Dr. Maria Bashir: Senior Resident at Government Medical College Srinagar, India
Dr. Maria Bashir is a dedicated and accomplished medical professional specializing in Physiology, with a passion for advancing medical research and education. After completing her MBBS from Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College in Dhaka, Bangladesh, she pursued an MD in Physiology from Government Medical College Srinagar, where she deepened her understanding of human physiology and its application in clinical medicine. Currently serving as a Senior Resident in the Department of Physiology at GMC Srinagar, Dr. Bashir is committed to both her clinical duties and her research work. She has presented her research on topics such as metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and gastrointestinal diseases at prestigious national and international conferences. With a deep interest in integrating medical research into clinical practice, Dr. Bashir continues to contribute to the scientific community with her findings aimed at improving patient care and disease management.
Online Profiles
Education
Dr. Maria Bashir’s educational journey has been a blend of rigorous clinical training and intensive research-focused study. She completed her MBBS at Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between 2008 and 2013. This program provided her with a solid foundation in general medicine, after which she further specialized in Physiology by pursuing her MD at Government Medical College Srinagar from 2020 to 2023. In addition to her medical degrees, Dr. Bashir has earned a Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR) certification in March 2022, which equipped her with essential skills in research methodology and data analysis. Her educational path has enabled her to blend clinical knowledge with academic rigor, ensuring that her approach to healthcare and research is both practical and evidence-based.
Research Focus
Dr. Bashir’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical physiology, molecular biology, and medical toxicology. Her primary focus includes studying the genetic factors influencing common dermatological conditions like acne vulgaris, as well as investigating the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in disease progression. She has also conducted extensive research on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, particularly among medical students in the Kashmir Valley, shedding light on lifestyle and genetic factors affecting health. Dr. Bashir is deeply interested in how environmental toxins, such as organophosphorus compounds, affect human health, particularly in relation to oxidative stress. Additionally, her work on the correlation between serum vitamin D3 levels and gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, aims to address emerging health concerns in the population. Overall, her research is driven by a desire to understand the underlying mechanisms of diseases to improve diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
Experience
Dr. Bashir’s professional experience spans across several prestigious institutions, where she has acquired diverse clinical and academic expertise. She began her career as a Junior Resident in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Srinagar in 2016, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in women’s health. Later, she transitioned to the Department of Radiodiagnosis at the same institution, broadening her exposure to medical imaging techniques. In 2019, she served as a Demonstrator in the Department of Forensic Medicine at SKIMS Medical College, where she taught undergraduate students and contributed to forensic research. After completing her MD in Physiology, Dr. Bashir continued her clinical training as a Senior Resident in the Department of Physiology at GMC Srinagar, where she currently contributes to both the academic curriculum and ongoing research. Throughout her career, Dr. Bashir has balanced clinical duties with a focus on research, actively participating in and leading studies that explore various medical conditions and treatments.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Bashir’s research activities span across multiple years and have consistently contributed to the scientific community. Her research journey began during her undergraduate medical education and continued through her MD program. In 2021, she conducted a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among first-year medical students in Kashmir, which was later presented at the 7th Annual National Conference of Association of Physiologists of India (ASSOPICON-2021). The study highlighted the role of lifestyle and genetics in the early onset of metabolic syndrome in this population. She further expanded her research into toxicology, focusing on the relationship between oxidative stress and the severity of acute organophosphorus poisoning. Dr. Bashir’s research on vitamin D3 levels in patients with irritable bowel syndrome was published in 2021 and explored the complex relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders. In 2023, she participated in the Uro-Surg Urology and Surgery Twin Conference in New Delhi, presenting her findings on Noonan Syndrome and the multidisciplinary approach required for its management. Dr. Bashir is actively involved in several ongoing research projects, ranging from genetic predisposition studies to large-scale clinical trials assessing the impact of various treatments on chronic health conditions.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Maria Bashir has received numerous accolades for her contributions to medical research and education. Among her most notable achievements is the Best Oral Presentation Award at the PREPARE 2021 conference, organized by Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai, where her research on vitamin D3 levels in patients with irritable bowel syndrome garnered widespread recognition. Her ability to present complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner has been lauded by peers and mentors alike. In addition to the oral presentation award, Dr. Bashir’s research has been acknowledged in various academic and clinical circles, earning her the respect of her colleagues and a solid reputation in the field of Physiology and medical education.
