BEACON 2025: Illuminating Medical Careers and Honouring Young Doctors

BEACON 2025, held on 24th June 2025 at the SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, was a flagship intercollege event designed to empower and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. The event brought together medical students and junior doctors from across institutions for a day of career guidance, mentorship, and celebration.

Organised by the Indian Medical Association – Tamil Nadu State Branch (IMA TNSB) through its Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN) and Medical Students’ Network (MSN), in collaboration with IMA SRM Potheri, and in association with SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre and SRM Global Hospitals, BEACON 2025 successfully provided a platform for students to explore career paths both within and beyond clinical medicine.

The objectives of the event were clear: to celebrate Young Doctors’ Day by recognising the commitment and potential of young medical professionals, to expose students to diverse career options within medicine and allied fields, and to encourage holistic development and multidisciplinary understanding. From traditional specialisations and civil services to medico-legal careers and hospital administration, the event covered a wide range of opportunities, affirming the need for comprehensive career awareness among future doctors.

The program began with a series of impactful technical sessions. Dr. Arvind Radhakrishnan (UPSC AIR 80 – 2024) opened the day with a session titled “Why the Civil Services Might Be Your Calling – Even as a Doctor,” shedding light on the potential of doctors in public administration. Dr. Ramprasad Arangasamy, Cruise Doctor at MSC Cruises, followed with “Sea, Scrubs & Stories,” offering a glimpse into life as a cruise ship physician. Dr. Pushkar Pazhani, Senior Registrar (Neurology) at SIMS, provided a practical roadmap for pursuing NEET PG and a career in Neurology. Clinical super-specialities were also explored, with Dr. Muralidharan T.R., Director of Cardiac Sciences at SRM Global, presenting “Heartlines: Mapping a Career in Cardiology.”

Career options beyond the stethoscope were discussed in detail during the latter half of the day. Dr. T. Nirmal Fredrick, NABH Expert, delivered a session on quality assurance and accreditation in healthcare titled “From Patient Safety to Policy.” Dr. T.N. Ravishankar, a dual practitioner of medicine and law, spoke on “From Clinics to Cross-Examinations,” highlighting the intersection of medical and legal professions. This was followed by an insightful talk by Dr. Illankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO of Apollo Hospitals, on hospital leadership and administration titled “Bedside to Boardroom.”

The inaugural ceremony was marked by dignified proceedings. It began with the IMA and Physician prayers, followed by a flag salute. Dr. V. Sathyanarayanan, President of IMA SRM Potheri, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean (Medical), SRMMCHRC, delivered the inaugural address. Dr. P. Senguttuvan, State President of IMA TNSB, presented the presidential address, followed by inspiring words from key IMA leaders including Dr. K.M. Abul Hassan, Past President – IMA TNSB; Dr. S. Karthick Prabhu, Hon. State Secretary – IMA TNSB; and Dr. Rajesh Babu, IMA AMS Chairman. Dr. V.S. Hariharan, Chairman – IMA JDN TNSB, concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks. Two new student bodies were officially inaugurated: the IMA JDN SRM Council and the IMA MSN SRM Council.

Post-lunch, the event shifted into a lighter mood with entertainment and cultural celebrations. A stand-up comedy performance by Dr. Murugunandham K, Urologist and Humorist, titled “Stress, Salaries & Satire – A Doctor’s Corporate Survival Guide,” brought laughter and relief to the audience. This was followed by cultural performances and a DJ session, wrapping up the day with high energy and camaraderie.

The event was graced by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries from the IMA and SRM leadership.

~ Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Dean (Medical) & Pro Vice Chancellor (MHS), SRMMCHRC
~ Dr. V.P. Chandrasekaran, COO, SRM Global Hospitals
~ Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent, SRMMCHRC
~ Dr. M. Logaraj, Associate Dean – Quality Assurance, SRMMCHRC
~ Dr. S. Sundara Pandian, Associate Dean – Alumni Affairs, SRMMCHRC
~ Dr. P. Senguttuvan, State President, IMA
~ Dr. K.M. Abul Hassan, Past President, IMA
~ Dr. S. Karthick Prabhu, Hon. State Secretary, IMA

Student representatives of the IMA MSN & JDN SRM Councils included Samanyu Kumar Senthil (Chairperson), Shruthi Rajaram (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Ashwin Rangan A (JDN Chairperson), Dr. S. Kandeshwaran (Vice Chairperson, IMA JDN SRMMCH), and several General and Joint Secretaries. Representing IMA JDN & MSN TNSB was Dr. V.S. Hariharan (Chairman – JDN). Office bearers from IMA SRM Potheri included Dr. V. Sathyanarayanan (President), Dr. R. Swaminathan Veeraswamy (Vice President), Dr. S. Hariprasad (Secretary), Dr. P. Kala (Treasurer), and Dr. C.M. Dhileeban (Joint Secretary).

BEACON 2025 stood out as a landmark event that effectively blended academic learning, career exploration, personal development, and cultural unity. It served as a testament to the vision shared by IMA and SRM institutions—to nurture competent, compassionate, and well-rounded healthcare professionals prepared for the evolving demands of medicine in India and beyond.