FELLOWS CORNER
IRA RESEARCH GRANTS
IRA will (subject to availability) award research grants each year in following categories,
Trainee
1. Five for DM/DNB/Fellowship residents (up to Rs 2 Lac each)
2. Two for MD residents (up to Rs 1 Lac each)
3. Two MBBS student’s summer projects (up to Rs 50,000 each)
Mentor/guide must be a Life Member of the IRA.
Proposals for categories 1, 2, 3 shall be capped at two submissions per year from a single principal investigator/mentor/guide
Non-trainee IRA members
Five projects - (up to 10 lakhs per project)
Project shall be of at least two years duration.
The research should pertain to issues relevant to India. In such proposals, funding for multicentric studies shall be given priority.
Funding shall be provided for consumables as well as for the manpower.
A principal investigator/ single mentor/guide may have a maximum of two ongoing projects at the same time.
In a single funding cycle, only one project can be funded for a single principal investigator/ single mentor/guide
FUNDING CYCLES
The numbers of actual research grants and quantum available would be advised by the secretary of the IRA to the committee.
The funding shall be evaluated in the following three cycles,
January to April
o Proposal received by 15th March shall be considered
o Proposals shall be reviewed and a decision communicated to applicant by 30th April.
May to August
o Proposal received by 15th July shall be considered
o Proposals shall be reviewed and a decision communicated to applicant by 31st August.
September to December
o Proposal received by 15th November shall be considered
o Proposals shall be reviewed and a decision communicated to applicant by 31st December.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research proposals shall be submitted in the prescribed format (vide infra) in PDF format via the IRA research portal - https://www.indianrheumatology.org/grants.
The format for the research proposal (please see enclosed) has been adapted from the format for submission of research proposals to the Indian Council of Medical Research.
A call for proposals shall be sent out every January, May and September 1st week by the IRA via email to all members and through the IRA newsletter along with the prescribed format for research proposal.
Proposals which are not in the required format will be rejected without assignment of any reasons.
The principal investigator (or guide, in case of student projects) should submit a mandatory declaration (please see enclosed) that this project is not under consideration for funding by any other funding agency currently. The applications should be forwarded by the head of the department of the applicant in the prescribed format. The grantees should credit IRA for the funding, submit an abstract related to the project to IRACON, as well as keep in consideration the Indian Journal of Rheumatology for the full manuscript.
EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
Proposals shall be evaluated by the members of the research committee. If the chair of research committee deems it so, then external review might be sought for any particular proposal.
As the submission is allowed round the year, appraisal of them would also take round the year as they come so as not to overburden the members.
Appraisal
1. Screening criterion: Is the proposal ethical from viewpoint of human/ animal research (as applicable) – note – studies that fail to meet this criterion are automatically rejected.
2. Proposals shall be scored between 1 to 10 in each of the following domains. Each of these five points are scored between 10 (excellent) and 0 (poor).In addition, descriptive comments are provided by the reviewers.
a. Background adequately justified?
b. Aims and objectives clearly defined? There should not be more than three primary objectives and not more than five secondary objectives for a particular study.
c. Does the research work have a potential to eventually (need not directly) translate into clinical care?
d. Does the research work have novelty? Research work simply replicating something done elsewhere (even if it has not been done in India – exception: epidemiological studies) shall score low on this point.
e. Overall impression of the proposal.
3. The chair of the Research appraisal committee shall review the comments received and make a final decision based on several additional factors such as overall scope and relevance for the IRA and taking also into account member’s comments and scoring.
4. The decision of research appraisal committee would be final and binding.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research proposals shall be submitted in the prescribed format (vide infra) in PDF format via the IRA research portal - https://www.indianrheumatology.org/grants.
The format for the research proposal has been adapted from the format for submission of research proposals to the Indian Council of Medical Research.
A call for proposals shall be sent out every January, May and September 1st week by the IRA via email to all members and through the IRA newsletter along with the prescribed format for research proposal.
Proposals which are not in the required format will be rejected without assignment of any reasons.
The principal investigator (or guide, in case of student projects) should submit a declaration that this project is not under consideration for funding by any other funding agency currently. The applications should be forwarded by the head of institution/ hospital of the applicant in the prescribed format. The grantees should credit IRA for the funding, submit an abstract related to the project to IRACON, as well as keep in consideration the Indian Journal of Rheumatology for the full manuscript.
FUNDING
a. 70% of grant would be released upfront on submission of letter of IEC clearance.
b. The second installment of 20% shall be provided on receiving a suitable progress report (at least after one year, can be anytime after 6 months of receiving the funding)
c. The final installment of 10% shall be released after the said work has been published in a peer-reviewed journal that is indexed either in Scopus, Medline, Pubmed Central or Web of Science. If the said journal is not indexed on one of these databases, then this final installment shall not be provided.
It is desirable that study funded by the IRA should be submitted to its official organ, the Indian Journal of Rheumatology.
It is mandatory that abstracts of IRA funded research should be submitted to the IRA’s annual conference.
It is mandatory that IRA should be formally acknowledged for the funding provided.
Prior to recommending a proposal for funding, the committee would ascertain from the investigator that the approval of the project (title should be identical) by their relevant research ethics committee has been obtained.
For Format - Download from - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSw4m15mTm8yEH7aavAHhj0o4ltFGUHM/view?usp=sharing
For Mandatory Declaration form - https://drive.google.com/file/d/10RhwDm87yvNhSTYTodF23u9KHxW1sN-x/view?usp=sharing
APLAR Grant Applications for 2023 is now open for application till 15th April 2023. Grants that are available for applications are:
- COPCORD Grant 2023: Up to 3 grants to be awarded for Year 2023
- Fellowship Grant 2023: Up to 3 grants to be awarded for Year 2023
- Research Grant 2023: Up to 3 grants to be awarded for Year 2023
Kindly refer to the attached files for the announcement letter and application form.
Please note that Applicants are to use the attached forms to apply for the above grants and submit together with the required documents requested in the form.
The closing date for application is Wednesday, 15th April 2023.
Joyce Ann Casenas (Ms)
Secretariat | Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology
Phone: (65) 6774 5201 | Fax:(65) 6774 5203 | Email: secretariat@aplar.org
Address: 1 Scotts Road #24-10, Shaw Center, Singapore 228208For application forms - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/116YjJjMJiJu0Quc08y_HSKD8q1GL7oHU?usp=share_link
Please note that Applicants are to use the attached forms to apply for the above grants and submit together with the required documents requested in the form, to us at secretariat@aplar.org.
The closing date for application is Wednesday, 15th April 2023.
APLAR Conference Travel Grant Announcement
Invitation
The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) invites APLAR Young Rheumatologist (AYR) to submit their application for the APLAR Conference Travel Grant. APLAR will grant between 20-40 need-based travel stipends to AYR members with an accepted abstract for poster, oral or rapid fire presentation for the year 2022.The grant is to assist AYR to cover part of the travel expenses in attending the APLAR Conference. The grant will include complimentary registration to the conference and the following need-based allowance to cover part of the estimated travel and lodging costs of attending the conference:
• US$ 500 if AYR members are residing in the country where the annual conference is held.
• US$ 1000 if AYR members are residing outside the country where the annual conference is held.
Grant recipients will be personally responsible for all travel arrangements including, but not limited to, air/train/bus tickets, hotel booking and insurance.
