Sarmistha Mahanty
In an era focused on precision medicine, personalized healthcare, and multidisciplinary
research, a significant gap still exists between scientists and medical professionals. Since the
medical community directly interacts with patients, their willingness and effort to adapt to
these changes are crucial. However, the majority of hospitals and medical institutes (except
some national-level organizations) in India lack the necessary research infrastructure and
practices. To achieve the desired outcomes, scientists and medical researchers must
collaborate and work together.
I had a chance to meet and talk to a group of senior medical practitioners in the field of my
research. However, upon sharing my research work with them, I was surprised to see their
lackadaisical attitude toward it. That day I felt the gap. On another occasion, I participated in
a panel discussion on the “interface between basic and clinical research,” where international
medical researchers were also present. People were discussing how we can bridge the gap to
smoothen the medical journey or treatment procedures. I was happy to find out that there are
at least one or two hospitals in India taking forward the concept of personalized medicine in
treating cancer. There are some scientists who have succeeded in influencing medical
practices with personalized medical care in some semi-government medical institutes.
The whole purpose is not to enforce either basic or clinical research across the field but only
to incorporate the latest or modified ideas as an additional tool in empowering the treatment
procedure. The question is, what should be the first move and from where should we start?
How can we get the attention or interest of medical practitioners from remote areas? There
are funding agencies that support the move, but is there anyone who will support starting the
initiative?