My journey to becoming a Microbiologist
Inspired in 7th Grade (VVHS), graduating in 1990 (SSMRV), post-graduating in 1993 to be a microbiologist (KMC), I worked for 3.5 years as clinical microbiologist (KIMS) and completed doctoral studies in Microbiology in 2000 (GUG), and went abroad to pursue Post-doctoral studies in pathogenesis of infectious diseases from Umea University (Sweden), Johns Hopkins Medical School (USA) & from CBER-US FDA (USA). Finally, I co-invented the antimicrobial compound Enmetazobactam (OCID5090) at Orchid Pharma (Chennai) that has completed Phase-3 clinical trials.
The beginning: I was in grade 7 (1982) and my teacher Priscilla was teaching the lesson on Louis Pasteur at Vijaya Vidyalaya High School in Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi) located in rural Karnataka, South India. Here English was so “foreign” that though I was studying in an English-medium school, most of the content was translated to Kannada to make us understand. Priscilla-teacher was different, and she stuck to teaching science only in English. When she mentioned that microbes are invisible to the naked eye and one needs an instrument (microscope) to visualize them, it caught my mind’s eye.
The inspiration dawned upon me in this rural town! The idea of an invisible and intangible world fascinated me and kindled an uncontrollable curiosity into “this world”. I volunteered to be the science secretary and Priscilla-teacher agreed, and I used every free time to lock myself in the science-lab, flash the light from the window through the microscope to observe every slide I could lay my hands on. I don’t remember now, if any of them were of microbes, but were of various laboratory-stained “stuff”.
My curiosity for the subject moved from the lab to my mind. I went to the District-Public Library and started to read from the British Encyclopedia, and any book that contained the work microbe, which I used to find by looking through the Index at the end of books on biology.
My Journey to specialize: I continued to read on the subject till I completed my 12th grade (1987) from St. Aloysius College Mangalore (11th) and SSMRV College (12th) in Bengaluru. My parents (Satyaseela & Daisy) knew that I had a special inclination for Biology, so they let me explore where I wanted to pursue my graduation. They sent me to live with my Uncle & Aunt (Satyanandam & Cybil) who not only encouraged me in all that I studied but gave me confidence in myself through their love. After my 12th grade I approached my biology teacher to guide me to a good college for a course in biology; the subject of Microbiology wasn’t popular in India (at least to my knowledge). He mentioned that I pursue Bachelors in Microbiology from SJRC, Bengaluru. The word “Microbiology” was music to my ears. I had goose-bumps and couldn’t wait to apply, which I did, and I was called for the interview. In my 12th grade I had suffered with Idiopathic Pneumothorax for three months and had not scored great marks. So, the Principal Rachappa, said “We have only 7 seats for Microbiology and is only for smart kids who have good scores in 12th grade”. I persisted with the panel and convinced (in every way: beg, plead, & then challenged) Rachappa that if he gave me a chance I will prove that he made the right decision to offer me the seat: if I don’t score well in first year, he can throw me out of the college. He looked at me and said: it has extra fee of INR 2000 (USD 27/ Euro 23) as lab development fee. My father had given me exactly INR 2000, and I took it out of my pocket and said: here you go; I got admitted, and that was the joyous day of my life and the beginning of my life in Microbiology. I lived up to my promise and passed out with Distinction and also got an award for scoring the highest in the college.
Mastering the Subject: As I was clearing my 2nd year degree, I wanted to explore the Masters degree program outside Bengaluru University since they only offered Graduate program. I found out that only CMC, Vellore and KMC Mangalore had M. Sc in Microbiology under the Faculty of Medicine and it is a 3 year Masters with the first year studying the basic medical sciences and two years of detailed “training” in the subject. I applied and was called for the interview. Ramdas Pai (Director of TMA Pai Institutions) used to interview each applicant individually before allotting the seat, and when he reviewed my application, he offered me M. Sc in Anatomy, and said no negotiation (he did not agree to my challenge either). I was totally disappointed, and I didn’t accept the seat; instead decided to persuade him. I studied Ramdas Pai’s routine, and for a few days stayed in a temple in Udupi; I mostly stayed with my friend Pran (Praveen Kumar Nayak — my friend from 11th grade). Every morning when he opened his door—I’d day Good morning, for lunch he closed the door — I’d say Good afternoon, evening he opens the door again — I’d say Good evening, and at 7 when he closed the door— I’d say Good night. I did this for 14 days. On the 15th day, he called me in and told me: you want Microbiology, choose between Manipal and Mangalore branches. I was elated and chose Mangalore branch. Ramdas Pai’s secretary Mr. Ford told me “nimage chala untu marayrey = you have the power of persuasion”. I praised God for this gift. Though my father wanted to pay for it, I took an educational loan to cover at least the tuition fee; my uncle & aunt also contributed to my stay for a year while my parents took care of all my expenses all through.
During my M.Sc, I had a great teacher Dr. Ananthakrishna (AK), who used to come to the lab at 7 to observe the results and write the reports before everyone came. So I requested him, if he could allow me to come to assist him; he gladly agreed. For every sample he analyzed, he gave an explanation of how he diagnosed. This was a personal training that ‘qualified’ me to be a confident clinical microbiologist as I finished my Masters with Distinction.
Right after this, I tried to prepare for competitive examinations for doctoral studies, but wasn’t convinced with the method of assessment, hence moved to Bengaluru. Over the next 5 months, I got hired by eight clinical labs / hospitals as a consultant, with full-time employment at KIMS Hospital (I began my career with a side-hustle!).
This is how I came to be a Microbiologist!