Only completed applications with the correct supporting documents will be considered and the grant decision will be made by the APLAR Scientific Committee based on merit and need. Endorsement by the APLAR Board of Directors on the travel grant is final.
APLAR Conference Travel Grant 2022 Announcement
Application
The offer is valid only for:• Member of AYR; and
• have not received the travel grant before.
Priority will be given to applicants:
• with an accepted oral presentation over those with an accepted poster or abstract.
• who have never attended APLAR Conference.
The following documents need to be enclosed with the application:
• A curriculum vitae including a recent 2 x 2-inch photograph.
• Cover letter, making a (need-based) case for applicants’ selection for the travel grant. The letter should specify if and how the applicants get funded for their training (for example whether they need to work to pay for living expenses and/or to conduct their research), if they have access to travel funds to attend conferences (through their schools/hospital or grants), and if and how they have exhausted the travel funds.
• A letter from their direct supervisors confirming the applicant’s source of funding during the year (i.e., a scholarship, a stipend, or any other research funding) and verifying that the applicants does not have access to other travel funds.
Outline of the proposal for applying APLAR Fellowship grants.
Please study the template below for proposal development and submission it along with the application form.
| 1. | Applicant Particular | Provide name, Date of birth, workplace, contact number and email address of the applicants. |
| 2. | Abstract Details | Provide abstract title and result |
| 3. | Cover Letter | Cover letter making a (need-based) case for your selection for the travel grant. The letter should specify if and how the applicants get funded for their training (for example whether they need to work to pay for living expenses and/or to conduct their research), if they have access to travel funds to attend conferences (through their schools/hospital or grants), and if and how they have exhausted the travel funds. |
| 4. | Letter from Direct Supervisor | A letter from their direct supervisors confirming the applicant’s source of funding during the year (i.e., a scholarship, a stipend, or any other research funding) and verifying that the applicants does not have access to other travel funds. |
The amount of grant will be as follows:
• US$ 500 if AYR members are residing in the country where the annual conference is held.
• US$ 1000 if AYR members are residing outside the country where the annual conference is held.
APLAR Conference Travel Grant Announcement
Disbursement of Funds
The grant will be disbursed at the conference. Successful applicants shall collect the grant personally from the APLAR Secretariat.Application Period
Application for grant will open from 18th October 2022 to 31st October 2022.APLAR Conference Travel Grant Announcement
ASIA PACIFIC LEAGUE OF ASSOCIATIONS FOR RHEUMATOLOGY
APLAR CONFERENCE TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATION FORM
Instructions
A. Please read through the application carefully and include all the required information.B. Submit the completed application and the related appendices, and email PDF of the application.
C. Email application to:
APLAR (APLAR CONFERENCE TRAVEL GRANT)
Email: secretariat@aplar.org
Grant Application Deadline – Monday, 31 October 2022.
Terms and Restrictions
A. This travel grant is open to APLAR Young Rheumatologist (AYR) for attendance of the APLAR Annual Conference.B. Grant will be awarded based on needs to AYR members with an accepted abstract, poster, or oral presentation.
C. Grant recipients will be personally responsible for all travel arrangements including air/train/bus tickets, hotel booking and insurance
D. The grant will be disbursed at the APLAR Conference, and recipients are to collect the grant personally from the APLAR Secretariat.
E. Successful applicant who failed to turn up for the conference is required to provide valid reason for the absence. Absent without a valid reason will have the grant forfeited and will not be allowed to apply for future grant. An email will also be sent to the applicant’s supervision and to the President of the applicant’s national rheumatology society
Annex A: APLAR Conference Travel Grant Application Form Page 1 of 2
Application Form
| 1. | Applicant Details | ||
| Name | : | ||
| Date of Birth | : | ||
| Institution | : | ||
| Department | : | ||
| Country | : | ||
| Phone | : | ||
| E-mail address | : | ||
| 2. | Abstract(s) submitted to APLAR Conference | ||
| Abstract Title(s) | : | ||
|
Abstract Result Abstract Not accepted Abstract Accepted as Oral Presentation Rapid Fire Presentation Poster Presentation |
|||
| 3. | Letters Enclosed | ||
|
CV with photograph Cover Letter Letter from my direct supervisor |
|||
| 4. | Consent | ||
|
|
|||
| 5. | Signatures | ||
| I certify that the statements made herein are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may disqualify me as a future applicant. | |||
| Applicant Name: Date | |||
Last date of apply 14th November2019...
Candidates to mail to IRA Secretary with cc to President, IRA (debashisdandacmc@hotmail.com)
Number of fellowships : 3
Amount : INR 100,000
Eligibility : Completed 3 Years of Physician/Pediatrician Training plus1 year experience in any Rheumatology centre in the home country from the Developing World or those Nations having opportunities in the home country.
Requirements :
- 1. Letter of support from the home institute/ Rheumat Society of respectve home nation.
- 2. Acceptance letter from advanced rheumatology centre in India .
- 3. Permission from National Medical Commission of India through the Host Institute in India.
Indian Rheumatology Association, though Indian Journal of Rheumatology has an undergraduate Rheumatology fellowship program. The program will encourage UGs to undertake rheumatology research projects and will support them with these fellowships. The completed projects will be presented at the annual rheumatology conference of Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA).
All under-graduate medical students from both government and private institutions are eligible to submit a proposal for consideration. A panel of judges will review research proposalsBased on the recommendations of this panel, the award will be given to the 05 best proposals. Each fellowship will carry a grant worth Rs 5,000.
Last date of submission of proposal: 31 March
Please send project proposals to: injorheumat@gmail.com.
Program Description:
The ACR/IRA International Fellows Exchange Program was established in 2016 with the goal of providing opportunities for a foreign medical graduate visiting the United States to: observe clinical rheumatologic care of patients; gain a basic overview of the American medical system; and establish relationships with colleagues and mentors that will support his/her in their medical and research career.
The program recognizes outstanding work of rheumatology fellows in both laboratory and clinic- based research, and provides exposure to the exciting work being done by colleagues in other countries. This exchange program allows participants to share knowledge and experience, and creates opportunities for collaboration. In addition, the program fosters the alliance between ACR and IRA and assists in identifying future leaders within both organizations. In 2019, the program will support one exchange observership in India, and one exchange observership in the US.
Program Overview:
- Each VISITOR spends four-weeks at an observership at a host institution in the US or India
- Each VISITOR will receive complimentary registration for the ACR/ARP Annual Meeting (including a pre-conference course)
- Each VISITOR will receive complimentary hotel accommodations in the city of the ACR/ARP Annual Meeting: Atlanta, GA in 2019
- Each VISITOR will receive a reimbursement of up to $6000 USD for travel, housing and incidentals for the duration of the exchange program
- Each VISITOR will receive a complimentary one-year ACR membership
- ACR and IRA will each contribute up to $3000 USD towards a travel reimbursement for each VISITOR
Eligibility for exchange program:
Who is Eligible?
Trainees who are:
- An MD or MBBS Fellow trainee in a formal rheumatology training program, or within 5 years of completing a rheumatology fellowship
- Below the age of 40 years (exceptions require a formal request)
- Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English and/or the primary language of the host country
- Able to obtain the necessary visa to participate in the exchange
To Apply:
All candidates must provide the following:
- CV with photograph and brief (300 words or less) bio for publication
- Personal statement that includes how the exchange will help the applicant’s career plans; what the applicant brings to the program; what they hope to bring back to their home institution
- Area(s) of special interest (at least two)
- Letter of recommendation from Program Director/Supervisor that includes a formal statement about the applicant’s: 1) Professionalism; 2) Scholarly ability; 3) English language skills
- Ranking of host institutions
Duration and Timing:
Four-week training activity at an academic institution in the US or India to attending the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA from November 7-13, 2019.
