Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“To connect my passions for and experience in Clinical Medicine and Research, and I wanted to further expand a career in Women’s Health Research to contribute to modern medicine. As a graduate student of the Clinical Research program, I plan to continue to develop my research, written, and clinical skills in order to prepare for a successful career in Women’s Health Research not merely to use an established treatment as a physician, but to help establish new treatment plans. Therefore, the Master’s in Clinical Research proved as an EXCELLENT fit for my career path.”
What did you like best about the program?
“The clinical research training helped me in extending my knowledge of research approaches and skills related to clinical trials. In addition, the program expanded my scientific writing skills facilitating future participation in grant and manuscript writing as well as critically analyzing scientific literature to support evidence-based medicine. The broad curriculum not only covered conducting clinical trials, but also GCP (Good Clinical Practice), Big-Data as well as Ethics of Clinical Research. I strongly believe that the training environment and expert faculties of this program provided the complete set of skills necessary for the field of clinical research. Also, the cultural and professional diversity of students’ were incomparable.”
What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“Starting from developing a research theory and applying for funding all the way to conducting full-on clinical trials and publishing a scientific paper, I learned a great deal in the program. Simultaneously doing an internship, I could apply all theoretical knowledge directly to a real-world scenario. In my opinion, this hands-on experience is the BEST way of learning any new knowledge!”
What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This program has my highest recommendation for whoever is considering a career that involves Human subject research whether it is for career advancement or choosing a new career path altogether. Along with core courses to cover the heart and soul of clinical research, there are wide varieties of elective courses offered which I enjoyed a lot! Additionally, the flexibility of the program lets you fulfill any personal or professional responsibilities alongside it.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Being part of this program gave me the unique opportunity to participate as a faculty member for the Oncofertility Science Academy of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at UC San Diego. It is a hands-on educational program that trains high-school girls in biology and reproductive medicine. Many of them go on to become the next generation of scientists and physicians. Teaching a day-long session of “Ethics in Reproductive Medicine” while engaging those energetic girls in the discussion has been extremely worthwhile, and knowing that I am able to make a difference in the careers of those aspiring young women interested in science and medicine.”
Hiral’s Independent Study Project:
“Effectiveness of mediolateral versus midline episiotomy in vaginal instrumental delivery to prevent anal sphincter injury.”
Education
- 2016 MAS, Clinical Research, University of California, San Diego
- 2006 DGO, M.P.Shah Medical College, India
- 2004 MBBS, M.P.Shah Medical College, India
clre@ucsd.edu