My Journey in the Biotech Industry - Part I

Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Brahmbhatt, and I’m thrilled to share my journey in the biotech industry here in India.

Back in 2010, I embarked on my academic path in Biotechnology at a modest college in Gujarat. Our class started with about 150 students, many of whom were new to the subject and its potential. Despite having the grades to pursue courses like B.Pharma, BAMS, BHMS, or BDS, I chose B.Sc. Biotechnology, driven by a deep-seated passion for the field.

After completing my B.Sc., I enrolled in a prestigious college for my M.Sc., specializing in Genetics. Genetics has always fascinated me, and I thoroughly enjoyed delving into every aspect of this field during my two-year postgraduate journey. The only thing I missed was studying Fermentation and my beloved book by Stanbury and Whitaker.

During my academic journey, I was introduced to the captivating realm of Classical Genetics, known as Cytogenetics. Dr. J B Chauhan, our esteemed instructor for this subject, left a lasting impression on me with his exceptional teaching. Under his mentorship, I became determined to pursue a career in Cytogenetics. To fulfil this aspiration, I completed my dissertation under his guidance, and his expertise was invaluable in shaping my career path.

In 2012, upon completing my M.Sc., I actively sought opportunities in Cytogenetics laboratories. With determination, I compiled a list of such labs across India and applied to each one. As a fresh graduate with little prior experience, I navigated the job application process with enthusiasm and persistence. Additionally, I applied for a paid internship opportunity at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.

I vividly remember my interview with Dr. Pratibha Kadam Amare at Tata Memorial Hospital. She greeted me with a humorous remark, "Oh Gujju bhai, you've come a long way for this interview." On my way back from Mumbai, I received a call from Dabur Oncquest Laboratories in New Delhi for a Medical Technologist interview. The following day, I had a telephonic interview and promptly travelled there for a face-to-face interaction. Dr. Renjini Nambiar conducted the interview, presenting me with a paper containing a metaphase image and asked if I could identify the chromosomes. Although I couldn’t identify all of them, she smiled and encouraged me to number as many as I could.

I was fortunate to land a job as a Medical Technologist at Oncquest Laboratories, where I worked for nearly two years. My time there was transformative, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and hone my skills in cytogenetics. From mastering karyotyping techniques to collaborating with a diverse team of scientists, every day brought new challenges and learning opportunities.

Eager to further my career, I joined Dr. Lal Path Labs as a Senior Medical Technologist in the Cytogenetics Department under the esteemed Dr. Sourabh Bhattacharya. My four years in Delhi were incredibly fulfilling. I expanded my expertise in advanced cytogenetic testing methodologies, led complex projects, and mentored junior colleagues. Dr. Bhattacharya's guidance and the collaborative environment at Lal Path Labs played a pivotal role in shaping my professional growth.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and continuous learning in the biotech industry. Each experience has not only strengthened my technical skills but also enriched my passion for genetics and its applications in healthcare.

Thank you for reading about my journey in the biotech industry. In future posts, I look forward to sharing more insights into specific challenges faced, lessons learned, and practical advice for aspiring professionals in biotechnology and genetics. Stay tuned!