Evaluation:
Each fellow will be required to complete a program evaluation that includes a brief report.
Last date is 20th May 2019
IRA-ACR fellow exchange results.
From ACR:
Taha Ahmed Fathullah Qaradaghi
Consultant Rheumatologist, Head of Bone Densitometer & Osteoporosis Center, Sulaimanyiah Internal Medicine teaching hospital_ Rheumatology Section.
From IRA:
Dr Rakesh Pilania DM, Pediatric Rheumatology from PGIMER Chandigarh.
Number of fellowships for the year 2023: One (1)
Amount: UK £ 1250
Last Date: 15 Nov 2023, before 5pm.
Age limit: 40 years
The following documents need to be enclosed with the application
- Brief CV (no more than one page) PLUS one page outlining:
- Applicant's choice of International Conference
- Reasons why the fellowship should be granted to the individual
- How the fellowship will help the applicant’s career plans
- Area of special interest/ overseas Rheumatology unit the applicant would like to spend time and correspondence with the host unit
- Abstract Acceptance Letter is desirable
- Recommendation of the Mentor/Supervisor of the Training Programme (Please request them to email their recommendation to
- Dr S Venkatachalam, Consultant Rheumatologist, Cannock, UK, Co-Chair, UK Rheumatology SAC & Hon.Treasurer Indo-UK Rheumatology Forum)
Applications may be sent preferably by email to s.venkatachalam@nhs.net
One copy of the application should be sent to IRA Secretariat : secretary.ira@gmail.com
Introduction:
As young researchers, we often hesitate to go to reputed international conferences despite our work being accepted for presentation. The huge financial burden that is often associated with these travel plans are undoubtedly the chief deterrents, and rightly so. But being young is a great advantage as there are numerous options to explore for funding for conferences. This section will provide you with an overview of various funding options available. It does need a lot of efforts but "no gain without pain". Remember you cannot obtain funds from two agencies for the same conference and/or research work.
ICMR Travel Grants
Name of the funding agency: ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
Who is eligible?
Age: No age limit for non-ICSU (International Council of Scientific Unions ) sponsored events; <35 years for ICSU sponsored events
Criteria:
- An accepted paper for presentation or an invitation to Chair a Session with a lectureor as a Keynote Speaker.
- The theme of the Conference/ Seminar/ Symposium/ Workshop should be related to the thrust areas/ activities of ICMR. (Application to merely attend annual meetings of professional Societies will notbe considered).
- The applicant should have published research papers in indexed journals
- The applicant should not have availed of financial assistance from ICMR in the last three financial years.
- The application should be forwarded through proper channel and must reach ICMR two months prior to the date of the Conference/ Seminar/ Symposium/ Workshop. Letter of acceptance, sanction received late, also must be submitted at least three weeks before the event.
- Special waiver may be given to those applicants, who are Chairpersons, Keynote Speakers if their applications are submitted within one week of receiving the invitation for the programme. For young scientists also waiver could be considered in case of specific awards of registration, accommodation and any other outstanding category and application should be submitted within one week after receipt of the notification (Necessary documentary proofs to be attached). In both cases applications must be received at least two weeks before the Conference/Symposium, etc. Also, if any request is received from the MOH&FW, it should reach the ICMR at least two weeks before the Conference with the recommendations giving full justifications
Amount covered: Up to full reimbursement of the actual return airfare in economy class by Air-India + VISA fees and conference registration.
What are the aspects covered by the funding: Full excursion class air fare by shortest route, airport tax and visa fees. Registration fee is provided to young scientists in addition to the above support (max. of Rs 1,50,000/-)
When do you get to know that the funds are approved?
About four weeks before the commencement of the Conference
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After) After the conference(after submission of claim documents)
Are the funds directly paid to your account? Yes
How early should you apply for this grant?
- The application must reach ICMR at least two monthsprior to the commencement of the event.
- Letter of acceptance, sanction received late, also must be submitted at least three weeks before the event.
- Special waiver may be given to those applicants, who are Chairpersons, Keynote Speakers if their applications are submitted within one week of receiving the invitation for the programme. For young scientists also waiver could be considered in case of specific awards of registration, accommodation and any other outstanding category and application should be submitted within one week after receipt of the notification (Necessary documentary proofs to be attached). In both cases applications must be received at least two weeks before the Conference/Symposium, etc. Also, if any request is received from the MOH&FW, it should reach the ICMR at least two weeks before the Conference with the recommendations giving full justifications.
How to apply:
Website/ Link to the application: https://icmr.nic.in/content/international-travel-non-icmr-scientists
Enclosures
- The following documents must be attached with the application.
- One copy of the completed application in the prescribed format and biodata of the applicant.
- A copy of letter from other national/international agency committing to bear partial cost of travel (the document must be flagged).
- Letter of Invitation from organizers.
- Detailed announcement of the Conference (photocopy of the announcement to be attached).
- Letter of acceptance of Paper for presentation and/or invitation from organizers to Chair a Session/participate as a Keynote Speaker.
- Abstract of the Paper to be presented by the applicant at the Conference.
- A Certificate from Air India including the cost (`) of return air fare by Economy/Excursion class by the shortest route
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end? Yes
How much is the usual time taken to process the funds? 2-3 months after the date of conference
How long do we need to wait if we wish to reapply to same funding agency? Three years
Comments/ Tips to increase success rate:
- Apply early
- Presenters with papers accepted for oral presentation are given preference
- ICMR funded projects are given preference
- Mention how attending the event/presenting the paper (and hence, representing India on an International Platform) would be beneficial
Unlike DBT and DST grants, The application completed in all respects together with enclosures needs to be sent to
The Director General,
Attention: Dr. N. C. Jain, Scientist-G & Head, Division of Human Resource Planning & Development (HRD),
Indian Council of Medical Research, V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110 029.
Note : You can’t avail funding from two Govt institutes for a same conference or paper.
Your Name: Vikas Gupta, Avinash Jain
Email ID (optional): vikasg86@gmail.com, avinashjain@outlook.com
IRA Travel Bursary
Name of the funding agency: Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA)
Who is eligible?
Age: Less than 35 year
Criteria: a) Original Research b) First author of best ten abstractsget the bursary
Amount covered: Travel, Registration and Stay
What are the aspects covered by the funding: as stated above
When do you get to know that the funds are approved?Four to eight weeks before the commencement of the conference
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After) – A team from IRA will connect with you and get all the arrangements done.
Are the funds directly paid to your account? IRA team will take care of the booking, stay and registration unless you have done it on your own. In that case, reimbursement can be claimed.
How early should you apply for this grant?At the time of abstract submission, there will be an option if you wish to apply for bursary.
How to apply:
Website/ Link to the application – It is a part of Indian Rheumatology National conference and is a part of abstract submission process.
Documentation needed – None but an abstract!
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end?No
How much is the usual time taken to process the funds?It is taken care of beforehand.
How long do we need to wait if we wish to reapply to same funding agency?You can reapply for the next conference unless chronological age catches up with you
Comments/ Tips to increase success rate: Be original!!
