Medical Associates for Research and Communication

Medical Associates for Research and Communication (MARC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation that works with medical students and researchers with little to no background in research. Their primary goal is to help these researchers complete their research work using appropriate scientific methods thereby maintaining high scientific and research standards. Since 2008, they have worked with over 150 researchers across the globe. [CITATION NEEDED]. One of their most important achievements has been a landmark research study that formed the impetus for the creation of a 911 like system in India.

History

(MARC) was officially co-founded by Amita Mukhopadhyay MD and Ritam Chowdhury MBBS, MPH, PhD in December 2008, in Mumbai, India. Although officially founded in 2008, the foundations of MARC were laid down much earlier. Amita and Ritam met in 2004, during their time at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital where Amita was a resident in the Department Of Preventive and Social Medicine and Ritam was a medical student. The pair realized that lack of adequate research training led to improper application of scientific principles. This led to many good research IDeaS by medical students and researchers being rejected when submitted for review. Together, they formed this NGO to help guide medical students and researchers avoid these pitfalls. They collaborated widely with many researchers from across the globe.

Philosophy

(MARC) and its members provided a safe environment wherein researchers could voice their concerns. MARC focused on connecting researchers with resources and providing technical or scientific expertise on a pro bono basis. In addition, they conduct health education and community outreach volunteer work in different parts of India. All work done by MARC is pro bono. Collaborators who assist MARC in its activities volunteer their time and thus help in training the next generation of researchers and public health professionals.

Members

MARC was co-founded by Amita Mukhopadhyay MD, the current CEO and CFO, and Ritam Chowdhury MBBS, MPH, PhD, Research Director and COO. Amita Mukhopadhyay MD is Associate Professor, in the department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the prestigious Bangalore Medical College. Ritam Chowdhury MBBS, MPH, PhD is also a Visiting Instructor-Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and statistical consultant at Harvard School of Public Health

See Also

Translational Research Epidemiology Biostatistics