which were more than two
one go. All in all, since this was the first time we times of what we recorded earlier the previous
at the Election Office expected some problems high through ballot paper election voting being
and were ready always to help the members in only 526.
casting their e-votes. I am happy to share that we
could successfully resolve 98% queries coming Just to make ICS Members more tech savvy I
through all modes in our offices very promptly have some information on email use and
although we could not help some of them who technology,
had not even updated their old postal addresses
leave alone email and mobile numbers. But the
1. Always log out from your email account when
e-voting prompted them to at least contact us
and let us correct their contacts. The you have finished your emails, as open emails
combination of Emails, SMS and Voice Prompts can be hacked easily.
helped us to a great extent in reminding the busy 2. Never copy-paste any user id and password for
doctors about ICS Elections throughout the logging in.
process. A special contest to promote and 3. Keep all your junk and spam folders clean.
motivate voters to e-vote was thought of SELFIE 4. Check emails in all the sections of your email
with the device used for e-voting was conducted account.
as well and our ICS Facebook page filled with 5. Keep updating your passwords regularly as
members selfies pouring in. So much was the they also carry important information like bank
enthusiasm that enquiries came from Associate
account details.
Members to enable them to vote which as per By
17Kindly see that you always update your email and Dr. Jyoti working hard in the election back office at
mobile numbers whenever you change them and Lucknow for her prompt actions and all GB
prompt others including your colleagues to do so. members for trusting me motivating me
Re s o l v e t o e n c o u ra g e m o r e a n d m o r e throughout the election journey. I humbly
Pulmonologists to become members of Indian apologize for any mistakes that inadvertently
Chest Society. And yes just one day before the e- might have happened.
voting had begun I met with an accident and had Concluding I congratulate all the winners and also
compound fractures in my left toes, but since we the nominees for participating in this historic e-
were striving hard to make this maiden e-voting elections of ICS.
effort a resounding success I could not rest at all They say all's well that ends well and this was
hence proved true...
and my enthusiasm which was matched in equal
amount by our revered members made me forget
Best Regards,
my pain. I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Rajesh By Mrs. Sakshi Deshmukh, B.E,M.B.A (Mktg),
Swarnakar for his vision, Dr. Suryakant for his Office Executive, Indian Chest Society, Nagpur
supervisory skills,
Your feedback and suggestions are welcomed @ icsofficeexecutive@gmail.com or
visit our website www.indianchestsociety.com
18Congratulations To The Winners Of
ICS GB Elections 2018.
On behalf of the Indian Chest Society, we welcome all our newly elected
GB members and wish them all the best for their tenure. Here is their
introduction and vision for ICS
Dr. D. J. Christopher,
President-Elect
MBBS, CMC (Vellore), PG MMC(Chennai),
advanced training UK and Australia
Past Professional Experiences:
Fellow of ICS, Royal college(UK), ACCP, Asia Pacific Society
Research awards Grand challenges, RePORT India(TB)- NIH & DBT & others. Coveted Ida-Scudder
research chair(CMC, Vellore)
130 publications, 12 chapters, 200 invited lectures
HOD CMC, Vellore- ranked 3rd Nationally - the Week Neilson survey. Set up MD, Postdoc fellowships
in Pulmonology & Allergy and BSc (respiratory therapy).
Annual workshops in Allergy, bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy and ultrasonography
Admin Experience: Deputy MS & Assoc Director
2 terms ICS South zonal chair – Several workshops, new initiatives & state societies
Founder- former president Indian association of respiratory care (IARC)
Vision For ICS :
ICS a vibrant organization will be made stronger and richer. Reciprocal membership with ERS be
extended to APSR, ACCP etc. and efforts to elevate ICS to their status. ICS resources will be used
wisely to further its objectives - Educational activities and filling the National need of quality
research. A scientific committee will scrutinize appropriate research projects for funding.
Advocacy role of ICS with the government and the civil society will increase. Focus on young
trainees and fresh postgraduates, the future of ICS - offer academic input in Napcon, workshops,
CME & conferences regionally.