Your Name: Avinash Jain
Email ID (optional) – avinashjain@outlook.com
DBT Travel Grant
Name of the funding agency:DBT (Department of Biotechnology)- CTEP[Conference, Travel, Exhibition and Popular Lectures] division
Who is eligible?
Age: No age limit; Those less than 50 years given preference
Criteria:
- An accepted paper for presentation as a single or lead author.
- Applicant should be an active scientist/ researcher engaged in research and development and promotion of biotechnology. Scientist below the age of 50 years would be accorded preference. Minimum educational qualification should be Post Graduate in Science or bachelor’s degree in engineering/ Technology or equivalent qualification.
- Investigators/Co-Investigators of DBT supported projects/ programmes, Chairmen and Expert Members of the various Task Forces, Biotechnology Research Promotion Committee, SAC - DBT are also eligible to apply.
- Senior Scientists/ faculties working in Pay Band - 4 would be provided travel support only if they have Oral paper presentation.
- The scientist should not have availed financial assistance for travel support from Govt. in the last three financial years.
Amount covered: Up to full reimbursement of the actual return airfare in economy / excursion class by Air-India.
What are the aspects covered by the funding: Airfare
When do you get to know that the funds are approved?2-3 months before the date of travel/conference
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After)After the conference(after submission of claim documents)
Are the funds directly paid to your account?No
How early should you apply for this grant?12-24 weeks before the date of conference
How to apply:
Website/ Link to the application: https://www.dbtctep.gov.in/staticApply.htm
Documentation needed
The following documents are required to be uploaded while submission through online portal:
- Letter of Invitation from organizers giving particulars such as acceptance of paper for Oral or Poster presentation.
- Announcement of the conference/ Seminar/ Symposia.
- Abstract of the paper accepted for presentation along with letter of its acceptance by the organizers.
- No Objection Certificate from Co-authors (if any) that they are not attending the said conference.
- In case the applicant is not the lead author, a certificate from the lead author indicating the circumstances of deputing the applicant to present the paper.
- Certificate of estimation of fare for shortest route from Air-India. If the tickets are booked through Air-India or Govt. approved enterprises (1.Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd (http://www.balmerlawrie.com/); 2. Ashok Travels & Tours ( http://www.attindiatourism.com/)), in case of any increase/ decrease in fare vis-a-vis the estimated fares, fares will be paid by DBT on actuals.
- A copy of letter regarding commitment from any other national or international agency, for any financial assistance, full or partial for travel, registration, per diem etc.
- Approval/ Forwarding letter from the Head of the Organisation/ Department.
- Certificate from the applicant that he/she has not availed travel support from any government organisation in the last three financial years from the date of application.
The Department upon selection will initially issue a sanction letter indicating the amount of the grant. The sanctioned amount subject to actuals will be released to the scientist only on his/her return to India after participation in the conference and on submitting the following documents:
- Claim Sheet for reimbursement of Travel grant for presenting research papers in International Conference/ Seminar/ Symposium/ Workshop.
- Report on Participation.
- A copy of Air India ticket with original boarding passes.
- A Certificate of participation at the Conference from the organizers.
- Other travel support received for the trip.
- Entitlement certificate for inland travel.
- The air passages are to be booked through the National Carrier, i.e. Air-India, as the case may be. EVEN TO PLACES WHERE AIR-INDIA FLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE, the passage is to be booked THROUGH AIR-INDIA only. If the tickets are not purchased from Air-India or Govt. approved enterprises ( 1. Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd (http://www.balmerlawrie.com/); 2. Ashok Travels & Tours (http://www.attindiatourism.com /), the grant will be restricted to the following slabs.
- America, Australia, Canada, South Africa Rs. 60,000/- for full ticket.
- Europe, China and Russia Rs. 40,000/-
- South Asian Countries Rs. 30,000/-
- The applicant will be required to submit a certificate from Financial Advisors (in original) of the Ministries/Departments to accord exemption for air travel, both domestic and international, by airlines other than Air India along with the Claim Sheet
- In case, grant from other agencies had been applied, copy of acceptance or rejection, as the case may be, is required to be enclosed with the Claim Sheet. In case, grant was sanctioned but not availed, a copy of the letter from the sanctioning agency may be enclosed otherwise a letter from the Head of the Institution certifying that the grant although sanctioned but was not availed may be enclosed (in original).
- Duly verified Bank details of your organisation (Name as per bank records, bank name, branch name and address, account no, nature of account, IFSC code and MICR Code) may please be attached.
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end?Yes
How much is the usual time taken to process the funds?6-12 months after the date of conference
How long do we need to wait if we wish to reapply to same funding agency?Three years
Comments/ Tips to increase success rate:
- Apply early
- Presenters with papers accepted for oral presentation are given preference
- Basic work is given preference over clinical work
- Mention how attending the event/presenting the paper (and hence, representing India on an International Platform) would be beneficial
Application needs to be submitted online. No hard copies are to be sent.
Your Name: Vikas Gupta
Email ID (optional): vikasg86@gmail.com
DST Travel Grant
Name of the funding agency:DST(Department of Science & Technology)- SERB [Science & Engineering Research Board] division
Who is eligible?
Age: No age limit; Less than 35 years for those seeking financial assistance for attending training programmes and short-term schools/workshops/courses
Criteria:
- Applicant should be an active Indian researcher engaged in R&D work in recognized academic institutions or research laboratories in India.
- The applicant should have an invitation for presenting an original scientific paper. Similar invitation is required in the case of young scientists (<35 years) attending training programmes such as short-term courses, summer/winter schools, workshop etc
- The applicant should not have availed financial assistance under this Scheme during the last three years.
- The scientific event should be of an international character. Invitation of personal nature such as for carrying out post-doctoral work, informal training programmes/courses, internship, observer-ship etc. will not be eligible for support.
- Applicant must have obtained Master's degree in Science or Bachelor's degree in professional courses from a recognized University by the time of submission of application
Amount covered: Economy class air-fare by shortest route, airport-tax and visa fees. Registration Fee is provided to young scientist in addition to the above support.
What are the aspects covered by the funding: Economy class air-fare by shortest route, airport-tax and visa fees. Registration Fee is provided to young scientist in addition to the above support to a maximum of one lac rupees.
When do you get to know that the funds are approved? 1-2 months before the date of travel/conference
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After) After the conference(after submission of claim documents)
Are the funds directly paid to your account? No
How early should you apply for this grant? 60-90 days before the date of conference
How to apply:
Website/ Link to the application: https://www.serbonline.in/SERB/HomePage.do
Documentation needed
- An endorsement letter duly signed and stamped by competent authority of the institute.
- A copy of letter of acceptance of the presenting paper (oral/poster) by the organizers.
- A copy of the abstract of the paper to be presented. Please be sure to include name of all the authors, authors' affiliated institutions with full address and title of the abstract.
- Biodata with complete list of Scientific / Technical publications and Patents, if any.
Application Stage:
- Endorsement by the Head of the Institution
- Certificate by the Applicant including Event Benefits
- Bio-data of the Applicant
- Acceptance Letter from the Organizer
- Abstract(s) of the paper(s) to be presented
- Event Details
- Date of Birth Certificate
- Event Benefits
- Financial Support from Other Sources
Claim Reimbursement Stage:
- Claim Form
- Bank Account Details
- Air/Rail/Bus/Others tickets
- Cash Receipt of Air Ticket
- Boarding Passes
- Visa Charges
- Registration Receipt
- Participation Certificate
- Certificate(s) for amount received from other sources
- Civil Aviation Permission Letter
- Any other(Miscellaneous Upload)
- Duly verified Bank details of your organisation (Name as per bank records, bank name, branch name and address, account no, nature of account, IFSC code and MICR Code) may please be attached.
