Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (vpci)

Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine – Overview

A Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine is a research-based doctoral program focused on advancing knowledge and scientific discovery related to respiratory (pulmonary) diseases, such as:

• Asthma

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Tuberculosis

• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

• Lung cancer

• Sleep apnea

• Pulmonary infections

Key Details

• Duration: Typically 3 to 5 years

• Eligibility:

  • MD in Respiratory Medicine / Pulmonary Medicine

  • OR M.Sc. in related fields (Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc., depending on the institute)

  • Some institutes also allow candidates with an MBBS + postgrad diploma, or relevant research experience

• Admission Process:

  • Written test and/or interview

  • Some universities may require UGC-NET, GATE, or a university-level entrance test

Where Can You Pursue a Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine?

Top Indian institutes include:

1. Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI), Delhi University

   • Premier institution for pulmonary research

   • Offers Ph.D. programs in disciplines like respiratory medicine, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and biochemistry (as related to chest diseases)

2. AIIMS, New Delhi

   • Offers research fellowships and Ph.D. opportunities in pulmonary medicine and related fields

3. PGIMER, Chandigarh

   • Active in research on tuberculosis, respiratory physiology, and infectious lung diseases

4. National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai

   • A specialized ICMR research institute for TB and lung disease

Research Areas May Include:

• Clinical trials on respiratory drugs or devices

• Pulmonary immunology

• Biomarkers in lung disease

• Lung function and physiology

• Respiratory infections and antimicrobial resistance

• Public health studies on TB or air pollution

Career Options After Ph.D. in Respiratory Medicine

• Academic roles (Professorships, Lecturers in Medical Colleges)

• Research Scientists in institutions, pharma, or biotech

• Principal Investigator in clinical research trials

• Public health policy advisor in respiratory and infectious disease control

• International research collaborations (WHO, CDC, etc.)