The Amrita Hospital in Faridabad had its inaugural Molecular Lab Open Day to showcase the evolution of the hospital’s capabilities in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics as well as providing opportunities for clinicians, students and the greater community to participate in a hands-on science experience. A full day of programming was provided in the form of scientific presentations, demonstration of interactive learning zones, and collaborative discussions that illustrated the many ways in which advanced molecular technologies will continue to transform the future of health care.
The Open Day began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony to invoke the blessings of Amma and to establish a positive environment for the day’s activities. Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad and Dr. Satish Khattar, President, HMC Government of Haryana.
The presence of esteemed individuals exemplified how innovation-driven healthcare in the region will continue to flourish. The Head of Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics at Amrita Hospital, Dr. Moushumi Suryavanshi, was the driving force behind the organisation of the Open Day and many elements of the programming were delivered in partnership with the Department of Pathology and School of AI and Healthcare.
Leading experts were present at the scientific sessions to discuss topics related to oncology and molecular medicine. Experts included Dr. Abhishek Raj (HOD, Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension), Dr. Prashant Mehta (Program Head, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad), Dr. Priya Tiwari (Head, Medical Oncology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram) and Dr. Shefali Sardana (Lead Consultant-Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi), who provided presentations focused on the areas of molecular oncology and RNA sequencing applications as well as on the significance of oncology care driven by genomics and advanced molecular assays, all of which influence clinical decision-making and ultimately impact patient outcomes. This collaboration fostered increased scientific dialogue and enhanced collaboration among specialists from different institutions.
One unique highlight of the scientific sessions was our introduction of Geno (the mascot for GENO, the Molecular Lab) via an engaging story called "Geno's Grand Tour", which took each attendee through the universe of molecular diagnostics. "Geno's Grand Tour" involved brief, visual presentations that were intended to explain scientific concepts related to molecular genetics in a simplified manner so that anyone attending could understand these complex topics and their importance for patient care.
Overall, the scientific sessions were a great success and generated various opportunities for collaboration within the field of oncology/molecular medicine.
At the launch of the Decode Life Carnival, a key part of the Open Day celebration, a ribbon was cut to ceremonially open this unique hands-on learning experience with molecular science, across 10 different thematic learning stations. The Decode Life Carnival allowed for hands-on and experimental learning opportunities with molecular science through i.e. “GenomeVerse VR – AI & Genomics”, and “Inside the Sequencer –NGS & Oncology”, which both provided visitors with the chance to experience both virtual and real-laboratory environments; and “Amplify It! – Real-Time PCR” and “From Code To Cure – Bioinformatics” both provided an opportunity for visitors to view how genetic information is amplified, decoded and implemented into clinical practice.
“Family Genes Clinic – Hereditary Cancer” and “The Genetic Detective – Rare Diseases” both illustrated how genetics can play a role in the development of hereditary and rare disorders; while “Right Drug, Right Dose – Pharmacogenomics”; “Liquid Gold Station – Liquid Biopsy”; “The Color Lab – Immunohistochemistry”; and “Genes & You – Wellness Genomics” demonstrated the ever-expanding breadth and scope of personalised medicine.
During the Decode Life Carnival, participants interacted with hands-on models, real-life examples through case discussions, and expert consulting by interacting with experts who connected fundamental principles of molecular science to real patient experiences. Booths were designed for attendee curiosity and questioning resulting in opportunities to learn how multiple technologies (e.g. VR testing scenarios, next generation sequencing, liquid biopsy, immunohistochemistry, etc.) came together in an integrated approach to patient care based on diagnosis. This was one of many ways that medical students and new professionals were provided access to see current tools and techniques at work in a lab setting, as well as under the same timeliness associated with everyday duties as a healthcare provider.
The Molecular Lab Open Day attracted a large number of individuals from different backgrounds (e.g. physicians, pathologists, researchers, medical/allied health students, lab technologists/volume producers, and genomics enthusiasts) from all over Amrita Hospital. The event was an opportunity for individuals from different fields and areas to connect with each other, network and share information creating a collaborative network of medical professionals (laboratory scientists, AI specialists, oncologists and administration) from a wide variety of disciplines.
In addition, there were many other partners and collaborators related to molecular diagnostics who were part of the project, thus validating the creation of an ever-growing environment for advanced laboratories in relation to testing and translational research occurring within India’s NCR region.
The Open Day has shown the public that at the end of the day, molecular diagnostics is not merely a complex laboratory procedure but a far more patient centred part of future proof healthcare. The initiative has brought together the gap between laboratory and patient with respect to using information derived from genes and biomarkers to help guide prevention, early detection, targeted treatment and prolonged disease monitoring. As part of Amrita Hospital’s commitment to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art healthcare, the inaugural Molecular Lab Open Day provided a solid base upon which to build ongoing education, collaboration and innovation in precision medicine for the communities it serves.