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end? No
How much is the usual time taken to process the funds? About 6 months after the date of conference
How long do we need to wait if we wish to reapply to same funding agency? Three years
Comments/ Tips to increase success rate:
- Apply early
- Presenters with papers accepted for oral presentation are given preference
- Basic work is given preference over clinical work
- Mention how attending the event/presenting the paper (and hence, representing India on an International Platform) would be beneficial
Note : You can’t avail funding from two Govt institutes for a same conference or paper.
Application needs to be submitted online. No hard copies are to be sent.
Your Name: Vikas Gupta, Avinash Jain
Email ID (optional): vikasg86@gmail.com, avinashjain@outlook.com
CSIR
Name of the funding agency: CSIR, New Delhi
Who is eligible?
- Applicant should be an active Young Indian Researcher (Ph.D. Student, Research Associate, resident Doctor, etc.) and Emeritus Scientist / other non-regular researcher engaged in research and development.
- Minimum educational qualification should be Post Graduate in Science or Bachelor degree in Engineering/Technology/ medicine or equivalent qualification from recognized university / institution.
- The Applicant should not have availed financial assistance for travel support from CSIR in the last 3 years.
- Applicant should have published paper(s) in refereed journals.
- Applicant should have an accepted paper for presentation as a single or lead author or has received invitation to chair a session or as a Keynote Speaker at the event.
- Application form must reach CSIR-HRDG at least 2 months in advance but not more than 4 months in advance. Incomplete / Late application form may not be considered.
- Application must be signed by the candidate and by duly authorized signatories at the academic institution where the applicant is working. No application would be entertained without signature of the authorized signatories in the column provided.
- The candidate is expected to attend the entire conference / event
Age: Below 40 years
Criteria: Poster/oral presentation/chair a session or as a Keynote Speaker at the event
Amount covered: 50% to 100% of air fare/total fare
What are the aspects covered by the funding : Air fare only. Air travel should be taken only with Air India and booked through Air India website or through government of India approved travel agents namely viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC as warranted under Govt. of India.
When do you get to know that the funds are approved? A month before departure
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After) After
Are the funds directly paid to your account? No, institute account
How early should you apply for this grant? 2 months
How to apply:
Website/ Link to the application: http://csirhrdg.res.in/tg_NEW.htm"
Documentation needed: Detailed in link
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end? Yes
How much is the usual time taken to process the funds? 1.5-2 months
How long do we need to wait if we wish to reapply to same funding agency? 3 years
Applications need to be sent to In-charge, Symposia and Travel Grant Unit, CSIR Human Resource Development Group, Room 302, CSIR Complex, (Opposite Institute of Hotel Management), Library Avenue, Pusa, New Delhi – 110012, India
Phone: 011-25841037
This section of the website will help fellow residents to share and learn the procedure of exchange programme. This should not only apprise them of the ongoing programmes but also help them to learn how to apply. Applying is just the first step. There are multiple difficulties faced starting from visa to accommodation and expenses and the list is quite extensive. This will serve as a platform to reach the candidates who have availed this fellowship as their experiences and tips will be valuable. You can write your queries directly to the concerned person or to indianrheum@gmail.com as this will help us to update the sections in a timely manner and put up all the queries/FAQs here.Let's share, help and work together.
ACR-IRA Exchange Programme
Name of the programme: ACR-IRA International Fellows Exchange programme
Duration of the programme: 4 weeks
Dates when programme/fellowship was availed: 4 weeks prior to ACR in Sep-Oct’18 (it may be 4 weeks after the ACR as well).
Your name and email address(optional): Debanjali Sinha and deban.s@gmail.com
Funding organisation and funds provided: Fifty percent each from ACR and IRA. Maximum of 3000 USD from ACR. The rest from IRA.
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After)After
Are the funds directly paid to your account? Yes
Place/ hospital of the fellowship/programme: Chicago/ University of Chicago Medicine
What does the programme offer:
Give a brief overview:
From Kolkata to the windy city: The IRA-ACR International Exchange Program
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)- Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) International Fellows Exchange Program was developed in 2016 to foster scientific collaboration between members of the ACR and junior rheumatologists representing the IRA.
Background
In regards to my background, I trained in Rheumatology from the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India for 3 years from 2015 to 2018. I learned about this exchange program partly from the IRA website and partly from my mentor, Prof. Alakendu Ghosh. Through this award, I could travel to Chicago for a month from September-October 2018 and rotate in the Rheumatology Section at The University of Chicago and was followed by attending and presenting an abstract at the ACR annual conference.
I was able to work with diverse attendings at Chicago and was impressed by the approach of the entire health-care team to the patients and their families. I witnessed how the physicians would patiently listen to their concerns and how every minute aspect of diseases and management plans would be explained to the patients. I had the opportunity to discuss the approach to each patient with the faculty and fellows and learned a lot from this dialogue.
The University of Chicago runs subspecialty focused clinics. These focused clinics gave me the opportunity to delve into nuances of specific disease states and management options. I was also part of the team looking at consults from different departments. These cases were not only interesting, but also a bit of a challenge, having to deal with difficult cases that were referred from different departments.
The ACR Conference
I attended the ACR annual conference and participated in the fellows in training programme.
I had submitted a poster on “ Assessment of treatment responses, with special reference to Remission using Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS) in the different categories of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis” and was able to present my research to the ACR community at the national meeting. This gave me the opportunity to exchange ideas that will allow me to expand my project.
What did you gain (4 points):
- Passionate dealing with the concerns of patients and patient parties, which we lack in our busy outdoors.
- Approach of diagnosing and treatment options in the US, which are many a times different from ours.
- Participation in the ACR conference, which was truly enriching, getting to hear directly from the experts.
- An opportunity to present a poster in the prestigious ACR conference, which otherwise would not have happened.
What could you have done better (4 points):
- Some involvement in their research section, which we really lack in our scenario, though 4 weeks is too little for that.
Was the funding enough/ did you get alternative sources? Yes/no
How to apply: I had to submit a CV along with personal statements regarding how this exchange program will be enriching my future career plans, to the IRA secretory.
What is the age limit? 40 years
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end? Yes
How did you manage accommodation and food? Accommodation through Airbnb.
Do you suggest anything/ anyplace that should not be missed?
What are the collaboration options you got from this visit?
VISA information:
https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
Name of the programme:
IRA ACR exchange programme 2017
Duration of the programme:
4 weeks
Dates when programme/fellowship was availed:
Oct 2017
Your name and email address(optional):
Latika Gupta, drlatikagupta@gmail.com
Funding organisation and funds provided:
IRA ACR
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After)After
Are the funds directly paid to your account? Yes
Place/ hospital of the fellowship/programme:
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
What does the programme offer:
What did you gain (4 points)
- Perspective on how to manage patients in an insurance base economy
- State of the art care
- Varied exposure to specialists with focussed interest in different rheumatic diseases
What could you have done better (4 points)
None
Was the funding enough/ did you get alternative sources?
Not entirely enough, not availed
How to apply:
Link provided on advertising website- through email
What is the age limit?
No idea
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end?
No
How did you manage accommodation and food?
By self
Do you suggest anything/ anyplace that should not be missed?
