Pursuing original research in Medicine

摘要

Most of the research published by Indian physiologists is gradually shifting focus to 'application' domains. Such as effect of 'X' intervention on 'Y' disease or 'Z' state. Here the 'X' is a known intervention. Therefore, such research cannot be called as original. Even if 'X' and 'Y' or 'Z' are new to each other, I would hesitate myself to call this as original research. Being in an important position in research domain, the physiologists occupy a unique position and therefore have both, the opportunity and the responsibility to indulge in original research. Original research means, the discovery of fundamental mechanisms that explain physiological phenomenon. For example Prof. A.S. Paintal, a celebrated Indian physiologist, discovered the mechanism of cardio-respiratory response to interstitial fluid pressure/volume in lungs of anaesthetized cats, resulting in the discovery of 'J' receptors. This, is original research in the truest of notions. He, later, characterized the 'J' receptors, resulting in the advancement of science. This brought laurels to Prof. A.S. Paintal, Patel Chest Institute, Indian physiology community and to our country. This is the concept of original research which each one of us needs to contemplate deep inside.