Dr. K. Kavitha, Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at AVMCH Puducherry, brings to the institution a rich background of academic and research excellence. Beginning her medical education with an M.B.B.S. from KAVP Government Medical College, Trichy, she furthered her studies with a postgraduate degree from Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Chidambaram. With 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Kavitha has dedicated herself to educating and mentoring students across undergraduate, postgraduate, nursing, and allied health sciences. In her multifaceted role, Dr Kavitha also served as the NABH coordinator, HICC officer and IIC faculty coordinator, showcasing her leadership in enhancing quality and innovation in medical education. Her research endeavors include being a Principal Investigator in an Intramural project and a Co-Principal Investigator in the DBT sponsored INDO-UK Project, which aims to define the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden from antimicrobial manufacturing waste in Pondicherry and Chennai, with a notable budget of ₹25.54 lakhs. Her scholarly contributions are evident in her 23 research publications in renowned national and international journals. A life member of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM), Dr. Kavitha's excellence in the field was recognized when she received the Best Junior Paper Award at the IAMM conference in Kolkata in 2011. She has further contributed to the academic community as both an internal and external examiner for II M.B.B.S and MD Microbiology examinations. Dr. Kavitha's commitment to continuous learning and professional development is demonstrated through her active participation in international, national, and state-level microbiology conferences, CMEs, and workshops. Her primary field of interest lies in bacteriology, where she continues to make significant contributions to understanding and combating antimicrobial resistance.
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Dr. R. Latha, serves as Vice Principal (Academics) and Professor of Microbiology at AVMCH, Puducherry. With an illustrious academic background, she embarked on her medical journey at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, earning her M.B.B.S., followed by a postgraduate degree from Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Chidambaram. Dr. Latha's dedication to teaching spans over 18 years, during which she has imparted knowledge to undergraduate, postgraduate, nursing, and allied health science students. She is also a guiding force for MD and PhD candidates. Her research interests, particularly in bacteriology and antimicrobial resistance, have positioned her as a Co-Principal Investigator in the notable INDO-UK project, "Defining the AMR Burden of Antimicrobial Manufacturing Waste in Puducherry and Chennai," which is sponsored by the DBT with a significant budget of ₹25.54 lakhs. Dr. Latha's commitment to excellence is further evidenced by her completion of NABL training in Quality Management Systems and Internal Audit in Medical Labs as per ISO 15189-2012, alongside training in molecular diagnostic technologies. A life member of prestigious organizations such as IAAM and ACM, Dr. Latha has contributed significantly to the field through 38 research publications in various international and national journals. Her expertise is also recognized in her active participation in numerous national and state-level microbiology conferences, CMEs, and workshops. Furthermore, her educational journey is augmented by her involvement in the medical education unit and completion of courses like RBCW, CISP II, and Biomedical Research management, as well as NABH training.
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Dr. K. Sethumadhavan is a seasoned microbiologist who graduated and completed his post-graduation at Tirunelveli Medical College. He has extensive experience, having served at the Royal Hospital in Muscat (1988-1994) and Vinayaka Missions Medical College in Karaikal (2000-2011) as a Professor, HOD, and Vice Principal. Since 2011, he has been a Professor at Aarupadaiveedu Medical College and Hospital in Puducherry, where he also served as Director of Allied Health Sciences. Dr. Sethumadhavan is a key member of the Institutional Human and Animal Ethics Committees and has guided numerous postgraduate and PhD students.
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Having graduated MBBS from PSG Institution of Medical Science and Research, Coimbatore, DLO from Madras Medical College, Chennai and pursued a postgraduate degree in MD Microbiology from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University. She is honoured to have been recognized as the University rank holder (First) in MD Microbiology in the University Examination of The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University. With a teaching experience spanning 16 years, she has educated and mentored undergraduate, postgraduate, nursing, and allied health sciences students. She has guided research projects undertaken by MD, and MDS and completed three STS-ICMR projects by undergraduate students. Carried out seven faculty research projects as Principal Investigator focusing on bacterial and fungal pathogens with a specific emphasis on antimicrobial resistance. Her contributions to academia include the publication of 47 research articles in various national and international journals, along with three chapters in a book and one registered patent. Undergone NABL training focused on Quality Management Systems and Internal Audit in Medical Labs according to ISO 15189-2012 standards. Furthermore, she has completed a training program in operating BioMerieux’s Vitek 2 Compact system. She has also finished the Revised Basic Course Workshop, AETCOM and CISP II and is certified with a Basic course in Biomedical Research (BCBR) and Health Research Fundamentals (HRF) course organized by NPTEL. Additionally, served as both Internal and External Examiner for MD Microbiology, M.Sc Medical Microbiology, MBBS, and BDS Examinations conducted at various universities. She has successfully participated in a total of 78 Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) at the International, National, State, and University levels. Currently holds life memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM), the Indian Academy of Tropical Parasitology (IATP), and the Academy of Clinical Microbiologists (ACM). In terms of academic appointments at present, serves as the Secretary for the IATP Puducherry Chapter and Member of both the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Committee at AVMC. Her primary research interests lie in areas of Bacteriology, Mycology, and Antimicrobial Resistance.
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Dr. Anusheela Howlader graduated from Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital under Pondicherry University, Pondicherry and completed her Master’s degree in Microbiology from the Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital (AVMCH) under Vinayaka Mission’s University, Salem. She has an experience of 12 years after the completion of her post-graduation in Microbiology for teaching UG, PG, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences students. At present, she is working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, and Consultant Microbiologist in Molecular Diagnostics Lab. Also, she holds the post of Warden, ladies' hostel and Coordinator for the undergraduates, dept. coordinator for IQAC, MMP. Blood bag sterility, water analysis, Mycology and stock in charge. Facilitator in MEU and Joint Secretary of Alumni Association. Member Secretary of WEC and Mess committee. Member of the sub-curricular committee (Phase-II), Disciplinary committee, Grievance Redressal, Emergency response team, Security, Anti-ragging, Hostel management, Campus maintenance, Facility planning and management, IIC, Cultural and fine arts and Sports committees. Life member of IAMM and IATP. She is trained in NABL training (Quality Management Systems and Internal Audit in Medical Labs as per ISO 15189-2012), Molecular diagnostic technologies, Medical Education technologies – rBCW and CISP II, completed 5 SWAYAM courses, Biomedical Research management course, Clinical research management, Ethics in Research, Clinical trials, Manage TB, One Health, CCGDM, Basic Life Support Programme. She has been an external and internal examiner for various disciplines. She has published 11 papers in national and international journals and author of 2 books on Coronavirus, also having ongoing projects. She has attended many national and state level Microbiology conferences, CMEs, and workshops and also presented in the Symposium. She has been part of many camps for COVID-19 sample collection. Her area of interest is Mycology, HIC and Molecular diagnostics.
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Dr. R. Priyadharshini graduated from PSG Institute of Medical Science and Research in Coimbatore. She also completed her Master’s degree in Microbiology from Thirunelveli Medical College and Hospital. She has 3 years of experience as a PG cum tutor in Microbiology, teaching UG, PG, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences. Additionally, she worked as a Senior Resident in Thirunelveli Medical College and Hospital for 10 months. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at AVMCH in Puducherry. She has completed BCBR and has attended many State and National level Microbiology conferences, CMEs, and Workshops.
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Dr. Gunavathy G is an Assistant Professor in Microbiology at AVMCH, Puducherry. Along with her academic responsibilities, she is an active member of the Hospital Infection Control Committee at AVMC from 2023 to the present. Dr. Gunavathy completed her post-graduation in Microbiology from the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry, and also holds an MBA in hospital management from Alagappa University. With 3 years of experience as a PG cum Tutor in Microbiology, she has been involved in teaching UG, PG, nursing, and allied health sciences. Additionally, she has published 2 papers in international journals and is currently involved in ongoing projects. Dr. Gunavathy has actively participated in various national and state-level Microbiology conferences, CMEs, workshops (HICP and Virology), and has received training in NABL (Quality Management Systems and Internal Audit in Medical Labs as per ISO 15189-2022) and NABH.

