Know about Clinical Research – A Noble Profession Medical Institutions and Pharmaceutical corporations conduct hundreds of clinical trials annually. These trials provide important new methods to detect, diagnose, and reduce the risk of a disease under scrutiny. The process also helps the physicians and researchers decide what does and doesn’t work on people. Clinical Research is a subject which covers a wide range of procedures, like dealing with drugs, medication, or a device. Any new medicine or medical procedure under research does not reach the clinical testing phase until the preclinical trials are cleared and the medicines and the procedures are found safe. To reach the consumer market, they are further supervised for safety and efficiency. The safe products can be used for prevention, treatment, diagnosis and treatment of a disease after clearing all the tests.
M.Sc. in Clinical Research is the course to opt for if an individual wants to be a part of this research-based industry. Healthcare professionals and researchers associated with this industry need to be ingenious, highly responsible, and disciplined. The reason is that the industry demands 100% precision and there’s no room for error.
A clinical research professional should be updated with all the latest information and techniques as new techniques and methods are born every day. Moreover, a job as a clinical research professional requires innovation, determination and analytical thinking.
So, let’s take a closer look at various aspects of clinical research and different career opportunities after M.Sc. in Clinical Research for aspiring healthcare professionals.
M.Sc. Clinical Research or Master of Science in Clinical Research is a Postgraduate Medicine course which focuses on the comprehensive study about safety and effectiveness of medications and healthcare procedures.
The basic eligibility for M.Sc. course in Clinical Research is a B.Sc degree (Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Nursing)/ M.B.B.S / B.D.S / B.A.M.S / B.H.M.S /B.V.Sc. Some colleges and universities also have additional admission test.
Scope of Clinical Research
Clinical Research is the next big thing in the rapidly growing economies like India. We shouldn’t rely only on other countries for research when we have a booming population of talented youth to implement R&D procedures. Moreover, due to the prevalence of a number of life-threatening diseases like Cancer, AIDS, etc., India needs to conduct clinical research trials so that new and reliable solutions can be scrutinized. A large number of multinational companies are setting up research facilities due to cost benefits and substantial workforce available in India. Very evident, M.Sc. in Clinical Research is an interesting career option with massive growth potential.
Job Profiles after M.Sc. Clinical Research
Clinical Research Associate: These employees are responsible for designing, implementing and monitoring the clinical trials in a particular research work. They are also required to ensure that Good Clinical Practices are followed while conducting a clinical trial. It is important to follow these practices to ensure the safety of trials, record keeping, etc. Clinical research professionals also help the Biostatisticians to create a presentation and detailed report about the outcome of a particular trial.
Biostatisticians: These professionals are responsible for performing statistical programming and detailed analysis of clinical trials. A biostatistician is a person who plans, coordinates and provides reports of studies for clinical trial projects.
Clinical Research Managers: These individuals are responsible for designing and writing the protocols for clinical trials. A clinical research manager supervises case report forms and consent forms of individuals agreeing for clinical trials.
Clinical Research Investigator: According to Wikipedia, a clinical research investigator, also known as the principal investigator, is responsible for the protection of the rights, safety, and welfare of subjects and for the control of drugs which are under investigation. Furthermore, a Clinical Research Investigator ensures that the clinical trial is conducted with applicable regulations and according to the investigation plan.
An individual with this degree can also become a Clinical Research Coordinator, Business Development Manager, and Clinical Data Manager.
The Future of Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials hold the potential to transform the healthcare industry. These trials have benefited thousands of people who are alive today because of the process. There have been some instances where clinical trials have hurt the subjects, but such cases are rare.
Clinical Research can offer improved results for patients, help in cost cutting of medication, and can enhance the patient experience. A career in this field is noble, leaving a person with an everlasting contentment of saving the mankind.
