1. What inspired your journey in Health & Medical Sciences, and what has been the most defining moment in your career?
It is obviously my father’s dream, although my favorite was engineering, as I was getting maximum scores in mathematics. But later on, my interest grew as I passed by Bowring Hospital to catch my bus. The defining moment in my career came after joining Sri Siddhartha Medical College, which gave me the academic freedom for which I also received a best teacher award from the Indian Medical Association. Training clinical research students at the Institute of Clinical Research, Bangalore, gave me a boost in Research.
2. How do you balance emerging innovations like AI and precision medicine with patient safety and clinical evidence?
AI innovations have entered the health care industry, which has reduced the burden of clerical work, especially, but a lot of debate continues about its role in patient care. The absolute evidence for patient care and safety is evidence-based medicine only, which is not accurate with AI.
3. How do you make critical decisions during public health challenges when evidence is limited, and the stakes are high?
During public health challenges, the evidence is limited, as was seen during the pandemic. There is a need for multidisciplinary collaboration, for which we always have discussions with the experts in the particular field. Considering the risk-benefit ratio, the decision will be taken.
4. Which emerging technologies or trends in Pharmacology and Healthcare do you believe will have the greatest impact over the next decade?
Plenty of diseases and the ageing population address the matter towards digital health for their safety. Health coaching has already started its entry. Precision medicine and genomics are the future with individualized therapy. It will move from therapeutic to preventive care.
5. What advice would you give to young researchers and healthcare professionals who want to make a lasting impact in the field?
My simple advice is to have mastery over one profession and keep adding multiple wings, which are very much necessary to fly high. Just one degree is not sufficient. Plenty of opportunities are open both at the local and international level. Perseverance is an important skill you should possess.
Dr. Manjunath G N
Professor
Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education
India
