The Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, is pleased to host the “LENS CME 2026”, a one-day Continuing Medical Education programme dedicated to the field of Cytopathology. The programme is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM) – Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry Chapter and the Pathology Educational Trust, Puducherry.
LENS CME 2026 is being organised as an academic tribute to Dr Siddaraju N, Senior Professor of Pathology, JIPMER, Puducherry, who will be superannuating from service on 31 August 2026. The programme provides an opportunity for colleagues, students, trainees, and friends from the pathology fraternity to come together to recognise his distinguished academic career and invaluable contributions to the field of Cytopathology.
Dr Siddaraju N is a highly respected Senior Professor of Pathology and a renowned Cytopathologist whose academic career has been marked by excellence in teaching, diagnostic practice, mentoring, and professional commitment. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the growth and advancement of Cytopathology and has been a source of knowledge and inspiration to generations of postgraduate students, residents, faculty members, and laboratory professionals.
His expertise in Cytopathology, coupled with his keen academic interest and commitment to teaching, has enabled him to translate complex cytomorphological concepts into practical and clinically relevant knowledge. His approach to diagnosis has consistently reflected meticulous observation, sound scientific reasoning, and a strong emphasis on clinicopathological correlation.
As an excellent teacher, Dr Siddaraju has played an important role in shaping the academic and professional development of pathology trainees. His teaching has extended beyond textbooks and examination-oriented learning, encouraging students to develop a systematic approach to cytological interpretation, critical thinking, and independent diagnostic judgement. His ability to engage learners and simplify difficult concepts has made him a valued and memorable teacher.
As a mentor, he has guided numerous students and colleagues in their academic pursuits and professional careers. His encouragement, constructive criticism, and willingness to share his knowledge have helped nurture confidence and competence among those who have had the opportunity to work and learn with him.
As a role model, Dr Siddaraju has exemplified the values of academic integrity, professional excellence, dedication, humility, and commitment to patient care. His career stands as an example of how clinical expertise, teaching, scholarship, and human values can be integrated into a fulfilling academic life.
The theme of LENS CME 2026 is centred around the continuing evolution of Cytopathology and its indispensable role in modern diagnostic medicine. Cytopathology remains a dynamic discipline, bridging morphology and clinical medicine and providing rapid, minimally invasive, cost-effective, and clinically valuable diagnostic information.
The CME will provide a platform for participants to update their knowledge on contemporary concepts and practical approaches in Cytopathology. Through academic lectures, interactive sessions, case-based discussions, and practical insights, the programme will seek to promote diagnostic accuracy and encourage meaningful academic interaction among pathologists, postgraduate students, medical professionals, and laboratory personnel.
The programme also seeks to highlight the importance of integrating traditional morphological expertise with emerging technologies and contemporary diagnostic approaches. The continued relevance of cytomorphology, the importance of clinicoradiological correlation, ancillary techniques, and evolving developments in cytological diagnosis will form an important part of the academic discourse.
Beyond its academic objectives, LENS CME 2026 is envisioned as an occasion for professional interaction, collegiality, and fellowship. It will bring together faculty members, practising pathologists, postgraduate students, cytotechnologists, laboratory professionals, and other members of the medical fraternity who share an interest in Cytopathology.
The CME will provide an opportunity for participants to interact with experienced faculty, discuss challenging diagnostic cases, exchange ideas, and benefit from the collective experience of experts in the field. Such academic interactions are particularly valuable in Cytopathology, where careful morphological assessment, experience, and discussion of difficult cases are crucial to arriving at an accurate diagnosis.
The superannuation of Dr Siddaraju N marks an important milestone in his professional journey. While retirement from active institutional service marks the conclusion of a formal phase of his career, his academic contributions, teaching legacy, mentorship, and influence on the pathology community will remain significant.
LENS CME 2026 is therefore more than a Continuing Medical Education programme. It is a celebration of a distinguished academic career and an expression of gratitude and appreciation for the knowledge, guidance, friendship, and inspiration that Dr Siddaraju has shared with his colleagues and students over the years.
It is an occasion for his students and colleagues to acknowledge the impact he has made on their professional lives and to celebrate the enduring legacy of a teacher who has contributed substantially to the development of Cytopathology and pathology education.
The Department of Pathology, JIPMER, Puducherry, considers it a privilege to organise LENS CME 2026 in honour of Dr Siddaraju N. The programme reflects the department’s commitment to academic excellence, continuing professional education, and promoting pathology as an evolving and intellectually stimulating discipline.
The Department warmly welcomes pathologists, postgraduate students, medical professionals, laboratory personnel, and members of the pathology fraternity to participate in this academic event and join us in celebrating the professional journey of Dr Siddaraju N, an accomplished Cytopathologist, an excellent teacher, a committed mentor, and a cherished role model.
As he completes his tenure at JIPMER, the Department of Pathology expresses its sincere gratitude for his years of dedicated service and wishes him continued happiness, good health, fulfilment, and success in the years ahead.
Celebrating Cytopathology • Celebrating Academic Excellence • Celebrating a Teacher and Mentor
With gratitude, respect and warm wishes to
Dr. Siddaraju N
Senior Professor of Pathology, JIPMER
on the occasion of his superannuation on 31 August 2026.