Successful Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM)Conference 2007


The ISAM 47th Annual Conference of Aerospace Medicine took place at the IAM Bangalore between the 31st October and 3rd November 2007. There was a splendid level of attendance (500+) made up of Delegates and Exhibitors, mainly from India, but also from around the world.

The theme of the conference was “Operational Aerospace Medicine”, very appropriate in what is the Platinum Jubilee year of the Indian Air Force. Air Chief marshal F.H. Major PVSM, AVSM, SCVM, ADC Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force, gave the Inaugural Address, in which he emphasized the ever increasing challenges facing the IAF, especially in the operational theatre caused by the introduction of 5th generation aircraft and the swift progress of associated technology and systems. He placed particular emphasis on the need for increased awareness and training in the sectors of Disorientation and Night Vision, for both rotary and fixed wing aircrews of all three services.

Air Marshal J.K. Gupta AVSM, PHS Director General Medical Services (Air) and President of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine was, in effect, host and organizer of this excellent conference. He and his team from the IAF and ISAM were omnipresent and attending efficiently always approachable for advice or assistance for whatever reason. Naturally, the Air Marshal gave the Presidential Address, which touched on the history and achievements of IAF Aerospace Medicine and the challenges it fans in the future.

Mach of the load of ensuring a smooth running effective conference (which it was!) fell on the capable shoulders of the “Landlord” of the venue; Air Commodore (Dr.) Pankaj Tyagi, Commandant and Principal of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, IAF Bangalore where the conference was held. It is no mean task to cope with the logistics of the incursion of 500+ delegates, especially when it included the top level and most senior officers of all three services. But, it went with out a hitch (at least not one which came to the notice of the attendees!) All were shepherded, fed, watered, as well as greeted warmly by the Air Commodore in his “Welcome Address” during the opening ceremony of the conference.

The Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Oration 2007 was given under the auspices of the Chairperson Lt. General J. Singh VSM PHS, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Ministry of Defence, by Captain G. R. Gopinath, Executive Chairman of Air Deccany. This somewhat tangential choice proved highly effective and provided an interesting insight into the rapid development and history of budget air travel in India in which Captain Gorpirath played a key and pioneering role. We wish him well in achieving his stated dream; “I want every Indian to fly at least once in his/her lifetime” Enough to keep a lot of airlines and aircraft manufactures busy for a long time!

The installation of the AMST High Performance Human Centrifuge at the IAM Bangalore is in the final stages of completion. Air Commodore Tyagi gave his kind permission to let us show the building (virtually completed) to interested delegates, of which we took full advantage! Thank you, for a most useful benefit.

The Conference closed on a high note via a convivial evening event at the Royal Orchid Hotel, when the wives of the delegates almost doubled the numbers by their charming presence and the entertainment, food and, of course, drink! Were superb.

AMST remains grateful for the opportunity of being present and part sponsor of this conference. You may be sure that we are all looking forward to the next one!


By
David H. Pattison
Personal Advisor to the Managing Director
Member of the Supervisory Board of Directors
AMST-Holding GmbH