AFMC Pune Hosts ANCEMP 2025, Focuses on Translational Psychiatry for Military Mental Health

Pune, 30th April 2025: The Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, successfully hosted the Annual National Conference of Military Psychiatry (ANCEMP) – 2025 from April 25–26, 2025. Chaired by Brig VS Chauhan, Professor and Head of the department, the event revolved around the theme “Transforming Discoveries into Recoveries: Advances in Translational Psychiatry.”

The conference brought together over 250 delegates, including military and civilian psychiatrists, postgraduate residents, and medical officers. The event began with three highly focused workshops on Neuromodulation, Mindfulness-integrated CBT, and Translational Research, featuring hands-on training and interactive discussions.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Bharadwaj Auditorium, AFMC, was graced by
Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Director & Commandant, AFMC, and other senior dignitaries including Maj Gen Ashwin Galgali, MG Med Southern Command and Maj Gen Giriraj Singh, Dean & Deputy Commandant. The launch of the ANCEMP 2025 souvenir and an Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) logbook for MD Psychiatry residents, marked the key highlights of the event. LtGen Rao delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the significance of translational research in modern psychiatry. In his welcome address, Brig Chauhan emphasized the bridge between emerging psychiatric research and patient care.

Renowned speakers Dr Sanjeev Jain, Emeritus Professor, NIMHANS and AVM Kaushik Chatterjee, Commandant CHAF, Bangalore during their keynote addresses explored the intersection of genetics, molecular psychiatry, and clinical application. Seven scientific sessions spanned diverse themes including biomarkers, neuroinflammation, maternal and child psychiatry, digital psychiatry, and epigenetics in addiction, led by top minds from across the country.

The conference also featured a Postgraduate Quiz, Free Paper, and Poster Presentation competitions, encouraging young psychiatrists to showcase their research. Winners were awarded during the valedictory ceremony.

The closing ceremony was graced by Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, AVSM, VSM, DGMS (Army) & Senior Colonel Commandant Army Medical Core, who emphasized, applauded scientific exchange, and encouraged continued advancement in military psychiatric care and research.