Will encourage docs to do PhD: MGR University Vice Chancellor

Dr. Geethalakshmi, who worked as director of medical education (DME), assumed charge as Dr M.G.R Medical University’s 9th vice-chancellor on Monday after Dr. D. Shantharam’s term ended on December 12. She is the second woman vice-chancellor after the university’s first vice-chancellor Dr. Lalitha Kameswaran (1988-1992). Dr Geethalakshmi says that she would motivate doctors to pursue Ph.D (doctorate), besides offering short term fellowship courses. 

“A doctor with post graduation would have studied surgery fully, we want to help them specialise in that area, for which the university will offer them fellowship courses in addition to post-doctoral fellowships. The university will also offer skill development programmes. I will work towards taking the University to world class standards,” she said, adding that the university would also look at collaborations with various universities and institutes. 

Pointing out that the university would be student friendly, the new VC said that students can contact the administration through email for their grievances and complaints. The university will work taking students and faculty interest into account. 

“We will encourage faculty to pursue research and also train them by sending them to various institutes with sponsored funding from funding agencies,” she added.