Physiology and applied sciences in Nepal: 1st annual conference

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Medical Education
• Scientific Societies

Background:

• Nepal's medical education sector has expanded, leading to a growing number of physiologists.
• The first medical school in Nepal was established in the 1970s.
• There was a recognized need for a formal organization to support Nepalese physiologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the inaugural conference of Nepalese physiologists.
• To document the progress made towards establishing a national physiological society.
• To foster collaboration among physiologists in Nepal.

Main Methods:

• The first annual conference of Nepalese physiologists was held on September 27-28, 2013.
• Organized by the Department of Clinical Physiology, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS) and Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUMS).
• Included plenary presentations on relevant topics and an open session for establishing the society.

Main Results:

• The conference successfully brought together physiologists from various medical schools across Nepal.
• Foreign experts from India, Israel, Italy, Japan, and Sweden participated.
• Key discussions focused on high-altitude physiology and wilderness medicine.
• An agreement was reached to register the Nepalese Physiological Society in Kathmandu.

Conclusions:

• The conference served as a crucial platform for the formation of the Nepalese Physiological Society.
• The establishment of this society is expected to strengthen physiological research and education in Nepal.
• The collaborative efforts of NAIHS and KUMS were instrumental in this initiative.