Career Prospects for MSc in Clinical Research After MBBS

Completing a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Research (CR) after an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree can be a pivotal step in your career, opening up numerous opportunities in various fields. However, it is crucial to understand that clinical research is a distinct field with its unique characteristics. It requires a deeper dive into new knowledge, diverse skill sets, and varied perspectives.

Understanding Clinical Research

1. Distinct from MBBS: The primary difference lies in the focus of the curriculum. During your MBBS, the emphasis is on patient care and managing existing treatment protocols. In contrast, clinical research delves into the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to develop new treatments, drugs, and medical techniques. This field requires a different set of skills and a broader understanding of the research process.

2. Diverse Course Focus: Unlike your undergraduate studies, which were primarily focused on patient care, MSc in CR encompasses a wide range of topics, including ethics, research methodology, data analysis, and pharmacovigilance. You will study alongside students from various backgrounds such as BSc Biotech, BDS, BSc Epidemiology, and MSc Zoology. Each student will bring their unique perspective, making the learning experience rich and diverse.

3. Diverse Student Background: Given the diverse student base, it is essential to remain firm in your goals. While some may be more interested in statistics, others might focus on drug discovery or pharmacovigilance. Although it might be tempting to adjust your goals based on the views of your classmates, this mindset divergence can lead to disorientation. Embrace the diversity and focus on your own objectives.

4. Comparison with 1-2 Year Post Graduate Diplomas: For those considering a 1-2 year postgraduate diploma in CR, it is advisable to opt for the 2-year full-time MSc in CR. These one-year programs, while industry-oriented, may not provide you with the same level of comfort or the opportunity to explore your best-fitted career options in depth. The extended 2-year period gives you the time to narrow down your goals and become more mature in your career choice.

Career Opportunities After An MSc in Clinical Research

Post-MSCCR Career Prospects

1. Pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research: This option offers great value due to the scarcity of highly qualified individuals in the field. A PhD in CR equips you with advanced skills and knowledge, leading to the best career pathway.

2. Joining a Contract Research Organization (CRO): The CRO industry is growing rapidly worldwide, and major players are investing heavily in this field. As a CRO intern, you can start with a modest salary, but once you demonstrate your worth, your salary can quickly increase. By the end of the first year, you could be earning upwards of Rs. 80,000 per month or more.

3. Joining an Independent Research Organization: These organizations focus on conducting research and are well-funded by the government. Roles here offer good salary packages for freshers, ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 63,000 per month. Compared to a CRO, your lifestyle and working conditions might be simpler but competition for such roles is higher.

4. Joining a Pharmacovigilance Outsourcing Company: This sector, closely aligned with the clinical research and pharmaceutical industries, is also rapidly growing. As a fresh graduate, your initial salary might be lower, but with experience, your salary will increase exponentially.

5. Joining Ethics and Regulatory Agencies: Organizations such as the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standards Control Organization) and FDI (Food and Drug Information Centre) require experience, but they can provide valuable career opportunities.

List of Colleges Offering MSc in Clinical Research

Academy of Clinical Research and Indian Public Health Foundation (ACSIR with PHFI partnership) Sikkim Manipal University BITS Pilani (Dubhashi-Dhthinkable) University of Mysore Indian Council for Research in International Studies (ICRI) – However, alumni reports suggest mixed feedback Amity University

List of Colleges Offering PGDCR

St. Xavier College, Mumbai Reliance Institute of Life Sciences Centre for Research in Medical Statistics and Informatics (CRDMI) Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) International Genetics and Medical Park (IGMP)

These institutions are well-recognized and provide comprehensive training and opportunities in the field of clinical research.

Conclusion

Entering the field of clinical research can be a promising career move, offering high returns as you mature. However, it is essential to be clear about your goals and embrace the diverse and challenging nature of the field. Choosing the right course duration (full-time MSc) can provide you with the necessary time to develop a strong foundation and explore your best career options. Remember, the path to success may be less crowded, but the rewards are significant.