Page 24 - NIH Bulletin Vol 19, January-June 2022, Entering the Endemic Phase: Nurturing Ideas in Healthcare

Bulletin National Institutes of Health, Malaysia Vol 19 • January - June 2022

Every study was significant and they costed money. I did it for
the benefit of humanity. I ensured that my research findings
would be translational into the public health programme,
thus I identified research topics which will provide answers
to public health problems. I worked hard and devoted my all
to its accomplishment, worked through the various barriers
to obtain the solutions. Nothing, in my opinion, was more
fulfilling than seeing my research findings being put to good
use for the greater good. This is the science of caring and the
experience of empathy.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
When one chapter closes, another new chapter opens. I had
a great boss, mentor, Dr. Lee Han Lim, who openly shared
his knowledge with anyone who was keen on research with
public health vectors. His door was always open to all. No
appointment was needed to meet him at any time and at any
place. So much so he used to say that everyone would find
him to discuss with him about their research and this delayed
him from completing his work.
Researchers should make effort to conduct the research by
I also believe that there is no age-limit in conducting research. themselves, and not to rely and expect research assistants or
I look forward to sharing research ideas at IMR and others in students to conduct the research and provide the final data
the research and operational programs as well. to them.

A candle will not become dimmer or loses its light when Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Have faith in your
lighting another candle, in fact the candle will become even research abilities, capabilities and capacities. “A bird sitting on
brighter while lighting another candle. a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because its trust
is not on the branch but on its own wings”.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR
OTHER RESEARCHERS? Do not GIVE UP. Challenges will definitely arise, but do not
A researcher must be passionate in conducting research QUIT. Preserve and strive towards the goal. Precious lessons
and in seeking solutions for the problems that humanity are and results can be obtained in the journey towards the goal.
facing today. Researcher must actively focus in the search Do not expect acknowledgements and confirmations from
for solutions, and not just to conduct research for awards colleagues, friends, relatives and family.
or promotions. Career planning as a researcher is not about
accumulating promotions and working the way up to the All research findings must be published. The researcher on
top. Do not aim for name and fame, but instead, aim for their own initiative must be focused to publish the findings,
IMPACTFUL contributions. irrespective of negative or positive results. All research
protocols must be designed in such a manner where the data
Research topics can evolve with time and are determined by can be harvested, analysed and be published in high impact
the demands of the society at that point of time. So researchers factor, peer reviewed journals. A researcher must strive to
have to be volatile and flexible to changes which may occur. A publish at least one paper per year.
researcher can be a co-researcher. However, it is advisable for
the researcher to spread their wings and determine their own Spend less time in browsing the social media and turn off the
niche area in research. Researchers should build and expand social media when reviewing data and writing a report or a
the research in the chosen niche area to become an expert manuscript.
with in-depth knowledge of the topic.
The founding scientists of IMR have established IMR in 1900
A researcher should be curious to investigate and to seek to seek for solutions for diseases such as malaria and beri-
information, as the research field is wide with no boundaries. beri. They established the research lab, where the Medical
Have an open mind, and do take time to interact with other Entomology Unit is now located, adjacent to the hospital
researchers and ideas will flow through these interactions. wards that were treating these patients. The early scientists
Take time to read through publications and reports to gather were passionate to seek solutions for the suffering humanity,
info and guidance to conduct the research. so they travelled far and wide to conduct research and
provided medical solutions for Malaysia. As a researcher in
All researchers must strive to complete their PhD studies IMR, there is a need to adopt and practise this key message,
through dissertation. On completion, they must not stop “Ask not what IMR can do for you, ask what you can do for
pursuing their research. IMR”.
22