With hundreds of medical formulations coming out into the public domain, the clinical research industry the world over is growing, too. Moreover, India is increasingly being recognised as a quality player for global clinical trials. We have a substantial workforce of trained science graduates, which prompts multinational companies to set up research facilities here. Career prospects in the clinical research industry include working as a clinical investigator; or research associate at a hospital conducting clinical investigations; or a clinical research organisation. Jobs are also available in the pharmaceutical industry and in drug development. Top pharmaceutical companies such as Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy’s Labs, Biocon, Dabur, Wockhard, Merck, Astra Zeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Novartis and Pfizer have dedicated clinical research departments. Trained clinical research professionals are in demand abroad as well. With an ayurveda degree, you can get into clinical research. It is a field of medicine that requires a strong scientific bent of mind, sensitivity to others and a humane attitude. You will also need to have good communication skills to interact with and gain the confidence of patients and subjects taking part in the trials. The Institute of Clinical Research in India (ICRI) is affiliated to Cranfield University, UK, known for its healthcare management and research programmes, and offers the M.Sc clinical research degree of that university. Other institutes that offer courses in clinical research include Mumbai’s Academy for Clinical Excellence, set up by pharma giant Pfizer India Ltd and Bombay College of Pharmacy; St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, which offers a PG diploma in clinical research; and University of Pune’s Department of Bioinformatics. But do not disregard your own field of ayurvedic medicine. Almost all government hospitals have a department of ayurveda where ayurvedic doctors are employed. There is also an increasing interest in traditional medicine systems. Therefore, there is scope with pharma companies, cosmetic and herbal medicine companies as well. Usha Albuquerque

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