Investigator highlight: Dr. Sirinvasan Vijayakumar
Published on Friday, June 3, 2022
Dr. Srinivasan Vijayakumar, chair of the UMMC Department of Radiation Oncology, works with several CCRI interdisciplinary teams, coordinating patient care as well as conducting research to enhance cancer care. Vijayakumar has authored five books and more than 240 peer-reviewed articles. Vijayakumar shares his insight on working at UMMC and what inspired his most recent publications:
How long have you been at UMMC and what type of research do you do?
I had been at UMMC since Nov. 9, 2007 – almost 15 years now. The focus of my current research is mainly clinical, translational, editorials and epidemiological – all related to cancer.
Would you describe your most recent research and/or publications?
Most recently, I have published with residents, post-docs, and colleagues here at UMMC with the focus on team science- working in a multidisciplinary setting to accomplish more in research. Throughout my last 50 publications, I’ve discovered a common theme: that clinical research can be very meaningful and can help patient care.
I’ve also learned that building databases carefully, patiently and with meticulous attention pays back in the long term and that national databases are very important to consider in terms of accessing them, asking the right questions and finding answers to questions only a large database can answer with statistical certainty.
How does your recent research/publications relate to your overall research?
I have moved from laboratory research to more clinical and translational research in the earlier part of my career. Yet, the bench research background provides a more “realistic grounding” on the importance of all forms of research. For instance, both clinical and translational research are as important as bench research and need just as much investment and support.
What inspired your most recent research/publication?
I’m inspired by my students and mentees and their remarkable ability to listen, work hard, absorb my “lectures” like a sponge, not get frustrated and be very creative.
Two books that were recently written– the fourth edition of a book on prostate cancer with Dr. Paul “Russell” Roberts and a book about children’s cancer written by three high school students and meant for children old enough to read as well as pediatric cancer patients’ parents/families– are examples of the abilities of young people who accomplish a lot if we show trust in them, pay attention to details and also have the patience to guide them with diligence.