GKNMH Holds 2nd Edition of Thoracic Ultrasound and ECHO Workshop
The Department of Interventional Pulmonology at G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital (GKNMH), a well-established centre for respiratory care for 22 years, organised the 2nd edition of the Thoracic Ultrasound & Basic ECHO Workshop on 4th July 2026 in association with the Coimbatore Respiratory Society, driven by the belief that “Ultrasound is the Stethoscope of the Future.”
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, along with Dr. S. Keertivasan, Secretary of the Coimbatore Respiratory Society. Consultants from GKNMH’s Interventional Pulmonology team — Dr. Sundarakumar, Dr. Senthilkumar, Dr. Vijayaravindh, and Dr. Harivignesh — were also present. The event was part of GKNMH’s ongoing efforts to promote point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in pulmonology and critical care. Around 100 delegates from across the country actively participated.
Workshop Highlights:
- Interactive case-based discussions in pulmonology, critical care, and emergency medicine
- Reputed faculty from pulmonology, intensive care medicine, and emergency medicine
- Hands-on training provided to participants on animal models and mannequins
- Two exclusive workstations dedicated to Basic ECHO training
The hands-on workshop focused on enhancing diagnostic and procedural skills in bedside thoracic ultrasonography — a fast-evolving tool in respiratory medicine. It was led by senior pulmonologists and ultrasound experts from across the country.
The workshop included scientific sessions, live demonstrations, and skill stations covering both basic and advanced procedures. Dr. Sundarakumar, Head, Department of Interventional Pulmonology, emphasised the growing importance of lung ultrasound in bedside care: “In an era of non-invasive, rapid diagnostics, lung ultrasound is becoming an essential skill for every pulmonologist. This workshop aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.” Dr. Vijayaravindh, Interventional Pulmonologist and Organising Secretary, along with the hospital’s team of pulmonologists Dr. Senthilkumar and Dr. Harivignesh, conducted the workshop.
Attendees appreciated the structured learning modules and one-on-one guidance provided during the hands-on sessions. Many hailed it as a timely initiative to upgrade clinical competencies in a resource-effective manner, especially in emergency and ICU settings. Participants practised real-time scanning techniques using high-end ultrasound machines on mannequin models, animal models, and patient volunteers.
GKNM Hospital, a reputed tertiary care centre, continues to serve as a hub for academic excellence and skill-based medical education in South India. With the success of this program, the Pulmonology Department plans to make the lung ultrasound workshop an annual fixture and establish a “Centre of Excellence for Learning Thoracic Ultrasound” to disseminate skills and build a stronger community of ultrasound-trained respiratory care physicians. The event concluded with certificate distribution and an interactive Q&A session, fostering collaboration and continuous learning among participants.