Verity Healthcare

Professor Nachiappan Chockalingam, a tutorial researcher and advisor within the assistive know-how sector, shares how his 30 years of analysis into assistive know-how merchandise or practices make an actual influence and the way working in interdisciplinary environments is the important thing to impactful options.

Describe your present position

“I’m a tutorial researcher and a advisor working with worldwide organisations and business corporations to drive analysis, innovation, and improvement. I additionally mentor early-career researchers and college students throughout the UK, Malta, India, Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, and Hong Kong. It’s a worldwide juggling act that retains me on my toes and continuously impressed. I assist flip analysis into actuality!”

What does a typical day in your position seem like?

“Typical? What’s that? I don’t have one! Actually, no two days are alike—and that’s precisely what I really like about it! Each day is completely different, bringing new challenges, inventive concepts, and sensible options.

“I thrive on translating my 30 years of analysis into merchandise or practices that make an actual influence. Whether or not it’s brainstorming improvements or guiding a staff via problem-solving, I’m at all times chasing that subsequent huge concept.”

What kind of assistive applied sciences do you’re employed with?

“I’m all about making motion simpler and day by day life extra manageable for individuals with well being situations. My focus is on mobility and musculoskeletal assist to assist individuals keep energetic and impartial of their day by day lives. This consists of orthotics (like shoe inserts, AFOs, knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs), spinal braces), prosthetics, and wheelchairs.

“I’m at present exploring easy units, digital or in any other case, to assist individuals with power situations like diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, or power ache. We have now accomplished a serious venture on this house and at present within the technique of commercialisation. If it helps somebody transfer or reside higher, I’m all in.”

Who do you’re employed with?

“It’s an enormous combine! I collaborate with a variety of organisations. My predominant base is in academia, however I additionally work intently with small and medium enterprises and seek the advice of for main international manufacturers. Moreover, I assist NGOs and non-profits or charities by serving to prepare professionals, create instructional programmes, and unfold affected person consciousness. It’s a real mix of analysis, follow, and group engagement.”

What do you want most about your position?

“The magic occurs when completely different minds come collectively! I thrive in interdisciplinary environments. I get to collaborate with medical professionals, engineers, scientists, and even policymakers. I’m concerned in each stage—serving to concepts take root, nurturing them, and seeing them develop into impactful options. Some have even gone on to bear actual, life-changing “fruit.”

“Plus, I’m huge on cultural competency in medical administration and the availability of well being providers. Working with individuals from numerous backgrounds fuels my ardour and makes every thing extra rewarding. I really like seeing the individuals I work with develop, too.”

Are there any challenges that you just face?

“Challenges are a given—typically it’s about restricted assets or convincing others of a brand new concept. For me, useful resource limitations—whether or not it’s time, funding, or supplies—are sometimes the most important hurdle.

“However I’ve discovered that collaboration is essential. By partnering with the correct individuals and taking a team-based method, you possibly can overcome obstacles and create win-win eventualities. When everybody buys in, pooling assets turns into a lot simpler, and progress follows.”

Suggestions and methods for stepping into the position?

“No secret hacks! Curiosity is your finest pal! Keep curious, ask questions, and don’t accept surface-level solutions. It’s what led me to analysis and academia, and thru my college students, colleagues, and collaborators, I’ve stored that flame alive.

“Should you’re younger and enthusiastic, preserve asking questions and keep curious concerning the world. Most significantly, perceive the distinction between what individuals need and what they want. When you get that, you’ll be capable to create significant, impactful options. Hold that curiosity alive, and also you’ll be unstoppable!”

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