That’s a matter of personal prerogative
International House for accommodation is a safe recommendation
What are the collaboration options you got from this visit?
Numerous
VISA information: (Provide weblinks and/or specific information that helped you during the VISA process including type of visa)
VFS India
APLAR Fellowship
Name of the programme: APLAR fellowship
Duration of the programme: 6 months
Dates when programme/fellowship was availed: June- Nov 2017
Your name and email address(optional): Abhra Chandra Chowdhury, abhracnmc@gmail.com
Funding organisation and funds provided: APLAR , 14000$
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After) $13000 after supervisor sent joining report
$1000 after submitting report to APLAR
Are the funds directly paid to your account? Yes , needed to create bank account in the country you are visiting
Place/ hospital of the fellowship/programme: Musgrave park hospital , Belfast , UK
What does the programme offer:
- Give a brief overview
- The program provides funds for training/observership in a centre chosen by us. The supervisor as well as the institute should accept the proposal. Duration is 6 months. This is not a fellowship strictly speaking as we don’t get a formal certificate of training.
- What did you gain (4 points)
- Hands on experience in pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Observing how pediatric rheumatic diseases are managed in NHS
- Brief glance into how NHS works
- What could you have done better (4 points)
- If I would have been able to go to an academic centre/research centre , I could have learnt much more systematically. I had gone to a hospital where ultrasound is being done as part of routine clinical practice, so was not always supervised.
Was the funding enough/ did you get alternative sources? Funding is enough
How to apply: Advertisement comes out in APLAR website as well as on www.indianrheumatology.org. Last date usually in beginning of march. Need to apply with relevant documents to APLAR.
What is the age limit? 40 years or less
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end? Yes
How did you manage accommodation and food? From the grant.
Do you suggest anything/ anyplace that should not be missed? See addendum
What are the collaboration options you got from this visit?
VISA information: (Provide weblinks and/or specific information that helped you during the VISA process including type of visa)
I had major problem in getting visa. I had applied initially to GASLINI INSTITUTE which is one of the world’s best institutes for pediatric musculoskeletal imaging, who had accepted my proposal. However the Italian consul general refused my visa saying that they do not recognize observership. Subsequently I had toreapply to a different institute in UK and this time I got easily.
Addendum:
- 1. Identify your mentor and institute at least 8-12 months before (that gives you adequate time .There can be delays for reasons which we can’t even guess)
- 2. Write a research proposalor plan of work(APLAR site now mentions general outline of the clinical and/or research work .When I had applied they wanted a research proposal ). Get it sanctioned by your mentor – this can take quite some time as people abroad takes time to reply to mails.
- 3. Get all documents ready from your institute and IRA
- 4. Send them in time to APLAR and wait for the results(usually comes out in May-June)
- 5. Finalize your dates for the fellowship
- 6. Find out visa requirements for the country you want to visit. For UK requirement is not much.For Italy or other Schengen countries getting a long term visa for 6 months may be really difficult. You might need to get your certificates verified from the institutes or states which can take several months.Then the certificates needs to be translated in the language of the country you want to visit and then certified bythe consul general. All these can take 3-4 months or even more.
- 7. Apply for visa on time-again there can be unseen delays – for UK its easy but for Schengen countries you may be asked to appear for interview. Your visa can get rejected for unforeseen reasons even though you have all documents from the institute; you might have to reapply.
- 8. It is also important to find out other requirements from the institute. You may need police clearance (I had to apply over mail to Belfast police dept and the clearance came after one month by post- as they refused to send it by email). In US some centres asks for proof of vaccination. If you don’t have one , you may need antibody titres.Some of the UK centres may ask for occupational health check-up for which you can apply only after going there –there can be a 1-4 week waiting time during which you will need to be in UK and simply wait to get a date.
- 9. Its good if you can find out some contact in the city where you are going- you will need help to find accommodation, opening bank account etc. Can take help of Facebook or ask friends who are already there.
- 10. Once your visa is approved , it’s time to buy tickets.
- 11. Its important to take several copies of your important documents and passport sized photographs as photocopy machines maynot be very widely available as in India.
- 12. Its better to find a friend with whom you can stay from India itself or else book an airbnbaccommodation from India itself.
- 13. Once you arrive there meet your supervisor and ask him/her to send a joining report to APLAR.You will also need to open up a bank account as APLAR money will come there.This can take up to a month, so you will need money to sustain yourself till that time
- 14. Try to find accommodationquickly,as airbnb can drain your bank balance fast. Take help from your supervisor, other members from the department , even nurses-all can give you suggestions.There is usually a reference check for getting accommodation.Getting accommodation for 6 months can again be tough sometimes as people prefer to rent their houses for a year. If you are alone university accommodation may be available in some places.
- 15. Once you have got accommodation and APLAR money, you can relax. Make use of your time. In UK, OPDs usually runs maximum 4 days a week or even less. Then your supervisors can go on conferences, long vacation etc.Make sure you know about his/her schedule from the department secretary.Make proper use of your time. Try to visit speciality clinics in other hospitals in your area-again your supervisor can help.
- 16. Try to attend workshops, courses, study days, conferences once you are there.
- 17. Last but not the least don’t forget to travel and enjoy different places especially in weekends. There is usually plenty of time.
BEST OF LUCK FOR APLAR FELLOWSHIP
Name of the programme:
ARA APLAR fellowship 2018
Duration of the programme:
2 weeks
Dates when programme/fellowship was availed:
May 2018
Your name and email address(optional):
Latika Gupta, drlatikagupta@gmail.com
Funding organisation and funds provided:
ARA
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After)After
Are the funds directly paid to your account?Yes
Place/ hospital of the fellowship/programme:
Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
What does the programme offer:
It provides attachment to a unit with stay arrangements for 3 days post conference
What did you gain (4 points)
- Unique perspective on care of young patients in a setting where human QOL is highly valued, unlike in the developing world
- Problems faced in such settings0- such as high prevalence of juvenile fibromyalgia
- Importance of physiotherapy
- State of the art care and procedures in young children
What could you have done better (4 points)
Spent more time there!
Was the funding enough/ did you get alternative sources?
Not entirely enough, not availed
How to apply: ARA website
What is the age limit?No idea
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end?No
How did you manage accommodation and food?
Stay was booked by them
Travel by self
Do you suggest anything/ anyplace that should not be missed?
That’s a matter of personal prerogative
What are the collaboration options you got from this visit?
A few
VISA information: (Provide weblinks and/or specific information that helped you during the VISA process including type of visa)
VFS India
India Institute Fellowship, University Of Birmingham
Name of the programme: India Institute Fellowship Scheme under University of Birmingham (UoB)
Duration of the programme: Six months
Dates when programme/fellowship was availed: September 2018 to March 2019
Your name and email address(optional): Avinash Jain, avinashjain@outlook.com
Funding organisation and funds provided: India Institute
- Economy-class international airfares up to £850
- A monthly stipend of £1500 for up to six months to contribute towards living expenses and accommodation. In exceptional cases, longer fellowships may be approved, but a very strong case with clear outcomes will be required.
Please note:
Visiting fellows are expected to cover their own visa fee, travel and medical insurance, and other domestic travel expenses incurred during their stay.
