Prof Dr. Bharti Malhotra | Virology | Best Researcher Award

SMS Medical College, Jaipur- India

Author Profile

• Scopus Profile

📚Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Bharti Malhotra, born on 9th September 1962, embarked on her remarkable academic journey at the SMS Medical College, Jaipur, where she completed her M.B.B.S. in 1985. Her passion for microbiology led her to pursue an M.D. in Microbiology from the same esteemed institution, which she completed in 1992. This solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future contributions to medical science, particularly in the field of microbiology.

🩺Professional Endeavors

Dr. Malhotra’s career is a testament to her dedication and leadership in the field of microbiology. Over the years, she has held several key positions at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, including Additional Principal 1st SMSMC Jaipur, Senior Professor of Microbiology, and Nodal Officer for Advanced Research and TB RNTCP IRL Lab & State DHR VRDL.Her journey began as a Senior Demonstrator in 1991, and she quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming an Assistant Professor in 1993, an Associate Professor in 2003, and a Professor of Microbiology in 2012. Dr. Malhotra has also served as the Dean of Paramedical and Medicine and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS). These roles highlight her exceptional administrative skills and commitment to advancing medical education and research.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Malhotra’s contributions to microbiology extend beyond her administrative roles. She has been at the forefront of various research initiatives that have significantly impacted public health. As the Principal Investigator (PI) for several ongoing projects, she has been instrumental in leading efforts to enhance laboratory surveillance and control of infectious diseases.

Some of her notable research projects include:

1. State Reference Lab VRDL: A project funded by DHR, continuing since 2015, aimed at strengthening virology research.
2. Regional Reference Lab for Pneumococcal Meningitis: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and ICMR, this project focuses on understanding the impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine rollout.
3. NCDC Programs: Dr. Malhotra has been a key player in the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) programs, serving as the PI for projects aimed at strengthening intersectoral coordination for zoonotic disease prevention, hepatitis surveillance, and bio-risk mitigation for high-risk pathogens.

Her dedication to research is further exemplified by her role as the Site PI for the Pan India Epidemiological, Virological, and Genomic Surveillance for Human Influenza and COVID-19 through the DHR-ICMR VRDL Network, showcasing her contributions to combating pandemics.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bharti Malhotra’s exemplary work has not gone unnoticed. She is highly regarded in the medical community for her contributions to microbiology, particularly in the areas of tuberculosis and viral research. Her role as a State Lab Coordinator for IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Program) and Regional Coordinator for One Health reflects the trust placed in her by national health agencies.In addition to her research achievements, Dr. Malhotra has also received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to medical science and education. Her leadership in advancing the understanding and control of infectious diseases has earned her a place among the top medical professionals in the country.

🌍Impact and Influence

Dr. Malhotra’s influence extends beyond her immediate roles and responsibilities. Through her work, she has significantly contributed to the improvement of public health infrastructure in India, particularly in the areas of tuberculosis and virology. Her leadership in various national programs has helped shape policies and practices that have had a lasting impact on public health.Her work in microbiology, particularly her focus on infectious diseases, has also inspired countless students and professionals in the medical field. As a Senior Professor and Dean, she has mentored numerous students and young professionals, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to medical science themselves.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Bharti Malhotra continues her work at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, her legacy is already well-established. Her contributions to microbiology, infectious disease research, and public health are profound and far-reaching. She continues to lead cutting-edge research projects and play a pivotal role in national health initiatives.Looking to the future, Dr. Malhotra is poised to make even greater contributions to the field of microbiology. Her ongoing projects, particularly those focused on viral hemorrhagic fevers and genomic surveillance, are likely to yield important insights that will shape the future of infectious disease control.