Dr. Gagandeep Kang on Virology, COVID-19, and Public Health Policy
Episode #009
Introduction
“What is the cause of disease in India and what can we do about it?”
In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Gagandeep Kang, a trailblazer in the field of clinical research, whose work has left an indelible mark on global health. As the first Indian woman to be elected to the Royal Society, Dr. Kang has spent decades advancing vaccine development, particularly her groundbreaking efforts on the rotavirus vaccine, which has saved countless lives. Her expertise spans the complexities of infectious diseases, community engagement, and the critical intersection of science and public trust.
The conversation delves into her early motivations, the role of mentors who shaped her career, and the pivotal research she conducted in the fight against diseases like rotavirus and COVID-19. Dr. Kang’s insights on clinical trials, the balance of risk and innovation, and the lessons learned from navigating large-scale public health emergencies provide a window into the rigor and dedication that drive her work. Moreover, she reflects on India’s healthcare response during the pandemic and offers practical advice for the next generation of researchers in a post-COVID world.
In an era where the integrity of science has never been more essential, Dr. Kang’s perspective is both a call to action and a source of inspiration. Her reflections on policy changes, the evolving role of technology in healthcare, and her new position at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation highlight the ways in which India—and the world—can better prepare for future health challenges.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of medical research, the role of trust in science, and how we can build a more resilient and informed healthcare system.
Listen Now
Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
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Connect with Us
Connect with Dr. Gagandeep Kang : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagandeep-kang-77536254
Follow Vignesh on X: https://twitter.com/hrorq
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Selected Links
People Mentioned
Ideas & Other References Mentioned
Christian Medical College, Vellore
Institute for Liver and Biliary Sciences
Dr. Gagandeep Kang’s AIIMS Bhubhaneshwar TEDx Talk
Global Public Attitudes About Clinical Research and Patient Experiences With Clinical Trials
Controlled Human Infection Models
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute
Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Integrated Disease Surveillance Program
National Center for Disease Control
Time Stamps
00:00 - 00:14 - Theme
00:14 - 02:42 - On pursuing a career in Clinical Research
02:43 - 06:25 - On Mentors and Influences
06:26 - 08:25 - On Dr. Mary K. Estes
08:36 - 11:10 - On the early work on Rotavirus
11:11 - 23:46 - On Clinical Research and Building Trust with Communities
23:47 - 39:18 - The Problems of overanalysing Statistical Anomalies during Clinical Trials
39:19 - 44:02 - The Myth of Risk-Free Innovation
44:03 - 48:22 - On COVID-19 vs. Rotavirus
48:23 - 51:31 - The Role of Technology in India’s Response to COVID-19
51:32 - 54:11 - Executing in Emergency Situations versus Raising Standards of Excellence
54:12 - 57:40 - Advice to Young Researchers in the Post-COVID-19-era
57:41 - 1:00:30 - Crucial Policy Changes to Consider
1:00:31 - 01:06:38 - Dr. Kang’s New Role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
01:06:39 - 01:08:41 - On improving India’s Disease Surveillance Systems
01:08:42 - 01:10:35 - How to Approach Budget Allocation for Healthcare
01:10:36 - 01:13:17 - Preparing for the Data Revolution in Life Sciences
01:13:18 - 01:14:02 - One Piece of Advice Dr. Kang received
01:14:03 - 01:14:20 - Thanks
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