Medical graduates should adapt to changing technologies, including artificial intelligence, an educator says
“Young medical graduates should adapt to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while maintaining the human touch in healthcare,” said Vidya Yeravdekar, chief executive of Symbiosis Society and Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, on Friday (June 5) in Belagavi.
She delivered the convocation speech at the 16th convocation of the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER) (Deemed-to-be-University).
Dr. Emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication and interpersonal skills, Yeravdekar said these qualities are as important as professional competence. She urged the new graduates to listen carefully to their patients, spend quality time understanding their concerns, and practice medicine with compassion and integrity. She noted that while awards, gold medals and honors are commendable, what really matters is becoming a good human being and serving the society with dedication and ethical values.
She congratulated the graduates on completing their studies and noted that they are entering a rapidly evolving world with new opportunities and challenges. She emphasized that healthcare goes far beyond medicine and requires a deep understanding of people, cultures and society. She urged the students to constantly seek knowledge and remain anchored in values.
She urged students to embrace diversity, uphold the values and ethical standards inculcated by KLE and be proud to carry on her legacy. She also expressed her desire to strengthen collaborative initiatives between institutions and warmly invited students to visit the Pune Symbiosis campus in the future.
Lalitbhushan S. Waghmare, Vice Chancellor, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha was the guest of honour. The convocation ceremony was presided over by Prabhakar Kore, Chancellor KAHER.
Dr. Waghmare congratulated the graduates and expressed that their achievements are the result of years of dedication and hard work. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of parents whose unwavering support, sacrifices and investment played a vital role in their academic success.
He urged the graduates to acknowledge the guidance provided by their teachers, mentors and staff who have supported them throughout their academic journey. He urged the graduates to excel not only as professionals but also to lead their lives as responsible and compassionate human beings. Emphasizing the importance of ethical values, sustainability and social responsibility, he advised them to remain grounded and humane, regardless of advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. In conclusion, he wished all the graduates much success, excellence and only the best in their future endeavours.
Sandeep Shrivastava, Vice-Chancellor, KAHER, delivered the University Report for the academic year 2025-26. He highlighted the remarkable achievements and progress of the university. He noted that in a short span of 20 years, KAHER, Belagavi has significantly enhanced its reputation through prestigious accreditations, recognitions, national and international rankings, research collaborations and successful acquisition of various extra-mural research grants.
He emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Dr. Korea KAHER has implemented several transformational initiatives in the fields of research, academic excellence, innovation, start-ups, funded projects, incentives, health services, patient-centered programs, community programs and so on. These efforts enabled the university to achieve significant milestones and establish itself as a center of excellence in higher education and healthcare, for which he commended the faculty and students of KAHER for outstanding achievements in research projects, scientific publications, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. He informed that KAHER has been consistently placed in the platinum band with an institutional grade of A++ in India’s Green Ranking of Sustainable Institutions since 2022.
He concluded his speech by congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to use their knowledge and skills to improve society and make a meaningful contribution to their professions and communities.
A total of 1,810 degrees were awarded in various fields of health sciences, including 40 gold medals for their academic achievements in their respective courses/specializations, 44 doctorates, 28 postdoctoral (DM/MCh), 691 postgraduate, 1,013 undergraduate and 34 postgraduate diploma, certificate and fellowship courses. 34 students including 26 girls and 8 boys were awarded 40 gold medals for academic achievements in their respective courses/specializations.
With two gold medals, Aditya Porwal of JN Medical College, Belagavi, bagged the highest number of gold medals at the undergraduate level (MBBS). With two gold medals, Anastasia A. Carvalho of KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, bagged the highest number of gold medals at the undergraduate level (BPT), according to a press release.
Published – 05 June 2026 22:30 IST