Dr. Ashmita Banik: A Rising Force in Clinical Microbiology and Medical Research

In the ever-evolving landscape of global healthcare, professionals like Dr. Ashmita Banik stand as beacons of innovation, dedication, and scientific rigor. With a strong academic foundation and an unwavering commitment to advancing medical science, Dr. Banik is steadily leaving an indelible mark in the field of clinical microbiology.

After earning her MBBS degree from Tripura University in 2016, Dr. Banik pursued higher specialization in Clinical Microbiology, completing her MD in 2022 from Government Medical College of Tripura under the same university. Her academic journey reflects a blend of discipline, intellectual curiosity, and determination to serve both science and society. She further honed her expertise by undertaking senior residentship at Government Medical College of Arunachal Pradesh, where she gained hands-on experience in managing complex infectious disease cases. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College (SDUMC), under the Government of Karnataka, where she continues to balance her roles as a clinician, researcher, and educator.

Dr. Banik’s clinical and research interests encompass bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycobacteriology—disciplines crucial for the accurate diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. Her innate curiosity about microbes and their intricate role in human disease manifestation drives her to explore overlooked and emerging pathogens. She is particularly drawn to neglected tropical diseases, an area that often lacks adequate research focus despite its profound impact on vulnerable populations.

During her postgraduate training, Dr. Banik encountered a rare case of chronic hookworm infection (Ankylostoma duodenale) in an elderly farmer—an eye-opening experience that underscored the need for constant vigilance in clinical diagnosis. Such cases reinforced her investigative approach and commitment to bringing neglected conditions into scientific and clinical discussion. Another landmark contribution from her clinical practice was her involvement in diagnosing Acute Necrotising Encephalopathy in childhood associated with dengue. With only three to four cases reported across India, including one by Apollo Hospital in West Bengal, her contribution added crucial insights into a condition that combines viral infection with severe neurological outcomes.

One of her significant contributions to medical research has been in tuberculosis (TB). While working in a TB laboratory, she observed a disturbing trend where non-tubercular mycobacterial (NTM) infections were being misdiagnosed and treated as tuberculosis. This misdiagnosis often led to prolonged patient suffering due to inappropriate treatment regimens. Recognizing the seriousness of this issue, Dr. Banik presented her findings at TRIMACON 2021 under the aegis of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), receiving recognition for her insightful work. Her further research on extrapulmonary and pediatric tuberculosis in the northeastern state of Tripura has enriched medical literature from a region that is frequently underrepresented.

Her dedication to infectious disease research expanded into studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns at a tertiary care center in Arunachal Pradesh, offering valuable insights into the growing global crisis of antibiotic resistance. She also made noteworthy contributions to understanding the rpoB gene mutation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which earned her the prestigious International Best Researcher Award at IIRAC 2024.

Her excellence in virology research has also been recognized on international platforms. She was honored with the Young Achiever Award 2024 for her extensive research on monkeypox, a disease that reemerged significantly in the post-COVID era. Her publication on the morphology and clinical patterns of monkeypox was widely acknowledged by the international medical community, serving as a guide for further studies and preparedness strategies.

Beyond her clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Banik actively contributes to academic publishing. She has authored multiple articles in reputed journals, including the Scholars Journal of Medical Case Report, International Journal of Advance Research, Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, and the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Her role as a peer reviewer for several international journals, including those under the Springer Nature group and Asian medical publications, highlights her expertise and dedication to maintaining the integrity of scientific literature.

Her achievements have been further recognized with the Early Career Researcher of the Year award at the Asian Excellence Awards 2024. She is also an active member of the Indian Academy of Tropical Parasitology, underscoring her involvement in specialized areas of medicine and research.

What truly distinguishes Dr. Banik is her intrinsic motivation to serve humanity through science. Whether diagnosing rare infections, advocating for accurate treatment protocols, or investigating overlooked pathogens, her work consistently reflects a patient-centered approach. She embodies a rare blend of clinical acumen, research excellence, and academic mentorship, making her not only a valuable contributor to medical science but also a source of inspiration for peers and budding researchers.

As she continues to push boundaries in clinical microbiology and infectious disease research, Dr. Ashmita Banik exemplifies the promise of a new generation of medical professionals. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, intellectual rigor, and compassionate service—qualities that ensure her contributions will resonate far beyond the laboratory and clinic, impacting public health in India and across the globe.


*************************