suparjya swain 
FEATURE: In a world where healthcare systems are often overwhelmed by complexity and inequality, where scientific breakthroughs are too often outpaced by human suffering, one woman stands out not just as a leader but as a force of transformation. Dr. Sanghamitra Pati is a name that resonates far beyond laboratories and academic journals—she is a changemaker redefining the contours of public health in India and inspiring a generation of women to lead with knowledge, courage, and compassion. From the quiet lanes of Odisha to the global stages of medical research, her journey is a powerful testament to what visionary science, rooted in empathy, can achieve. A physician turned epidemiologist, a researcher turned institution builder, and above all, a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, Dr. Pati embodies the rare intersection of intellect and impact in a field that desperately needs both.
Dr. Pati began her medical journey with an MBBS in 1992 and later pursued an MD in 1998, both from the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. But her career trajectory took a decisive turn when she received a fellowship to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Maastricht, Netherlands. It was here that her scientific curiosity met global exposure, setting her on a path to becoming a globally recognized public health researcher and laboratory epidemiologist. With a PhD in multimorbidity in primary care, she embarked on an ambitious mission: to address the layered challenges faced by patients suffering from more than one chronic condition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India.
Her research on multimorbidity—defined as the presence of multiple chronic conditions in a single individual—became a landmark contribution in the field of public health. Dr. Pati explains how these overlapping illnesses can often send contradictory signals to both patient and physician. A person suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for instance, may be advised physical activity, but the same individual with arthritis would find such activity painful or impossible. It is this bidirectional conflict between coexisting illnesses that she sought to explore and address. Her work was not merely theoretical. In 2013, with a fellowship from the UK, she conducted a pioneering study in Odisha to assess the burden of multimorbidity. This led to the development of the MAQ-PC tool, now widely used in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Malaysia to evaluate multimorbidity in primary care settings. The study became a cornerstone for subsequent global research and policy development in the area.
As Director of the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, since 2016, Dr. Pati has transformed the institution into a powerhouse of research and innovation. Under her leadership, the centre has not only advanced studies on communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but also championed implementation science, health systems research, and professional education. Her work has emphasized the integration of equity, empathy, and evidence-based practices into the public health framework. Her ability to blend scientific inquiry with social impact has been particularly significant in underserved and rural populations, where the burden of illness is often greatest and healthcare access most limited.
Her global engagements underscore her reputation as a thought leader. From Paris and Vancouver to Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi, Dr. Pati has presented her research at major global platforms, engaging with diverse stakeholders in public health. She is a fellow of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the International College of Nutrition, and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and contributes actively to international consortia such as CaPRI and the Global Burden of Disease Study Group. Her association with the World Health Organization’s Health System Research Symposium further attests to her global credibility and influence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, her leadership proved critical. She spearheaded laboratory testing efforts in Odisha and was instrumental in setting up the state’s first high-throughput Cobas Lab. Her prior work on the impact of multimorbidity on infectious disease outcomes offered valuable insights into COVID-19 risk management. In a time of fear and uncertainty, her calm resolve and scientific acumen helped guide both policymakers and the public.
Despite her towering achievements, Dr. Pati remains deeply rooted in mentorship and education. From her early days as Assistant Professor at SCB Medical College in Cuttack to her tenure at the Indian Institute of Public Health in Bhubaneswar, she has always believed in empowering the next generation of health professionals. Her workshops and panel discussions frequently focus on integrating qualitative research, health promotion, and cancer care into medical education. She serves on key ethics and advisory committees and continues to advocate for research integrity and patient-centric policies.
Her accolades are many and well-deserved. In 2018, she received the Samanta Chandra Sekhar Award for her contributions to life sciences. In 2020, she was honoured with the Devi Award for her groundbreaking medical research. The following year, she earned the Times Power Women Award for her pioneering work in multimorbidity and was also recognized with the Ashwini Swasthya Samilani Award for her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. Most recently, Elsevier ranked her as the second most influential researcher in India in the category of General and Internal Medicine, and the top-ranked scientist among those affiliated with ICMR.
Dr. Sanghamitra Pati’s story is not just one of scientific brilliance; it is a powerful narrative of resilience, compassion, and visionary leadership. In a world where women still fight for equal recognition in STEM fields, she stands as a role model—proving that intellect, empathy, and unwavering dedication can shape public health discourse and improve millions of lives. Through her work, she embodies the spirit of Shakti—transformative, empowering, and enduring—paving the way for a more equitable and healthier future.