19Dr. Sundeep Salvi,
Vice President
MD, DTCD, DNB, PhD(UK), FCCP(USA),
FICS, Hon FRCP (Lon)
Past Professional Experience
Director, Chest Research Foundation
Lecturer, BJ Medical College Pune and Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune (1991 – 1994)
Clinical Research Fellow, Asthma Research Unit, University of Southampton, UK (1994 – 2002)
Director, Chest Research Foundation, Pune (2002 onwards)
Elected Member of the Governing Council of Indian Chest Society for 2 terms, with one term serving
as Chairman, West Zone Chapter
Member, Board of Directors, GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease)
Member, Advisory Board, Air Pollution and Health, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
International Advisory Board Member, Lancet Respiratory Medicin
Chairman, Chronic Respiratory Disease Group, Global Burden of Disease, India
Editorial Board of several national and international journals
Highly cited Clinician Scientist, more than 250 published papers (Google Scholar Total Citation: 6287,
H-index 33)
Vision for ICS:
1. To build Indian Chest Society as a valuable knowledge generating society through promoting
research in the field of respiratory medicine by developing research networks, research capacity and
addressing simple, yet highly applicable and relevant research questions that will improve clinical
practice.
2. To develop Indian Chest Society as the prime driver of advocacy for Respiratory
Medicine in India by working with the State and Central Governments to facilitate
preventative and disease control healthcare policies.
3. To develop Indian Chest Society as a premier knowledge dissemination society
for Respiratory Medicine, through the conduct of educational activities for
postgraduate students of Respiratory Medicine and clinicians to upgrade their
knowledge and skills in order to relieve the suffering or people with respiratory
diseases.
20Dr. Raja Dhar,
ICS Governing Body Member
MD (Respiratory Medicine),
MRCP (UK) CCST (UK), FCCP (USA)
Past Professional Experiences
Working in Fortis Kolkata as the Director of Pulmonology. I set up the Department of Pulmonology
here and it has been acclaimed as a Center of Excellence in Pulmonology amongst all Fortis hospitals
in India. We have a robust academic structure with our DNB and Fellowship Programs. I completed my
MD in Respiratory Medicine in the year 2000 and thereafter went for further training to the UK.
Completed MRCP (UK) and then their structured training Program in Respiratory Medicine and
Intensive Care. I also completed an MSc in Evidence-Based Medicine from Teeside University which
has facilitated my Clinical Research work in India. I then worked as a Respiratory Consultant at St
James' Hospital in Leeds. I came back to India in 2009 and started working as a Respiratory Consultant
in Apollo before taking on my current mantle.
Vision for ICS:
I envision the Indian Chest Society leading the Academics and Research in India We have taken giant
strides in building bridges with other International Society (like ERS) but there is much more to
achieve. These bridges should facilitate training of the bright young brigade in the best of centres in
the world. I also want to build up robust training, fellowship and preceptorship programs in the
country to train Pulmonologists in Centers of Excellence. We have made some progress in furthering
collaborative Research under the umbrella of the ICS but this needs to be greatly enhanced to include
Pulmonologists from Tier 2 and 3 cities. I want to promote the concept of Electronic record keeping in
every Pulmonologists OPD so that building up robust Disease Registries becomes feasible. The ICS has
to become the mouthpiece for every Pulmonologist in the country.
21Dr. Deepak Talwar
ICS Governing Body Member,
DM (Respiratory & Critical Care)
Past Professional Experiences
1. V. P. Chest Institute Delhi worked as Resident medical officer w.e.f. July 1983 till March 1986. This was
a three-year residency in Respiratory Diseases while doing Diploma and MD post-graduation.
2. R. M. L. Hospital Delhi worked ad Medical officer Incharge Respiratory Labs and Senior Resident
Medicine for three years W. e. f. April 1986 till June 1989.
3. PGI Chandigarh worked as Post Doctoral Fellow in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine for two years
w. e. f. July 1989 till June 1991.
4. L. N. J. P. N. Hospital Delhi worked as Senior Medical officer cum Incharge Respiratory Division for one
year w. e. f. July 1991 till April 1992.
5. Assir Central Hospital KSA, worked as Consultant Pulmonologist for six years w. e. f. June 1992 till July
1998.
6. Metro Group of Hospital, worked as Director & Chair Metro Centre for Respiratory Disease w. e. f.
August 1998 till date.
I am working in Metro group of Hospitals for last 20 years as Director & Chair of Pulmonary & Critical
care, which is the academic centre and has DNB training program in Pulmonary Medicine since 2008
with 3+3 PG seats every year. We run Fellowship programs in Interventional Pulmonology, Critical
Care, Sleep Medicine and Allergy & Immunology. We run one of the best Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Program in the country. I have a deep interest in research and teaching activities in which I'm engaged
for last 30 years ever since doing my Post Doctoral Fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine from PGIMER
Chandigarh in 1991. I intend to work for better training and providing research opportunities to our
young and fresh colleagues in all aspects of Pulmonology so that they are future ready in this ever
expanding and developing the field.
