Professor Doctor. Bharti Malhotra, SMS Medical College, India 

Early Academic Pursuits 

Dr. Bharti Malhotra was born on September 9, 1962, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Her journey into the medical field began with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, in 1985. She further specialized in Microbiology, earning her MD from the same institution in 1992. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her future contributions to medical science, particularly in the fields of microbiology and immunology.

Professional Endeavors 

Dr. Malhotra’s professional journey is marked by her extensive experience and leadership in microbiology and immunology. She has held numerous prestigious positions at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, including Additional Principal, Senior Professor of Microbiology, and Nodal Officer for the Advanced Research & TB RNTCP IRL Lab. Her roles have also extended to being the State Lab Coordinator for IDSP and the Regional Coordinator for the One Health Program (NOHPPCZ). Additionally, she has served as Pro Vice Chancellor of RUHS, Dean of Paramedical and Medicine faculties, and has significantly contributed to the development of the medical education system in Rajasthan.

Contributions and Research Focus 

Dr. Malhotra has been instrumental in leading several key research projects, primarily focusing on tuberculosis, virology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research work includes ongoing projects like the State Reference Lab for VRDL, strengthening laboratory surveillance for pneumococcal meningitis, and various NCDC initiatives. She has also completed several significant projects, including the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis, development of a national HIV drug resistance database, and enhancing biorisk mitigation awareness in public health.

Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Malhotra’s contributions to medical science have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. These include the Award for Meritorious Services by the Rajasthan State Government in 2019, the Sheikh Abdullah Best Published Paper Award in 2017, and the Rajasthan Medical Council Award for Excellence in Diagnostic Services in 2018. She has also been honored with the Women’s Day Award in 2021 and has received several awards for her excellence in microbiology.

Impact and Influence

As a leader in her field, Dr. Malhotra has significantly influenced the landscape of microbiology in India. She has been an active member of various professional societies, including the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM), the Indian Society of Antimicrobials and Chemotherapeutics (ISAC), and the Indian Virology Society (IVS). Her leadership roles include serving as the President of the IAMM Rajasthan Chapter, where she organized the first RAJMICROCON in 2022, further advancing the field of microbiology in the region.

Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Bharti Malhotra’s legacy is characterized by her unwavering dedication to advancing medical research, education, and public health. Her ongoing research projects continue to address critical issues in microbiology and public health, ensuring her work will benefit future generations. As she continues to contribute to medical science, her influence will undoubtedly inspire future researchers and healthcare professionals to build upon her pioneering work.