Dr Nabeel Baig is a Senior Executive Officer of the Research Evaluation Unit at the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and is a renowned researcher in Pakistan. He has more than 15 years of teaching and clinical research experience. He has more than 30 research articles published in national and international indexed journals.
He has also been associated with many events organised at the national and international levels. He is also the Editorial Review Board member of various reputed national and international journals, including JCPSP, Pak Medinet, Cureus, Journal of Public Health.
Dr Nabeel has been associated with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a clinical research instructor. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH), London and a member of the International Epidemiological Association and American Dental Association.
Since 2013, he has successfully conducted more than 200 clinical research/medical writing workshops for medical and dental graduates, postgraduate trainees, students and faculty members of different universities. He has also been frequently invited as a guest speaker in different conferences and universities.
He is a chairperson of the Ethical Review Committee-CIRS and the Head of Research Training Program, Research Association of Pakistan (RAP).
Dr Nabeel has been serving as the Dental Consultant and the Medical Director of Ameen Medical & Dental Center (AMDC) and is currently supervising the "Martin Dow FIRST" Research Training Program.
Dental News: Briefly tell us about your background in dentistry. Take us through your journey from dental school to your current position?
Dr Nabeel: I acquired my BDS degree from Fatima Jinnah Dental College (FJDC) in 2003. After graduation, I was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Prosthodontics in FJDC from 2004 to 2006. In addition to this, from 2006 to 2008, I persuaded my master's training in Prosthodontics from LUMHS Jamshoro. Moreover, I completed my Masters in Public Health from Baqai University in 2011, and currently, I'm enrolled in the PhD program of Public Health and Epidemiology. As a dentist, I have 18 years of clinical experience.
Dental News: What are the biggest challenges that the field of research is facing in Pakistan?
Dr Nabeel: In my opinion, the biggest challenge the researchers face is the lack of facilities like advanced instruments and labs. Along with that, insufficient funds is also a major issue. There is also a dire need to generate a system to provide the essential guidance of research.
Dental News: Are there opportunities available for fresh graduates abroad in the domain of dental research?
Dr Nabeel: Yes, definitely, nowadays there is immense importance of research globally. Published research articles are a basic requirement for applying for any postgraduate degree. And there is no doubt in saying that there are various opportunities in research-based programs abroad.
Dental News: Why do you think Pakistani dental researchers are not at par globally?
Dr Nabeel: As I mentioned before, Pakistan lacks a proper system. Additionally, there is no emphasis on research at the undergraduate level. Here in Pakistan, students more focus on the number of articles rather than quality. Here I would like to suggest the students promote high-quality researches involving new ideas and innovations to compete at international levels. Most researches are replicas and are on ideas acquired from the western population.
Dental News: Do you think there's a lack of a research curriculum at the undergrad level, your comment?
Dr Nabeel: I have raised this issue on different platforms, and I am glad you have allowed me to talk about this problem here as well. I want to request our higher authorities, i.e., the Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Medical Commission to start a separate subject of research at the undergraduate level so that our medical and dental students can start their training from their early stages and can utilise their knowledge at a postgraduate level more efficiently.
"In teaching research, you have to keep things fresh. You have to keep up to date with the material and the teaching methods. It has become extremely important for the health professionals to gain experience and acquire knowledge and skills in advanced research topics"
Dental News: What do you think are the significant challenges facing the dental community today?
Dr Nabeel: The challenges faced by the dental community include a lack of awareness and education. Most people of Pakistan belong to the middle or lower socioeconomic status, which results in the use of alternative medicines and treatments or even consideration of quacks. As for me, a simple solution to this problem is vigilant monitoring and accountability.
Dental News: Any last messages for young dental students?
Dr Nabeel: My message for young dental students is don't ever lose hope at any stage of life; set your targets accordingly. Have vast visions and consider other subjects beyond clinical programs like research and epidemiology, clinical research, hospital management etc.