Dr. Nagala Devi Arumugam is currently a Senior Resident in the Department of Microbiology at AVMC in Puducherry. She graduated from Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital under Pondicherry University and completed her Master’s degree in Microbiology from the Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Karnataka. Dr. Arumugam has 3 years of experience as a PG cum Tutor in Microbiology, teaching UG, PG, nursing, and allied health sciences. She has also completed a Basic course in Biomedical Research and has published 2 papers in international journals. Additionally, she has attended numerous national and state level Microbiology conferences, CMEs, and workshops.

Dr. K. Sathyaa, is the MSc. course coordinator in the Department of Microbiology at AVMC, Puducherry. She completed her Ph.D. in the Department of Microbiology at Annamalai University, Chidambaram, and finished her project at Stanley Medical College, Chennai. Dr. Sathyaa has 4 years of experience as a quality controller at Danvesh Enterprises, Villupuram, and 1 year of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor at Sangamam Arts and Science College. She has published 2 papers in international journals and is currently involved in ongoing projects.

Dr. Gomathi. R is a Junior Resident in the Department of Microbiology at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College (AVMC). She completed her undergraduate studies at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry. Previously, she worked as a Covid-19 Screener at Abhishekapakkam Public Health Center. Currently, she is contributing her teaching expertise to undergraduate medical, nursing, and allied health sciences at AVMC. In addition, she has attended various workshops and international and national conferences. Dr. Gomathi. R has also completed the Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR).

Dr. Sasikanth is a Junior Resident/Tutor in the Department of Microbiology at AVMCH Puducherry. He joined the institution in January 2024 and continues to contribute to the field of Microbiology by teaching undergraduate medical, nursing, and paramedical students. He completed his MBBS in April 2021 from Vinaya Mission College, Karaikal.

Dr. Keerthiga completed her MBBS at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital in Puducherry. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the same institution in 2022. Currently, she is working as a tutor in the Department of Microbiology, contributing her teaching expertise to undergraduate medical, paramedical, and nursing students since January 2024.

Dr. Sree Kannathal. R.K is a Junior Resident/Tutor in the Department of Microbiology. She holds an MBBS degree from Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry- VMRF. During her undergraduate studies, she has completed 5 oral and 5 poster presentations at various National and International conferences, as well as 1 research project.