Vision for ICS:
I would work for bringing new research projects under ICS banner, which would fill the gaps in the
existing knowledge of Pulmonary Diseases in India e.g. Sarcoidosis, Exposure-related diseases and
phenotyping of Pulmonary Hypertension and Severe airway diseases. I would also work to create
newer opportunities to learn new and innovative interventions for our younger colleagues e.g. in
interventions and in critical care.
22Dr. Shubhankar Kandi,
ICS Governing Body Member
MD, FAGE, FICS FCCP (USA)
Past Professional Experiences
Chair International Council of Global Governors & Board of Regent - American College of Chest
Physicians (CHEST)
Membership Committee-CHEST
Member – Community service awards- Chest Foundation
Zonal Task Force Chairman RNTCP- SouthZone-1
Central Council Member IMA
Member – Technical Committee of TB Association of Andhra Pradesh.
Air Born Infection Control Committee
Technical Committee for guidelines on first line Anti-TB drugs (Daily regimen)
Technical Committee- Indian standards of TB care.
National Operational Research committee- RNTCPA vision for this ICS post
State Coordinator for Swine flu - Andhra Pradesh
President IMA - Hyderabad North-2013-2014
State Task force Chairman RNTCP Andhra Pradesh-2006-2010
Honorary Secretary IMA -Hyderabad North2006-2010
Treasurer AP Government Doctors Osmania Unit II - 2005
President AP Junior doctors Association-1985
Vision this ICS:
tion to the cause of Indian Chest Society. I wish to retain and further strengthen the role of ICS as a
premier organization representing professionals who promote pulmonary health throughout India.
I desire to build and strengthen the membership with innovative leadership and unflagging energy.
My vision is to involve ICS in identifying the current and future educational needs of the doctors
practising pulmonary medicine and provide quality CME initiatives towards changing clinical practice,
thus making it a vibrant organization.
I will explore the opportunities to conduct multicentric research projects under ICS banner.
23Dr. Indranil Halder,
Zonal-Chairperson East
MBBS, DCH, MD, FCCP, FICP
Past Professional Experiences
Served as a specialist medical officer in ESI Hospital of West Bengal since 1997. Conducted various
works in occupational health under the ESI. Joined medical education as Assistant Professor in
College of Medicine and JNM Hospital, Kalyani, under the West Bengal University of Health Sciences.
Conducted various research works in Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, COPD and Tuberculosis. Conducted
various scientific seminar in District, State and National level.
Vision for ICS:
I will work with commitment and dedication to the cuse of Indian Chest Society. I do solemnly affirm
that I would do the best of my ability to preserve, protect and defend the integrity of ICS and carry
forward the untiring efforts of the previous chairpersons to uphold the responsibility of the ICS. My
focus of action would be to conduct training programmes both for the postgraduates and regular
updating programmes for practising pulmonologists, in newer aspects of research methodology,
FOB, Critical Care, Thoracic Imaging, Sleep Medicine and its application in broader aspects for the
benefit of our society at large. It is a heavy responsibility and if elected I would do my best to
discharge my duties faithfully in the best interest of ICS.
24Dr. Rakesh Chawla,
Zonal-Chairperson North
MBBS, MD, FCCP (USA)
Past Professional Experiences
Sr. Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Critical Care and Sleep Disorders Delhi. He is one of the
topmost Interventional Pulmonologist with 30 + years of experience. He is a pioneer in the
endobronchial placement of glue in cases of hemoptysis. He has been conferred with appreciation
award by Honorary Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Honourable former President of India). He was chair
(head) of the rare lung, airway and pleura disorder (USA), WABIP. He is the recipient of prestigious OA
Sarma Oration of ICS at NAPCON 2015. He is member Governing Council ICS. I am an Interventional
Pulmonologist in Delhi. I have invested my 2 years working as member governing council and is trying
to take ICS forward. During my tenure, I have done basic bronchoscopy workshops for budding chest
physician at Delhi, Dehradun, Bhiwani and Guwahati. I have done CME under the aegis of ICS with our
annual conference of Replicon India.
Vision for ICS:
My all efforts are to have academic excellence and spread education through ICS. You can have faith in
me and write me what more should be done, I should try to have those changes.
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