The postgraduate study day on subfertility, a two-day comprehensive program for postgraduate trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology was held on the 31st of January and 1st of February 2025 as a joint organization of the Study Board of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Of note is the fact that this is the first time such a session has taken place in Jaffna, with a bar set high for future projects
The program was spearheaded by Dr. Madhava Karunarathna, Chairman, Board of Study (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, and Dr. S. Raguraman, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
Thirty-one postgraduate trainees were received at the Clinical Training and Research Block (CTRB) at noon on the 31st of January 2025 with Lunch, followed by a lecture on the overview and assessment of subfertile couples by Dr. S. Raguraman. A practical session regarding semen analysis, results interpretation, and sperm processing for Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), along with a visit to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) simulation laboratory was conducted in groups by Dr. S. Raguraman, Ms. T. Sukirthan, and Ms. S, Abirame. An exam-style case-based discussion was conducted by Dr. S. Raguraman and Dr. Madhava Karunarathna, where a history was presented and important pointers for the exam were discussed. The day concluded with dinner at the Valampuri Hotel, during which Dr. S. Raguraman led a discussion about the basics of ART, which prompted many enthusiastic questions from the trainees, producing a lively discussion.
Day two of the study program commenced with a visit to the Women’s Health Initiative Centre at Divisional Hospital, Kondavil, and a lecture on comprehensive management of subfertile couples was conducted by Dr. S. Kumaran, Consultant Family Physician and Senior Lecturer, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. The trainees were given the opportunity to observe the various units functioning within the centre.
Next was a visit to the Women’s Health Centre, Teaching Hospital Jaffna, with a hands-on training session on ultrasound scans in subfertility care by Dr S. Raguraman, Dr Madhava Karunarathna, and Dr Prageeth Thilakarathne. The trainees then returned to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (at CTRB) for a lecture on male infertility by Dr. B. Balagobi, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. After a lecture on the ethical aspects of subfertility care by Dr. S. Raguraman, the session broke for lunch and was reconvened for an OSCE discussion. The trainees actively participated in the discussion, and Dr. Madhava Karunarathna and Dr. S. Raguraman provided guidance.
Feedback was shared at the closing of the session, and certificates were distributed. Following the vote of thanks, the informative and elaborate two-day program concluded with tea, photographs, and a hearty send-off to the trainees.
