CIDSCON 2023: A Showcase of Clinical Infectious Diseases Expertise in India

The 13th Annual Conference of Clinical Infectious Diseases Society, India (CIDSCON 2023) was held in Chennai from 7th to 9th July 2023, with a pre-conference workshop on 6th July. The conference brought together experts, researchers, practitioners and students from various fields of infectious diseases to share their knowledge, experience and insights on the latest developments and challenges in the field.

The pre-conference workshop featured four parallel sessions on antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, diagnostic stewardship and clinical microbiology, each catering to different levels of expertise and interest. The workshop sessions were interactive, engaging and informative, with case-based discussions, group projects and hands-on exercises.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the session on Metrics 1 - (Outcome) Antibiotic consumption and presenting it, conducted by Dr. Grace Mary John, a renowned infectious diseases specialist and antimicrobial stewardship expert from Chennai. Dr. Grace Mary John explained the importance of measuring and monitoring antibiotic use in healthcare settings, and demonstrated how to use various tools and methods to collect, analyze and present antibiotic consumption data. She also shared her experience and best practices in implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in different settings, and answered the queries and doubts of the participants.

Dr.Grace Mary John was also an invited speaker for the main conference, where she delivered a plenary lecture on “Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global Threat and a Local Challenge”. She discussed the current scenario of antimicrobial resistance in India and globally, and highlighted the need for coordinated action from all stakeholders to combat this menace. She also suggested some practical strategies and solutions to improve antibiotic prescribing, infection prevention and control, surveillance and research in the country.

Dr.Grace Mary John’s sessions were well-received by the audience, who appreciated her expertise, clarity and enthusiasm. She was also felicitated by the organizers for her valuable contribution to the field of infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.

CIDSCON 2023 was a successful event that showcased the clinical infectious diseases expertise in India, and provided a platform for networking, learning and collaboration among the participants. The conference also featured several other eminent speakers, panel discussions, symposia, oral presentations and poster sessions on various topics related to infectious diseases. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks from the organizing committee, who thanked all the speakers, delegates, sponsors and partners for their support and participation.