In a formal graduation ceremony held at Sharda University, Greater Noida, the first batch of 25 students studying Clinical Research at the university were awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research (PGDCR). Dr R P Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Sharda University conferred certificates to the students and Bhupendra Kumar was declared the best performing student.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh said, “This is a proud moment for us at Sharda University. We have prepared these students for the future with best academic skills and practices available. With India becoming a hub for clinical research, the demand for professionals in this field is also growing rapidly. The expected demand for such professionals, coupled with the growth potential, I am confident that each one of them will not only do well in the future, but will also be worthy brand ambassadors of the university.”
Addressing the students, Dr Subhash Chandra Sehgal, HOD, clinical research department, Sharda University said, “It is said that Clinical Research is set to become the next big thing in India. Our nation is viewed the world over as the ideal location for clinical research trials for the pharmaceutical industry due to the prevalence of a large variety of diseases, including widespread cases of cancer and diabetes. I am proud that Sharda University is contributing to this work force with our first batch of highly talented individuals.”
As per Sharda University, it established the Institute of Clinical Research to fulfill its mission of producing knowledgeable and efficient professionals in various fields of medical sciences; clinical research is one of them. It is the only institute awarding UGC recognized degrees from a private university unlike others offering such a course. Equipped with one of the best infrastructure as compared to all other institutions offering courses in clinical research, it is the only institute with a medical college and a teaching hospital on campus. This enables students to observe and experience patient care ina hospital environment from day one. Special lectures are taken by renowned faculty including visiting professors belonging to the scientific and pharmaceutical community. Students of clinical research undertake varied research and pharmaceutical organizations in different parts of the country as part of their internship programme.
The institute is being run under the direction of Dr Subhash Chandra Sehgal, an internationally known professional with more than 150 research publications to his credit and a visiting professor at several institutions both within and outside India. He is a Fellow of many national and international scientific bodies and has won several awards. Dr Sehgal is ably supported by a dedicated faculty, both from within and outside the University. The Institute has an Academic Advisory Board comprising eminent scientists and professionals from research and pharmaceutical organizations.
Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research (PGDCR) at Sharda University
Eligibility:
* Applicants with graduate/ post graduate qualifications in medical and allied fields like dentistry, homeopathy, Ayurveda and veterinary sciences and pharmacy.
* Applicants with graduate and post graduate qualifications in biological sciences like microbiology, biotechnology, botany, zoology, biochemistry, Basic sciences like chemistry, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social sciences with work experience in clinical research.
Course design, duration and content:
The program is intensive and full time to be covered in two semesters with short mid semester break. The focus of teaching is on scientific, ethical and operational issues related to clinical trials. Teaching comprises lectures tutorials, documentations, demonstrations and training visits to scientific pharmaceutical organizations for hands on experience.
Introduction to basic medical and para clinical sciences relevant to clinical research, elementary biostatistics, introductory pharmacology, drug formulations, drugs used in various clinical conditions, basics of drug development, studydesign and research methodology, ethics in clinical research, Introduction to pharmaceutical industry, operational issues in clinical trials, pharma-covigilance, drug regulatory affairs, report writing, communication skills, practical documentations, visits to scientific and pharmaceutical industries.
