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Peer Learning Inspires Pharmacy Students to Explore Diverse Career Pathways

Published on: March 14, 2026

The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), organized the second session of its lecture series titled “Learning from the Peers – Climbing the Success Ladder” on 14 March 2026 at Sushruta Lecture Hall. The interactive session witnessed the participation of 124 attendees, including students and faculty members. The programme was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Ujjwal Nautiyal and Dr. Srishti Dora, Faculty In-charges. The session featured Dr. Yuvraj Singh, Senior Scientist, Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR–Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, as the guest speaker.

The programme began with a warm welcome to the guest speaker. As a symbol of appreciation and sustainability, a sapling was presented to Dr. Yuvraj Singh, reflecting the spirit of growth and knowledge. Prof. (Dr.) Preeti Kothiyal, Dean, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of peer learning, professional dedication, and continuous engagement with evolving opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector. She encouraged students to actively participate in such sessions to gain practical insights and inspiration for their professional journeys.

During the session, Dr. Yuvraj Singh shared his academic and professional journey, beginning with his preparation for GPAT and leading to his work in pharmaceutical research at CSIR–CDRI. He highlighted the significance of pharmacy as an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem and urged students to recognize the immense potential the profession holds. He encouraged students to seek clinical exposure through internships in hospitals, suggesting that observing practices in OPDs and ICUs, particularly in emerging areas such as ocular pharmacy, can provide valuable practical experience.

Dr. Singh also discussed the diverse career opportunities within the pharmaceutical sector, including research and development, formulation and product development, manufacturing and operations, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, medical and scientific affairs, marketing, supply chain management, public health policy, and intellectual property rights. He emphasized that problem-solving ability, patience, and professional commitment are key attributes required for success in the field.

To broaden students’ understanding of medical research, he recommended the book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddhartha Mukherjee. He also encouraged students to engage in real research environments and offered opportunities for internships during their M. Pharm project work. The session further included insights about accomplished professionals in the pharmaceutical field, illustrating how dedication and perseverance lead to meaningful career growth.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where students discussed career pathways, research prospects, and industry expectations with the speaker. A memento was presented to Dr. Yuvraj Singh as a token of appreciation. The session ended with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem, leaving participants motivated and better informed about the diverse opportunities within the pharmaceutical profession.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.