Professor Amarnath Bhide, Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine, was awarded the 2025 Sims Black Travelling Professorship, established to advance education, training and research in obstetrics and gynaecology.
What is the Sims Black Professorship and what did you do as part of this?
I was honoured to be awarded the 2025 Sims Black Travelling Professorship, established to advance the study and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology through education, training and research. I accepted an invitation from the All India Coordinating Committee (AICC) to deliver an ambitious and exciting programme across India, spanning the North, East, South and West zones.
The programme combined lectures, interactive case discussions and multidisciplinary panels covering placenta accreta spectrum, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, Doppler ultrasound and the prevention of stillbirth. A particular emphasis was placed on postgraduate education, with workshops on research methodology and academic writing designed to support trainees in developing both clinical and research skills.
Alongside formal teaching, the Professorship provided valuable opportunities for academic exchange through continuing medical education events, engagement with senior faculty and visits to clinical and research facilities. Across all centres, the overarching aim was to promote evidence-based practice, strengthen international collaboration and support the development of clinicians committed to improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
What did you learn during your involvement?
One of the most striking reflections was how similar the challenges in high-risk obstetrics are across different healthcare settings. The importance of early diagnosis, clear referral pathways and multidisciplinary planning for complex conditions such as placenta accreta spectrum and fetal growth restriction was a consistent theme.
The enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of postgraduate trainees was particularly encouraging and highlighted the importance of investing in research skills, mentorship and academic opportunities to build the next generation of clinical leaders. The experience reinforced that sustained improvements in outcomes for women and babies depend on education, partnership and a confident, research-active workforce.
Were there any standout moments?
In Bangaluru, I was particularly proud of an interactive session I delivered at Rangadore Hospital focusing on academic writing and research planning for postgraduate trainees. I also had the opportunity to visit the hospital’s medical and research facilities, including work in amnion harvesting and stem cell research. Later, I contributed to a session on Placenta Accreta Spectrum through a lecture and panel discussion, engaging with clinicians and trainees from across the region.
Another standout moment was in Kochi, where academic sessions were organised at the Aster Medcity Knowledge Hub and I was fortunate enough to deliver lectures on Principles of Doppler Ultrasound and Effective Academic Writing. This was followed by an evening academic meeting focusing on the antenatal management of pre-eclampsia. These sessions provided valuable opportunities to engage with both trainees and practising obstetricians and gynaecologists from across Kerala.
Looking ahead – what would you recommend about the Professorship?
The Sims Black Travelling Professorship offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful academic partnerships and support knowledge exchange across international settings. The generosity and commitment of colleagues and organisers throughout the programme were remarkable.
I hope the visit has contributed to ongoing collaboration with the RCOG and supported clinicians and trainees in their shared goal of improving outcomes for women and babies. Programmes such as this demonstrate the value of global learning and the central role of education and research in advancing high-quality obstetric care.
- Read more about the College's awards, grants and prizes here.