Dr. Kushal Banerjee
Student spotlight details
Kushal runs a private practice in New Delhi and as a result of the MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care he is now more confident with his research and finds that his peers and seniors now seek his advice.
'Before enrolling on the programme I was involved in full time private practice and was devoting half my working day to charitable practice. I had submitted my dissertation for Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Homeopathy.
'As a homeopath, I was acutely aware of the need for understanding concepts of evidence based medicine. I realised that contributing to the evidence base with methodological rigour is extremely important. I was also eager to learn ways to utilise the large clinical database at my clinic to improve outcomes. Understanding medical research to better communicate this to my patients was another objective.
'There was a steep learning curve for me in the first few modules. I was not familiar with several aspects of evidence based medicine which most students were. It took me some time to fully understand and utilise all the resources that the University makes available for students.
'I am now far more confident of my research and am able to effectively defend it. I find that peers and seniors seek my help in understanding and evaluating research or in planning research projects. The help and advice from teachers and fellow students continues to flow in long after the course is over.
'I am continuing with my practice in New Delhi, India, and devote a lot of time to research. I've published in peer reviewed journals and am the lead author in a Systematic Review. I find that I am able to communicate clinical information better to patients and am more helpful in the decision making process for them. I'm able to objectively assess medical research and provide more balanced advice.
'Any one involved in health care should enrol on this course. Oxford University and the Center for Evidence Based Medicine provide the 'gold standard' of teaching and learning. You will learn from some of the most accomplished practitioners, researchers and teachers in the world. The structure of the course is such that it allows you to continue working as you learn, if you so choose. Problem based sessions allow students to bring in their own scenarios and collaboratively resolve problems. This provides for a deeper learning experience by bringing in context.'
