Family Adoption Program 2025 Batch Inaugurated at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre

The Department of Community Medicine at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre inaugurated the Family Adoption Program (FAP) for the 2025 batch on January 2, 2026, marking the beginning of an important phase of community-based medical training.

Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Dr. V. V. Anantharaman, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, outlined the structured framework designed for effective implementation of the program. He informed that Kayarambadu village was selected as the field practice area after a series of field visits, detailed discussions with staff, and due permission from the district health department.

To ensure focused mentorship and guidance, students have been divided into twelve groups, each comprising 20–22 students. Every group will be supported by a dedicated team consisting of a faculty member, a paramedical staff member, and two postgraduate students. Following the inauguration, the teams proceeded to the field area where each student will be allotted five households for continuous follow-up.

Prof. Anantharaman emphasised that the primary objective of the program is to ensure that Indian Medical Graduates receive equal exposure to community settings, in addition to clinical environments. He stressed the importance of regular attendance and active participation, encouraging students to document their visits responsibly, including geo-tagged photographs with their allotted families. He assured them of his full support throughout the program.

An overview of the FAP was presented by Prof. Dr. M. Logaraj, Associate Dean (Quality Control). He explained that the program was previously known as the Family Advisory Program and was conceptualised to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery between rural and urban populations. Through this initiative, each institution adopts approximately 3,750 families, collectively creating a significant impact on public health coverage across the state.

He highlighted that the program enables students to understand the social determinants of health. Common illnesses such as tuberculosis, typhoid, and anaemia are influenced not only by biological and environmental factors but also by poverty, overcrowded living conditions, inadequate ventilation, and poor housing. The program also facilitates awareness and outreach of government health schemes to rural communities, where lack of information often limits access.

Prof. Logaraj further noted that the initiative provides a valuable opportunity for students to cultivate communication skills. During the initial visit, students are required to establish rapport with families and exchange contact information. In subsequent visits, they will collect demographic, social, nutritional, and economic data. From the second year onwards, with enhanced clinical exposure and guidance from faculty and postgraduate students, they will develop family-specific health plans.

In her inaugural address, Prof. Dr. K. V. Leela, Associate Dean (UG), reflected on the traditional concept of the “Family Doctor,” where a physician provided holistic care to an entire household based on trust and familiarity. She observed that although the number of medical graduates has increased, healthcare coverage in rural areas still requires strengthening. The Family Adoption Program, she said, offers a meaningful platform to address this gap.

She encouraged students to be sincere in data collection and logbook documentation, noting that the information gathered will serve as a valuable repository for research, evaluation, analysis, and policy development. She also appreciated the leadership and meticulous planning of Prof. Dr. V. V. Anantharaman in executing the program successfully.

Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Sathyanarayanan, Associate Dean (Student Affairs), described the FAP as their formal entry into real-world medical practice. He remarked that medical education extends beyond classrooms and laboratories and is deeply rooted in interactions with real people and families. He urged students to approach the program with curiosity, humility, and courage, emphasising that understanding people precedes understanding disease.

Quoting Sir William Osler, he reminded students that a good physician treats the disease, but a great physician treats the patient as a whole person. He stressed that empathetic listening and genuine engagement with families would shape them into compassionate healthcare professionals.

The inauguration was coordinated by Associate Professor Dr. M. S. Regan and Assistant Professor Dr. Glannie A. R., with Dr. G. Sushmitha, Senior Resident, serving as Assistant Coordinator. The Vote of Thanks was delivered at the end of the session.