3rd Rastogi–Dash Clinical Case Conference Celebrates Legacy of Excellence in Endocrinology

3rd Rastogi–Dash Clinical Case Conference Celebrates Legacy of Excellence in Endocrinology

“Prevention is the Soul of Endocrinology; Lifestyle is the First Prescription” — Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER

Chandigarh 28 March ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The Department of Endocrinology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) today inaugurated the prestigious two-day 3rd Rastogi–Dash Clinical Case Conference, themed on Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEP-NETs) . The conference brings together eminent national and international experts, distinguished alumni, and faculty to deliberate on complex clinical cases and emerging advances in endocrinology. The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, who delivered an inspiring address. Underscoring the clinical rigor of earlier times, he noted that each patient was once treated as a complete academic exercise, fostering deep diagnostic insight and critical thinking. Emphasizing contemporary relevance, he stated that while advanced investigations define modern endocrinology, “prevention remains its soul,” particularly in addressing the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.

Drawing from personal experience, Prof. Lal highlighted the transformative potential of lifestyle modification in disease reversal and strongly advocated preventive healthcare and physical fitness as foundational to medical practice. He urged young endocrinologists to lead by example and uphold the values established by the Institute’s founding stalwarts. Paying rich tributes to the legendary Prof. R. J. Dash and Dr. Gopal Krishan Rastogi , Prof. Lal described them as visionary pioneers and karmayogis who laid the foundation of endocrinology at PGIMER. Reflecting on their unmatched dedication, he shared evocative anecdotes highlighting their commitment to patient care and academics, remarking that “nothing came close to their dedication and pursuit of excellence.”

Prof. Lal also commended the Department of Endocrinology for its exemplary service delivery despite managing a disproportionately high load of complex cases, noting with appreciation the absence of complaints. He assured continued institutional support towards strengthening faculty and infrastructure in view of the rapidly rising burden of endocrine disorders. Earlier, Prof. Sanjay Bhadada, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, welcomed the dignitaries and set the academic tone for the conference. He highlighted that the Rastogi–Dash Clinical Case Conference has evolved into a nationally respected academic platform that upholds the rich clinical tradition of PGIMER, where patient-centric learning remains paramount. He emphasized that the conference is uniquely designed as a purely case-based forum, encouraging analytical thinking, open dialogue, and peer learning, where even the most experienced clinicians participate as learners.

Prof. Bhadada underlined that this year’s theme on Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEP-NETs) reflects the growing clinical complexity and diagnostic challenges in the field. He noted that such focused deliberations are essential to bridge gaps between evolving evidence, multidisciplinary care, and real-world clinical practice. He also acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of premier institutions across the country and the valuable contributions of distinguished alumni and international faculty, including Prof. Sumita Dash and Prof. Pankaj Shah from Mayo Clinic, in enriching the academic discourse. Highlighting the department’s growing academic and research excellence, he noted that PGIMER received a ₹200 crore extramural grant last year for research initiatives, of which ₹50 crore has been brought by the Department of Endocrinology—underscoring its leadership in cutting-edge endocrine research.

Reaffirming the department’s commitment to excellence, Prof. Bhadada emphasized the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation in addressing the rising burden of endocrine disorders, while carrying forward the legacy of the Institute’s founding stalwarts. In a moment of pride and reflection, senior stalwarts Dr. R. V. Jayakumar and Dr. S. Murthy were conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to endocrinology. A special segment showcasing the life journeys and enduring legacy of Dr. Gopal Krishan Rastogi and Prof. R. J. Dash deeply resonated with the audience, celebrating their profound influence on generations of clinicians and academicians.

The conference also featured an extensive e-poster session, presenting rare and challenging cases from premier institutions across the country, including AIIMS Jodhpur, SGPGI Lucknow, Amrita Institute Kochi, and PGIMER Chandigarh. The presentations highlighted unusual clinical scenarios such as MEN-1 in the postpartum period, rare pheochromocytoma mutations, and innovative surgical approaches in complex endocrine tumors. The inaugural day was marked by rich academic deliberations with focused sessions on therapeutic advances in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), encompassing both functioning and non-functioning as well as syndromic NETs. Discussions highlighted evolving roles of targeted therapies, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), and long-term somatostatin analogue use, reflecting the rapidly advancing therapeutic landscape.

Complex case-based discussions—including insulinoma recurrence, MEN-1–associated tumors, ectopic ACTH production, and metastatic NETs—underscored the depth of clinical engagement and the importance of nuanced, individualized care. Importantly, the conference strongly emphasized the indispensable role of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of gastroenteropancreatic NETs, integrating expertise from endocrinology, gastroenterology, radiology, nuclear medicine, and surgical specialties. This collaborative framework was highlighted as essential for optimizing diagnosis, staging, therapeutic decision-making, and long-term outcomes in these complex disorders. The conference will continue tomorrow with further high-level academic deliberations and case-based discussions.