I was a good student in school and went the traditional “Three idiots” route to medical college, where I continued the good student streak, going on to the traditional success mantra for a woman doctor – a degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology!

It was when I finished my degree from BHU Varanasi and came to New Delhi that life happened!

At the next route stop for ‘good students’, the AIIMS New Delhi, I met Dr MK Bhan. Dr Bhan was a Prof of pediatrics and a fascinating teacher – he could discuss the latest research with you off hand and yet he would still use the MIMS to prescribe drugs!

He spoke to me about the WHO Multicenter Growth Reference Study ,which could make use of my Obstetrics skills, teach me some new ones (breastfeeding support) and brush up some semi learned ones (Clinical Research).

He said “Pooja with Obs you can conduct only so many deliveries in a lifetime, with research you can impact so many many more lives”

These words changed my life’s trajectory from a clinician to a clinician –researcher, and now, a research-enabler!

His guidance, and that of so many mentors in this journey moved me to the frontpage of the Biotech news with the first drops of the rotavirus vaccine in a phase I trial, which is now reached not only the national immunization program but all of the world.

Cheers to Clinical Researchers! May the tribe increase!!