Top Noted Publication
Dr. Bashir’s MD thesis titled “Evaluation of Genetic Predisposition, Levels of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines, and Sebum Excretion Rate in Acne Vulgaris Patients of Kashmiri Origin” stands as one of her most significant contributions to medical research. This study, which explored genetic and environmental factors influencing acne development in a specific demographic, was published in a peer-reviewed journal and has been cited in numerous studies. Another top publication is “Buzz Session as an Active Learning Method in Medical Undergraduate Physiology Teaching” (2023), co-authored with colleagues, which examined the effectiveness of active learning techniques in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes in Physiology. Her research on the correlation between oxidative stress and organophosphorus poisoning has also been influential in the field of toxicology, contributing to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind acute poisoning cases. Dr. Bashir’s publications reflect her dedication to expanding knowledge in medical research, particularly in areas related to disease mechanisms, toxicology, and medical education.
Publication Overview
Title: Buzz Session as an Active Learning Method in Medical Undergraduate Physiology Teaching—An Institutional-Based Study
Journal: Medical Science Educator
Contributors:
Suhail Ahmad Gilkar (Author)
Iram Jaan (Author)
Shayees Arawa (Author)
Mah para Nyiem (Author)
Maria Bashir (Author)
Published: September 6, 2023
Research Focus: This study explored the effectiveness of Buzz Sessions, an active learning technique, in enhancing undergraduate medical students’ engagement and learning outcomes in Physiology teaching. The research was conducted at an institutional level, offering insights into how active learning can be integrated into medical education.
Significance:
The paper highlights the importance of interactive and student-centered teaching methodologies, like Buzz Sessions, which encourage peer-to-peer learning and foster critical thinking. The findings could contribute to modernizing the way Physiology and other medical subjects are taught in undergraduate courses, making learning more dynamic and student-oriented.
Strength for the Innovative Researcher Award:
1. Integration of Active Learning in Medical Education
Dr. Bashir’s pioneering work in integrating Buzz Sessions as an active learning method in medical undergraduate Physiology teaching has garnered significant attention. This innovative approach fosters a more interactive, student-centered learning environment, moving away from traditional, passive lecture formats. Her research shows that such active learning techniques increase student engagement, improve critical thinking, and enhance the overall understanding of complex physiological concepts. By presenting this method in her publication, Dr. Bashir has provided a valuable model for educators to incorporate into their teaching practices. This aligns with her passion for transforming medical education to better meet the needs of future healthcare professionals.
2. Focus on Translational Research in Physiology
Dr. Bashir’s research demonstrates her commitment to translating basic scientific knowledge into clinical applications. Her MD thesis on the genetic predisposition, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and sebum excretion in acne vulgaris patients of Kashmiri origin is a prime example of how she links molecular and clinical research. By focusing on genetic factors and cytokine activity, she has provided insights into how these factors may influence dermatological conditions, which could eventually lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for acne vulgaris. This approach bridges the gap between basic science and clinical medicine, reflecting her ability to conduct impactful, patient-centered research.
3. Innovative Studies on Toxicology and Disease Mechanisms
Dr. Bashir’s research on the correlation between oxidative stress and acute organophosphorus poisoning stands out as an innovative exploration in medical toxicology. Through her work, she has identified the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of organophosphorus poisoning, particularly the role oxidative stress plays in disease severity. This research not only provides deeper insights into poisoning mechanisms but also has the potential to guide clinical interventions and improve patient outcomes in poisoning cases. Dr. Bashir’s work in this area reflects her innovative approach to toxicology research, contributing to the understanding of environmental health risks.
4. Multidisciplinary Research Approach
Dr. Bashir’s interest in a multidisciplinary research approach is evident in her participation in the Uro-Surg Urology and Surgery Twin Conference, where she presented on Noonan Syndrome and the importance of a multidisciplinary management approach. This type of research, which combines knowledge from genetics, endocrinology, cardiology, and surgery, showcases her ability to address complex health issues through a collaborative and integrative perspective. Her work emphasizes the importance of treating patients from a holistic perspective, which could significantly improve patient care in various clinical settings.
5. Promoting Student Wellness through Metabolic Research
Dr. Bashir’s research into the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among first-year medical students in Kashmir exemplifies her forward-thinking approach to public health. Her findings, which suggest that lifestyle and genetic factors significantly contribute to metabolic syndrome, aim to improve early health education and lifestyle interventions for young adults. By targeting medical students, Dr. Bashir has emphasized the importance of health promotion within the medical community itself, making her research not just relevant for public health at large but also for medical practitioners who will go on to shape healthcare practices. This research highlights her proactive approach to tackling emerging health issues before they escalate.