Compiled with the contributions of Dr. Anjali SP, Dr. Annamma Varghese, Dr. Isha Tajane and Dr. Dhvani Shah
Why is research important?
Everyone agreed that research is the key to determining an efficient treatment program. Research leads to discoveries, equips physiotherapists with novel ideas to treat patients. It unravels the mysteries of yet unanswered questions, sheds light on the intricacies of the subject under study. Clinicians get access to evidence based treatment protocols. It elucidates assessment of risk factors, gives clinicians insight into prevalent health conditions, all the while creating innovations in the fields of physical therapy and education.
What inspires you?
An insatiable thirst for knowledge is what drives our researchers every day. This combined with the desire to learn and the curiosity to decode every little medical problem that they encounter, and there you have passionate, potent researchers who thrive to bide by their duties as clinicians as well as educators.
What would you advise undergraduate students just starting out?
Research increases one’s exposure to the best clinical minds in one’s field, it initiates critical thinking, develops teamwork skills. It is important to find joy in finding out why. Curiosity takes you a long way. Researching is a skill, and students may find it difficult initially, but under the right guidance, they can definitely imbibe this skill.
When a study is underway, what do you focus most on?
Accuracy is the most important. Preparing the right research question and method which will answer the question correctly without worrying about the end result is crucial to a good research process. The focus is on finding answers to the new questions your research throws your way and gaining more depth and clarity through continuous scientific enquiry.
How can one find out about research opportunities?
Research is a part of the UG and PG curriculum. A clinical therapist continually has the opportunity to conduct research, if proper records are maintained. As teaching faculty you can facilitate student research or conduct your research. All renowned hospitals conduct research and present papers at conferences. It isn’t necessary to have a research appointment in a laboratory to conduct research. The research committee can guide you.
Where can one start?
One starts at a clinical field of their interest and from there goes on to trying different ways of treating patients. One needs to develop a research question following proper and extensive literature search. This has to be followed by defining the research problem.
Say I have an idea for a project. What’s the next step? What do I need to get started?
Put your idea on paper and try to frame the scope of your study. An extensive review of the theoretical and practical construct of the research question is of paramount importance. Approach subject experts and get going!
What support can the college provide to a student through a project?
The college gives guidance with respect to the formulation of the project, statistical analysis, justification for the results obtained, appropriate study design and methodology, conference presentation, and publication. It also provides library facilities, equipment and intellectual guidance.
If a project requires funding, where does one learn more?
There are various agencies and organisations which fund projects from the University, the Mumbai branch of IAP, to government agencies like ICMR. MUHS provides short term research grant for undergraduate students. The research committee can give you the complete information and guide you through the application procedure.
How does one know that their project needs approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee?
All research involving human subjects requires an ethical clearance to safeguard the participants. Your project guide and research committee members can guide you through the process of IEC approval.
Check out Research related FAQ in GLINT 2019 at https://glint.home.blog/2019/02/04/insight/
Glint 2020 