Physician – Scientists are an elite breed; Though few in numbers, 37% of Nobel in physiology have gone to them, with many more under the chemistry category. Their work has tied the cause and effect – smoking and cancer, sugar and diabetes, etc. They are trained to generalize and are not bogged down by authority. Every risk is a potential breakthrough for them, and they are trained to conduct investigations in the laboratory, clinic, population health, community engagement and health equity.

Recognizing the importance of Physician-Scientists, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, a pioneer in Biomedical Engineering, has introduced a unique PhD Programme for doctors. The PhD program will be tailored to your interest. If you want to delve into a scientific enquiry that might have its origin in your practice or knowledge, this PhD will offer exciting opportunities. If you have an innovative idea for a product that may require scientific validation and a systematic study, this department is your destination. A PhD will quench your knowledge thirst if you are fascinated by translational research.        

Let us expand the idea. The clinician with an innovative idea registering for a doctorate will be coupled with an engineering PhD student, who will work out the engineering aspect through simulation and bench tests. The doctor’s role is to work out a framework for converting an idea into a realizable product from a system perspective. The clinician will later conduct trials to prepare the product for the market. The department will also offer an entrepreneurial doctorate to the clinicians, a novel program in which doctors can develop a product and the IIT system will encourage and guide them to have a startup.