A National Conference on "Redefining Neuropsychiatry: Innovation, Integration & Holistic Approaches for a Changing World"
Jan 23, 2026
A National Conference on "Redefining Neuropsychiatry: Innovation, Integration & Holistic Approaches for a Changing World" was successfully organized by the Department of Mental Health Nursing, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College (Deemed to be University), on 23rd January 2026 at the EMD Auditorium, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru. The conference began with registration from 8:30 am to 9:00 am. Following registration, a Pre-test was administered to all participants before the commencement of the first scientific session. The first session was held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on the topic "Understanding the Brain-Mind Connection: Foundations for Neuropsychiatry", delivered by Dr. Anil Kakunje, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru. The speaker provided deep insights into the neurobiological and psychological foundations of mental health, highlighting the relevance of mind-brain integration in neuropsychiatric practice.
The Inaugural Session was held from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, marking the formal opening of the conference. The program was graced by the esteemed presence of:
- Chief Guest: Dr. Fathima Dsilva, Principal, Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences
- Chief Guest: Dr. Gangadara Somayaji, Vice Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
- Guest of Honour: Dr. B. H. Sripathi Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
- Guest of Honour: Dr. B.T Nandish , Registrar I/C, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
- Presided by: Dr. Leena K. C., Principal, Yenepoya Nursing College
The dignitaries emphasized the importance of innovation, ethical research, and holistic approaches in neuropsychiatric nursing and mental health care. The session concluded with High Tea, providing an opportunity for informal interaction among participants and faculty.
The second session, conducted from 10:45 am to 11:45 am, featured a lecture on "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Neurology" by Dr. Vinny Wilson, Professor, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. The session highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in diagnosis, management, and prognosis of neurological disorders, emphasizing its implications for future healthcare practice.
From 11:45 am to 12:45 pm, the third session focused on "Neuropsychiatric Challenges and Mental Health Outcomes in Critical Care Survivors", presented by Dr. Anoop Kumar A. S, Director, Critical Care Medicine, Aster North Kerala Cluster. The speaker discussed post-critical care neuropsychiatric complications and emphasized multidisciplinary strategies to improve mental health outcomes in survivors.
The Paper Presentation Session was conducted from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Participants presented their research papers covering diverse themes in neuropsychiatry, mental health nursing, and innovative care approaches. In addition, online paper presentations were conducted earlier on 21st January 2026, and e-poster presentation ensuring wider participation and providing an inclusive academic platform for presenters unable to attend physically. The session encouraged scholarly discussion, critical thinking, and research dissemination.
The last scientific session, held from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, was on "Advances and Innovations in Neuropsychiatric Practice", delivered by Dr. Sajith Kumar P, Assistant Professor, Government College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala. The session highlighted recent advancements, evidence-based practices, and the evolving role of nursing professionals in neuropsychiatric care.
Following the completion of all scientific sessions, a Post-test was administered to evaluate the knowledge gained by the participants through the conference. Subsequently, a Feedback Form was shared to obtain participants' opinions regarding the organization, scientific content, and overall effectiveness of the conference.
The valedictory session was held at 3.30 pm, and it has saw the presence of Dr. Juby Medi Chakur, Principal of Srinivas Institute of Nursing Sciences, Mangalore, who attended as an Observer from the Karnataka State Nursing Council. The Best paper and poster awards were distributed during the program. The session also included reflections on the conference outcomes.
Total number of registration for the conference was 218 (Offline 110, Online 108). Overall, the conference serves as a global catalyst for shifting brain health from fragmented, symptom-based treatment to a unified bio psychosocial ecosystem that prioritizes technological innovation and clinical integration. Its lasting impact lies in establishing a new standard of care where interdisciplinary collaboration ensures more precise diagnostics, ethical access to treatment, and holistic recovery for patients in a rapidly changing world.
