Dr. Mrs. Meherbano M. Kamal.
MD. PhD. MIAC
Welcome to the stellar world of Dr.Meherbano Kamal, a distinguished pathologist whose remarkable journey in the realm of cytopathology spans over four decades. With an illustrious background and an impressive repertoire of accomplishments, Dr. Kamal stands as a beacon of expertise and innovation in her field.
Dr. Kamal commenced her path towards excellence with exceptional academic qualifications. Holding an MD, Ph.D, she later found herself undertaking rigorous training in cytopathology at the esteemed AIIMS in New Delhi. In a bid to further upgrade her own skills,Dr. Kamal attended numerous workshops, some of which include the Logistic Regression Analysis in Vellore by the International Clinical Epidemiology Network (2001), Diagnostic Test Studies at GMC (2000), Recognising and Classifying Atypical Glandular Cells on ThinPrep® Pap at Edinburg (2010), and more. Equipped with the knowledge and skills, she embarked on a path of unwavering dedication to her craft which also includes 40 years of teaching undergraduate and post graduates of Pathology. Worthy also of a mention here would be her consistent efforts as a Post Graduate Guide since 1992 for students as intent to make their mark in the industry as Dr. Kamal herself.
Post Held
Over the course of her illustrious career, Dr. Kamal assumed several esteemed positions that showcased her leadership and expertise. Notable among many positions, she served were the Head of the Pathology Department at the renowned Government Medical College in Nagpur, as President VAPM: Vidharbha Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists, and National Editor for Acta Cytologica 2020-2021, further solidifying her reputation as a stalwart in her field. Her exceptional leadership abilities led her to hold regional, state, and national elected positions, including the esteemed role of President of the Indian Academy of Cytologists (IAC). As a part of her leadership qualities, she founded the Association of Cytologists of Maharashtra and has also been the Joint Secretary and Chairperson of the National Conference of IAC in 2000 and 2016 in Nagpur respectively leaving an indelible mark on the field.
Throughout her pioneering journey in cytopathology, Dr. Kamal has diligently championed and established various techniques in cytology at different medical institutions and hospitals. She has made significant contributions in the development of techniques such as non-aspiration cytology, saline rehydration of cervical smears, and Ultrafast Pap staining for material adequacy & intraoperative cytology. Her areas of interest and expertise encompass a broad spectrum, with a particular focus on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of breast, lymph nodes, salivary gland, and thyroid.
Talks, Workshops & Presentations
A revered speaker and presenter, Dr. Kamal has graced numerous National and International Cytology conferences held in esteemed locations like Yokohama, Edinburgh, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and back home in India. She has also been actively involved in conducting National & State level workshops, symposia, and teleconferences, leveraging her vast knowledge and expertise to educate and inspire fellow professionals. Her workshops span a multitude of topics including Pap Smear & Cervical Biopsy (2012) FNA & Core Biopsy of Breast, Breast and Fluid Cytology, LBC of Fluids, CME on Lymph Node Cytology, CME of Clinico – Pathological Correlation in Reproductive Endocrinology & Preventive Oncology (2022) etc. Gynecologic Cytology has been her forte and prime focus of research and teaching and she has dedicated herself to teaching and has organised > 25 hands-on cytology workshops, both in the field of FNAC and Cervical cytology and Colposcopy all over India.
Awards
Recognized for her invaluable contributions, Dr. Kamal has been the recipient of numerous accolades and honours bestowed upon her by esteemed Pathology and Cytology associations. To name a few, the highest being the Dr. P. N. Wahi Oration was delivered at PGI Chandigarh (2019), the Ernest Fernandes Slide Seminar ( Kota 2014), Dr. K. B. Niphadkar Oration – MaCyCon 2022, and the Maitreyee Munshi Oration of VAPM (Nagpur 2022).
In her pursuit for benefitting the rural women, Dr. Kamal has secured research grantsfor rural women from esteemed organisations such as the International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN) in Philadelphia, the Chitnavis Trust, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). She has conducted extensive research in Visual Screening Strategies for cancer cervix (2002-2003) in Rural Women and has made significant contributions to similar studies and colposcopic follow-up of women with ASC-US through the ICMR Grants (2021-2022).
Social Work
Her commitment to the community is exemplified by the establishment of a Cytology Clinic in a women’s hospital in Nagpur, where she has spearheaded education and awareness programs for paramedics, more than 100 Pap smear screening camps , and has promoted HPV screening. Her Community services for the last two decades through the Rotary Club of Nagpur Ishanya fetched her the Award of ‘Service Above Self’. The Best Paper Award -Nalinibai Thakkar Award- by the Indian Academy of Cytologists, K. C. Basu Mallik Award for Lifetime Research (nominee) stands as testament to her unparalleled expertise and dedication in the field of community research.
Publications & Books
Dr. Kamal’s scholarly pursuits have yielded over 60 research articles published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals with over 25 articles published each in national and international publications. Her academic prowess extends beyond research publications, as she has authored chapters in notable books, including the esteemed ‘Cytology and Colposcopy in Gynaecological Practice’, and is the Editor of Monograph in Cervical Cytology – Uterine Cervix Cancer & The Bethesda System. Furthermore, her dedication to disseminating knowledge is evident in her creation of manuals in regional languages, which serve as invaluable resources for the screening of cancer cervix among nursing school staff. She has been on the Editorial Board of many esteemed peer reviewed journals like the JOC , IAPM, APJM etc.
With her memberships in esteemed professional organisations like the International Clinical Epidemiological Network, USA, Lata Medical Research Foundation, Indian Association of Pathologists & Microbiologists, Indian Academy of Cytologists, Indian Association Of Clinical Epidemiologists, and a lot more, she stands as a pillar of excellence and motivation in her field.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr. Kamal has established her agency as a person of integrity and compassion, committed to serving her community with every passing day and dynamic ventures and undertakings in her field.
