Manipal, 2^nd September 2024 – The Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), in a strategic collaboration with the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Kasturba Hospital, successfully hosted the highly anticipated "Nutrition Update 2024" at Sharada Hall, MCHP, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. This significant event, held in alignment with Rashtriya Poshan Maah, brought together some of the most esteemed professionals and scholars in the field of clinical nutrition to discuss the latest advancements, trends, and innovations in nutritional science.

The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital. Dr. Shetty's address provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of clinical nutrition, emphasising the critical role of nutrition in modern healthcare. He highlighted the increasing importance of evidence-based practices and the need for continuous innovation in the field to meet the growing demands of patient care. His insights set a thoughtful and engaging tone for the rest of the day's proceedings.

Adding to the gravitas of the event was the presence of several distinguished dignitaries. These included Dr. G. Arun Maiya, the Dean of MCHP, who has been instrumental in fostering a culture of academic excellence and research at the institution. The event was further enriched by the participation of Associate Deans Dr. Venkataraja Aithal U and Dr. B. Reshmi, who are recognised for their significant contributions to the fields of clinical nutrition and dietetics. Mr. Jibu Thomas, Associate Director of Operations, also played a key role in supporting the event, alongside Mrs. Suvarna Hebbar, the In-charge Dietician and Coordinator of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, whose leadership and expertise have been pivotal in organising this conference.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a series of in-depth expert sessions that explored critical aspects of nutrition and dietetics. Dr. G. Arun Maiya, Professor and Dean of MCHP, shared his extensive knowledge on the "Assessment of Body and Its Interpretation." His presentation delved into the complexities of body metrics, offering the audience a deeper understanding of how these measurements can be accurately interpreted and utilised in clinical settings. His session underscored the significance of precise body assessments in diagnosing and treating various health conditions, making it an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals.

Following Dr. Maiya's session, Mrs. Sreemathy Venkatraman, a distinguished Clinical Dietitian and Wellness Nutritionist from Trustwell Hospitals, Bangalore, delivered a compelling presentation on "Emerging Concepts in Critical Care Nutrition." She explored the latest advancements in the field, emphasising innovative approaches to optimise nutritional support for critically ill patients and their positive impact on patient outcomes. Her session offered practical insights for application in clinical settings.

Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Bhakti Samant, Chief Dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, and Honorary Joint Secretary of IAPEN's Mumbai Chapter, led an engaging session on "Decoding Diagnostics." She provided a clear overview of diagnostic techniques in clinical nutrition, helping the audience understand how to apply these methods effectively in practice.

"Nutrition Update 2024" drew a diverse and enthusiastic audience, including industry professionals, healthcare providers, scholars, and students. The event fostered a dynamic environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, highlighting the importance of evidence-based nutrition and reaffirming the commitment of both MCHP and Kasturba Hospital to advancing nutritional science and practice.