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After) Tickets are being done by the India Institute beforehand and living expenses are provided after landing on the first working day. You will get a debit card with a top-up after subtraction of accommodation charges (Around 1000pounds). You can take out cash before handing over the debit card to the institute before leaving. There are generally no charges on using in ATMs especially the ones that mention Free cash. They may warn you that charges “MAY” be deducted. You can use it unless a message on ATM screen is displayed with charges that “will” be deducted. The debit card does not have WiFi features, so it is important to carry a credit card from India with Wifi enabled features as it will be needed for traveling on buses which are now WiFi enabled or you need to buy online tickets on the mobile App and get the tickets scanned. If you plan to stay longer, you can open an account in HSBC which is easiest and get a local currency card. You can carry a multi-currency card from India as you may need it for a day or two if you land on a non-working day and wait for the debit card to be given to you on a working day. But remember, even these cards are not Wifi enabled.
Are the funds directly paid to your account? As far as travel is concerned, either they book it for you or you get reimbursement directly transferred to your accountwhen you mail them the reimbursement form with the copy of ticket(s). For your monthly expenses, you will receive a debit card on arrival, as mentioned above.
Place/ hospital of the fellowship/programme: Institute of Clinical Sciences, UoB
What does the programme offer:
Give a brief overview
The fellowship scheme aims to:
- promote research collaboration between leading groups in Birmingham and India through supporting joint projects
- develop individual capacity through international training and development opportunities
- build sustainable and long-lasting partnerships and collaboration between the University and institutions in India
The first step is to collaborate with an international faculty/department at University of Birmingham and write a project with them. This is followed by an application for the fellowship. For instance, I did a project on Impact of Rheumatoid arthritis on employment in India with Dr.Kanta Kumar at Institute of Clinical Sciences, UoB. Fellowship involved a training period where I got trained in qualitative methods and data analysis for qualitative design. This was followed by the recruitment of patients in India and eventually ended with data analysis and understanding aspects of behavioral medicine.
What did you gain (4 points)?
- Learneda new method of research and certain aspects of behavioral medicine
- Understanding the work culture
- Collaborative work and understanding the concepts of the impact of research
- Rotation in clinics helped me understand the holistic approach and the importance of teamwork towards patients
Was the funding enough/ did you get alternative sources? Yes, it was. No, you don’t need alternative resources for the study period. Rest it depends on the non-academic activities taken up by you
How to apply:
The application should be submitted by the visiting fellow, with an endorsement from the relevant academic line managers in both institutions, including confirmation from the host institution that they will host the visiting fellow for the duration of their stay.
Applications are open all year round and will be considered on receipt.
Completed applications should be sent to UoBIndia@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
For further details - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/International/global-engagement/india-institute/fellowship-scheme.aspx
What is the age limit? None
Do you have to submit a brief report towards the end? Yes
How did you manage accommodation and food? Options for Accommodation are given by the India Institute but you can choose on your own. Easiest and best are - Asbury Overseas House and Wesley International House. - http://www.bish.org.uk/wesley-house/. It takes 20-25 minutes’ walk depending on how lazy or active you are. In the UK, with such pleasant weather, surprisingly you will find yourself active even if you weren’t!! It is the best place to stay as there is a common kitchen to cook with almost all the utensils, microwave, oven, etc, etc and unbeatable WiFi for Youtube (cooking videos). There is an entertainment room, common dining room, library, Lawn tennis court, pool table. You get to meet students from various countries and background.
Do you suggest anything/ anyplace that should not be missed? Enjoy the weekends. There are multiple places to visit and tours being organized by UoB for students. Use this tour as these are cheaper. Also, remember to buy two-way tickets as they are cheaper. There are options of getting relatively reasonable entries through 2 for 1 offer. Check out the website before you book your train tickets in case you are not using the organized tours from the university
VISA information: I got a copy of recommendation for the type of VISA by UoB which was helpful. Visa can be applied from VFS which have multiple branches all over India.
https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/in/en#latest-updates_o=Article%20Date,Descending
Phone and Communication
Best is to buy a local sim. Don't buy at the airport as the cost is 2 to 3 times higher unless you have no other way to communicate. Multiple options are available but I had used Lebara which gives you unlimited international and national calling for 30 days with 5 to 10 GB internet at 15 pounds. (I wish Lebara people read this and give me some commission for advertising them here) There are a lot of free WiFi options availablein most places.
Others
- Take an umbrella or buy one
- Take a Sieve if you want to make Indian style tea as you will miss that most.
- You will get all Indian items including Parle G and Maggi noodles! But you can pack some and take from India
- There are multiple 24-hour stores nearby to buy grocery, vegetable, and fruits.
- Do take health insurance visa for the duration of stay as it covers health expenses, flight delays, loss of baggage and many others. But make sure you keep all your tickets intact for a claim later if needed. You can compare policies and chose any intermediate plan. It can be done online in 10-15 minutes.
- Take one or two travel adapter(s) and in fact an extension cord is handy as well.
- For winters you will need overcoats, gloves as it can get very cold with the wind making it bitter
- Do not forget to buy Hotel and Thorntons chocolates when you come back ☺
Indo UK Exchange Programme
Name of the programme:
Indo UK travelling forum fellowship 2017
Duration of the programme:
4 weeks
Dates when programme/fellowship was availed:
Sept 2017
Your name and email address(optional):
Latika Gupta, drlatikagupta@gmail.com
Funding organisation and funds provided:
Indo UK travelling forum
When do you get the funds? (Before/ During/ After)After
Are the funds directly paid to your account?Yes
Place/ hospital of the fellowship/programme:
NDORMS, and Botnar Research Centre, Oxford , UK
What does the programme offer:
- The Indo UK travelling forum fellowshipprovided me the unique opportunity to spend time at a center of my choice in the United Kingdom. I found myself placed at Oxford, at the Nuffield Hospital of Orthopedics and Botnar Research centre for the same. The four weeks flew amidst ward rounds, the outpatient’s clinic and research activities. It was delightful to see the organized healthcare system with ample opportunity to give complete care due to complimentary efforts from the general practitioner and the rheumatology team. The regional meets introduced me to students and faculty from London and nearby boroughs. Meanwhile, working on a training database for assessment of patients with Vasculitis with Prof Luqmani was a new challenge.
- The visit was particularly enlighteningwith respect to routine use of biologics, which is limited back home in my country. It was refreshing to be part of the decision-making, patient counselling, as well as assessment of patient responses in the clinic, particularly with the use of the newer agents. The diversity in diagnosis was also different to what I had seen in India, as also some differences in approach that I will carry back with me. The Botnar Research centre offered exposure to the exploratory side of medicine. Being part of the research team brought to me novel perspectives on cohort building, collaboration, data collection, and organization skills. I am certain these perspectives will be of practical assistance when I plan my own future work back in my native land.
- Finally, I cannot but mention that the country is beautiful and I spent most weekends exploring cities and countryside alike, and sampling sumptuous British delicacies.
What did you gain (4 points)
- Perspective
- New approach to research
- Cohort building
- The power of collaboration
What could you have done better (4 points)
- None
Was the funding enough/ did you get alternative sources?Not entirely enough, not availed
How to apply:Link provided on advertising website- fist two through email
What is the age limit?No idea
Do you have to submit a brief report towards end?Yes
How did you manage accommodation and food?By self
Do you suggest anything/ anyplace that should not be missed?
That’s a matter of personal prerogative
What are the collaboration options you got from this visit?
