The Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR) held a lavish convocation ceremony for the 2018 undergraduate class at the RNR Auditorium in Jubilee Hills. The awarding of degrees to 100 graduates highlighted the event, commemorating their academic journey and entry into the medical profession.

Distinguished people attended the occasion, including Chief Guest Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman and Founder of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), and recipients of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honors.  Dr. Sangita Reddy, joint managing director of the Apollo Hospital Group, was also present as a guest of honor.  Dean Dr. K. Manohar presided over the ceremony and spoke to the students and family. Ms. Aparna Reddy, COO of AIMSR, greeted the attendees.

Mr. Siddhant Barmecha received Dr. Prathap C. Reddy's Gold Medal as the finest outgoing undergraduate student. The award, established in memory of the late Dr. K.V.R. Prasad, recognized Barmecha's outstanding achievements at AIMSR.

Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy praised the institute and encouraged graduates to embrace continual learning. "You are highly fortunate to pass out from one of the prestigious institutions for medical education in India, the Apollo Medical College," he told you. "Education is like a dress rehearsal for life; you must continue to learn throughout your life. Success is defined not by money or power, but by happiness and contentment.

He emphasized the significance of adjusting to the ever-changing profession of medicine by describing it as a blend of science, art, and empathy.  He offered this suggestion: "To transform from a good doctor to a great one, you must master the art of communication with patients, colleagues, and the wider community." Inspired by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy's autobiography The Healer, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy urged the graduates to dream big, work hard, and remain modest in their quest for excellence.

Dr. Sangita Reddy hailed Dr. Nageshwar Reddy as a role model, citing his accomplishments as a clinician, administrator, and humanist. Addressing the graduates, she praised their fortitude as the "first hybrid batch" to tackle unprecedented obstacles amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "You were the first to practice on rotations during the pandemic, teaching us how to adapt to both classroom and remote learning," she told me.

Dr. Sangita Reddy emphasized the transformative power of emerging technologies and urged graduates to be lifelong learners.  "You are the individuals who will dream of a cancer-free world, develop healthy knees, and discover ground-breaking treatments." The combination of biology, bandwidth, and bytes will provide you with the tools you need to shape a healthier future," she stated.

The convocation also took into account the efforts of AIMSR since its inception in 2012. Over 700 students have graduated from the university, with more than 90% obtaining postgraduate positions in medical schools or residency programs overseas.

As the event came to an end, the graduates received encouragement to continue AIMSR's legacy by pursuing excellence in medicine, promoting social well-being, and building a better future for both India and the rest of the world.