The South Kanara Unit of the Karnataka Chapter of the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM) was established in 1994–95 under the leadership of Dr. P.D. Bhandari. Inaugurated by Dr. A.V. Ramprasad, the association had Dr. U. Sunanda Kini as its first President and Dr. P.D. Bhandari as its first Secretary. Since its inception, the association has actively promoted academic excellence through regular CME programs and collaborative activities among medical colleges across Mangalore and Sullia, fostering professional growth in pathology and microbiology across the region.