Numerous
VISA information: (Provide weblinks and/or specific information that helped you during the VISA process including type of visa) - VFS India
Online courses in Rheumatology and Immunology
Name of the course: EULAR Online Course on Rheumatic Diseases
Organization conducting the course: EULAR School of Rheumatology
How does it span out:
The course is entirely an online programme. It is designed for approx. 2 years of training covering 50 modules (8 of which are optional).The participants completing the 42 modules will be eligible for the online final exam which will be held on a scheduled date.Participants passing the exam will get a certificate from EULAR. If the course is not completed within two years, it will automatically extend forone more year without charge
Module structure and final exam
Each online module deals with one particular topic and contains:
- A main text on the module top with a set of clear learning outcomes
- Generally, two in-depth discussions expanding on relevant clinical problems with an evidence-based discussion
- Two interactive typical clinical cases with appropriate multiple-choice questions and immediate feedback
- A self-assessment section addresses core aspects of the module and needs to be finished (3 attempts are granted) before the next module can be started
The final examination will assess a sample of the learning outcomes from the whole course (90 questions, the chosen optional modules are NOT tested) which will last for 90 minutes. The examination is conducted annually at a given date and time period for which participants are notified well in advance.
Knowledge and skills are targeted to suit a level of knowledge appropriate for the final years of training as a rheumatologist.
Course Fee: 125 Euros
Registration time:The course starts in September each year. However, the registration is usually open till November end.
Website Link:https://esor.eular.org/
Highlights of the Course: (3-5 points)
- It is an exhaustive course with 42 mandatory modules and 8 optional ones. The first module is on the general approach to diagnosis in rheumatology. Following modules cover all diseases in depth
- Besides the core rheumatic diseases, there are modules on things which we tend to neglect such as clinical epidemiology, radiology, autoinflammatory syndromes, psychosomatic issues and rehabilitation.
- We are exposed to many finer points which we do not pay attention to usually, for example, the module on glucocorticoids is beneficial for day to day patient management.
Drawbacks of the course:
- Since there are so many modules, eventually mental fatigue sets in the mind of the reader. By the end of core rheumatology (which is probably giant cell arteritis- module 26), one becomes exhausted and tends to rush through the rest of the modules. This is unfortunate since the following modules probably are even more critical since we usually read very less about them.
- Some of the modules are not engaging enough.
Suggestions to make the best use:
- Though the attended audience is final year trainees, we would suggest to start it in 2nd Never try to complete it in 1 year, go slow and pay attention to all modules.
- The modules make for excellent references as well. Try to reread a module once while managing a patient of that disease.
- A second reading would be beneficial and bring out many of the nuanced points as well.
For more details - https://esor.eular.org/
Above course was availed by Dr.SajalAjmani, sajalajmani@gmail.com
Online courses in Rheumatology and Immunology
Name of the course: MSK Expert in USG (PG Diploma)
Organisation conducting the course: UCAM (Catholic University of Murcia, Spain) and MUS (Musculoskeletal ultrasound society, India)
How did I come across this course?
Was informed about this course while attending MSK-USG workshop
How does it span out?
The course consists of both the onsite training and online interaction with the faculty. It is designed for approximately 12 months of training.
- It is divided into upper limb and lower limb modules, each of them spanning over four days of on-site training (usually Mumbai or Delhi) followed by online interaction with the faculty
- we are supposed to submit the scanned images of each joint/ limb region along with a project work after completion of each module
- A theory (MCQ based) + practical examination is conducted at the end of each module
- Only upon completion of the modules and passing of both the exams the degree is awarded
Course Fee:Approximately 2.8 lakh INR (80k for university registration + fees) in 2016
Registration time: For registration, MUS should be contacted. The course is usually held once in 2 years (1st - 2016, 2nd 2018 and 3rd –scheduled in 2020)
Website Link: https://www.mus-ucam.com/about_ucam.html
Highlights of the Course:
- Faculty from various disciplines such as radiology, sports medicine, pain medicine delivering their expertise
- Every joint region is approached systematically from anatomy, sonoanatomy, sonopathology and finally followed by hands-on training
- In-depth discussion of each region
- Sufficient time for hands-on training
- Faculty: student ratio of about 1:6 at the machine
- Apart from the joint and periarticular structures, scanning of the nerves, muscles are described in detail
- The faculty assess the scanning techniques and window created of each participant in a practical session and critical inputs are provided
- I have received the recorded videos of the upper limb module via google drive link but not that of the lower limb module
- At the successful completion of course, you would receive graduation certificate in a convocation ceremony (usually held in UCAM, Spain)
Drawbacks of the course:
- The high cost (although to obtain a similar PG diploma course outside of India – would cost Rs 5-6 lakh INR)
- As most of the attendees would be radiologists, key rheumatological issues such as differentiation of gout versus RA tophi, DC sign, etc. are not addressed in detail
- USG guided Interventions are only briefly touched upon
Suggestions to make the best use:
- Desirable to have some basic scanning skills such as positioning the probe, identification of normal structures, machine setting adjustment to catch up with the pace of lectures and practical sessions
- Have active interactions with the faculty, capture the images you have scanned and send it across to them. They would be more than happy to guide you for further refinement of your images
- Spending at least 5 hours/ week for scanning would be ideal to make the best use of course
For more details - https://www.mus-ucam.com/about_ucam.html
Above course was availed by Dr.Abhishek Patil, batty1987@gmail.com
Online courses in Rheumatology and Immunology
Name of the course: EULAR Online Course in Paediatric Rheumatology
Organization conducting the course: EULAR School of Rheumatology
How does it span out:
The course is entirely an online programme. It is designed for approx. 1 year of training covering 10 modules.The participants completing all the 10 modules will be eligible for the online final exam which will be fixed on a scheduled date.Participants passing the exam will get a certificate from EULAR. If the course is not completed within the first year, it will automatically extend for one more year without charge
Each online module deals with one particular topic and contains:
- A main text on the module top with a set of clear learning outcomes
- Two in-depth discussions expanding on relevant clinical problems with an evidence-based discussion
- Two interactive typical clinical cases with appropriate multiple-choice questions and immediate feedback
- A self-assessment section addresses core aspects of the module and needs to be completed (3 attempts are granted) before the next module can be started.
Course Fee: 125 Euros
Registration time:The course usually starts in September each year, but the registration can be done till November end.
Website Link:https://esor.eular.org/
Highlights of the Course: (3-5 points)
- There 2 excellent modules on Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA)- one on clinical features and the other on treatment. Since JIA is the main disorder one does not read in adult rheumatology, these modules are the highlight of the course.
- Other modules such as those on lupus highlight the differences in clinical features and treatment in pediatric lupus compared to adult lupus. Similarly, the module on juvenile scleroderma is beneficial.
- The module on Kawasaki disease is comprehensive and the treatment protocol chart is extremely helpful.
- Special issues relevant for the pediatric population such as vaccination and diseases more commonly seen in pediatric population like autoinflammatory and immunodeficiency disorders are covered.
Drawbacks of the course:
- Parts of modules on diseases we commonly see in adult rheumatology do not add much to your existing knowledge if you already have training in adult rheumatology.
- The module on non-inflammatory causes of musculoskeletal pain needs to be improved to make it more systematic and interesting.
Suggestions to make the best use:
- Do not rush through it. Try to pay attention to the features in each disease which are different in the pediatric population compared to the adults.
- Modules on diseases primarily seen in the pediatric population such as Kawasaki disease require a thorough read.
For more details - https://esor.eular.org/
Above course was availed by Dr. Sajal Ajmani, sajalajmani@gmail.com
