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At The Wheel of Research: An Exclusive Biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan
In this exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the inaugural chief scientist at the World Health Organization who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anuradha Mascarenhas tells the remarkable story of a career encompassing medicine, research, decision-making and philanthropy. She provides insights into the life of the globally acclaimed researcher drawing upon interviews with her family members, particularly her illustrious father, Dr M.S. Swaminathan, close friends and eminent scientists and researchers. She includes little-known anecdotes and stories from Swaminathan's days at school, college, universities and institutions in India and abroad.
Some of the questions that are posed and answered Why did Dr Soumya Swaminathan initially refuse a top post at the World Health Organization? What made her reconsider? How did she tackle the challenges posed by the brutal COVID-19 pandemic to emerge as one of the most trusted scientific voices in the world?
Mascarenhas shows how Swaminathan's unflappable and compassionate nature, her ability to connect with people and her willingness to work with others earned her worldwide recognition. At the Wheel of Research is an inspiring portrait of an impressive leader and a physician-scientist with a big heart.
Some of the questions that are posed and answered Why did Dr Soumya Swaminathan initially refuse a top post at the World Health Organization? What made her reconsider? How did she tackle the challenges posed by the brutal COVID-19 pandemic to emerge as one of the most trusted scientific voices in the world?
Mascarenhas shows how Swaminathan's unflappable and compassionate nature, her ability to connect with people and her willingness to work with others earned her worldwide recognition. At the Wheel of Research is an inspiring portrait of an impressive leader and a physician-scientist with a big heart.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 18, 2025
Dr. Soumya’s journey is truly inspiring- a story of dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in medicine and public health and not losing sense of one’s identity and empathy while doing so.
As a physician and researcher, I find immense motivation in her story. Her career is a remarkable blend of groundbreaking achievements and an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes . However, what I admire most is her ability to maintain poise, grace, and composure in the face of challenges. Her calm demeanor is as special as her professional milestones.
However I do wish the book had given more insights into her thought process and inner world, as she navigates her career. Understanding her reflections, the decisions she grappled with, and how she maintained her equilibrium amidst the demands of her profession would provide invaluable lessons for those of us following similar paths. While it’s interesting and inspiring to read about her accomplishments; a peak into the mindset that powered her through adversity would have been gold mine. For this reason, this book was too short a read in my opinion.
To have even a fraction of her talent and achievements would indeed be a blessing. Her story not only sets a high bar for personal and professional growth but also serves as a beacon of what is possible with perseverance and a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.
As a physician and researcher, I find immense motivation in her story. Her career is a remarkable blend of groundbreaking achievements and an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes . However, what I admire most is her ability to maintain poise, grace, and composure in the face of challenges. Her calm demeanor is as special as her professional milestones.
However I do wish the book had given more insights into her thought process and inner world, as she navigates her career. Understanding her reflections, the decisions she grappled with, and how she maintained her equilibrium amidst the demands of her profession would provide invaluable lessons for those of us following similar paths. While it’s interesting and inspiring to read about her accomplishments; a peak into the mindset that powered her through adversity would have been gold mine. For this reason, this book was too short a read in my opinion.
To have even a fraction of her talent and achievements would indeed be a blessing. Her story not only sets a high bar for personal and professional growth but also serves as a beacon of what is possible with perseverance and a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.
August 21, 2024
Dr Sowmya Swaminathan is an inspiration to many in the field of science, and to women across the country. Despite knowing about her work and having heard her speak multiple times and having met her and being floored by her down-to-earth nature, I picked up the book to understand the path she took to get where she is and the discipline that enables her work-life balance. I wanted to understand more of her personal thought processes. But I guess one has to wait for an autobiography for that.
This biography describes her life from the outside. It describes the pandemic in greater detail than her as a person. I would have wanted to read something more in-depth. Nevertheless, an inspiring story.
This biography describes her life from the outside. It describes the pandemic in greater detail than her as a person. I would have wanted to read something more in-depth. Nevertheless, an inspiring story.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews