Varsha Sudhir Chaudhary

Research Fellow , Christian Medical College, Vellore, India

Nerul Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

Experienced clinical researcher in vaccine research and pediatrician with 25+ years in pediatric healthcare and neonatology. Skilled in multicentric project management, stakeholder coordination, and scientific writing. Passionate about improving public health through evidence-based collaboration, ethical research practices, and translational insights that shape global health outcomes.

Contact Varsha Sudhir Chaudhary
Area of Expertise:
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research
Professional Experience:

I bring over two decades of experience spanning pediatric and neonatal clinical care, public health research, and cross-sectoral project management. My professional journey is characterized by a deep commitment to evidence-based medicine, ethical collaboration, and improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Since October 2018, I serve as a Research Fellow at The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, India. In this role, I function as both Co-Investigator and Project Manager for large-scale, multicentric vaccine surveillance studies assessing the ROTASIIL® vaccine across seven Indian states. My portfolio encompasses protocol development, real-time data monitoring, multi-site coordination, and meticulous field supervision. I have effectively led cross-functional teams, maintained productive relationships with funders, collaborators, and institutional review boards, and organized national training sessions to build research capacity among field and clinical staff. My contributions have been instrumental in strengthening vaccine research and implementation strategies in India’s public health landscape.
Prior to my research tenure, I practiced as a Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist for over two decades (Feb 1997 – Oct 2018) across hospitals in Nagpur, Kamptee, and Mumbai. I provided advanced pediatric and neonatal care, including intensive care interventions, and managed both communicable and non-communicable diseases with clinical precision and compassion. My empathetic approach fostered meaningful connections with families and enhanced the quality of patient-centered care. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in mentoring junior clinicians and implementing updated protocols in line with emerging clinical guidelines.
My cumulative professional experience reflects a rare blend of grassroots clinical service and strategic research leadership. My ability to navigate complex healthcare systems, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and synthesize clinical insight with public health objectives underscores my impactful presence in both hospital and field-based settings.

Education:

I have a robust and multidisciplinary educational foundation that spans clinical medicine, epidemiology, and maternal and child health. My academic trajectory demonstrates a longstanding commitment to advancing public health through evidence-based inquiry and ethical collaboration.
I commenced my formal education in Nagpur, India, completing my schooling through a combination of institutions known for their emphasis on academic rigor—JN Tata Parsi Girls High School, Somalwar Junior College and Somalwar High School, and Shri Shivaji Education Society Science College—through standard 12th. These formative years laid a solid groundwork in the sciences, fostering my early interest in clinical and community health.
I pursued my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at the NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur from 1991 to 1997. This intensive medical training equipped me with the clinical acumen necessary to address diverse health challenges across varied populations. My experience during this period solidified my resolve to champion health equity and evidence-based care.
Recognizing the need for specialized knowledge in public health, I undertook a Fellowship in Maternal and Child Health at the Indian Centre for Maternal and Child Health (ICMCH) in Kolkata from 1998 to 2000. This fellowship deepened my expertise in addressing the unique vulnerabilities and health outcomes associated with mothers and children, enriching her understanding of life-course approaches to health intervention.
In pursuit of further specialization, I enrolled in the ePostgraduate Program in Epidemiology at the Indian Institute of Public Health – Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Delhi, from 2019 to 2020. Delivered via eLearning, this program sharpened my epidemiological thinking and analytic capabilities, allowing me to seamlessly integrate statistical evidence with strategic public health responses. The flexibility of the virtual format also exemplified my commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability in evolving professional landscapes.
Collectively, this reflects my sophisticated grasp of health systems and data-informed decision-making. My academic depth reinforces my capacity to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary teams, engage with global health partners, and refine formal communication within academic and professional domains. I remain committed to the continual pursuit of knowledge and its strategic application to advance maternal, child, and population health outcomes.

Affiliations and Achievements:

I have consistently demonstrated thought leadership, collaborative engagement, and scholarly impact through my research presentations, publications, and professional affiliations.
My research has been spotlighted at leading international forums, including an upcoming oral presentation at the 15th International Rotavirus Symposium in Cape Town (2025), where I will present findings on rotavirus gastroenteritis epidemiology and burden in India. I have previously shared data on intussusception epidemiology during the 14th International Rotavirus Symposium in Bali (2023) and presented a cross-state comparative analysis on intussusception at the IPA Congress & PEDICON in Gujarat (2023). My research on childhood micro- and micronutrient intake was also featured at PEDICON in Indore (2020), reflecting my multidimensional approach to pediatric public health.
Beyond formal conferences, I have played a central role in convening rotavirus collaborators’ meetings that included national and international stakeholders. Since 2019, I have functioned as both organizer and lead presenter, facilitating knowledge exchange across interdisciplinary teams and contributing to strategic dialogue on vaccine surveillance.
My scholarly contributions include authorship on three manuscripts currently under peer review, with two additional papers in preparation. I am also a co-author on over 25 manuscripts submitted to the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, addressing critical topics such as ROTASIIL vaccine effectiveness, rotavirus gastroenteritis epidemiology, safety surveillance of intussusception post introduction of rotavirus vaccine. My ongoing work highlights a commitment to expanding the evidence base for rotavirus vaccination and strengthening global pediatric health outcomes. A comprehensive list of publications is available upon request.
I am a Life Member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and an Associate Life Member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). These enduring affiliations reflect my dedication to clinical excellence and professional development within India’s premier medical communities.

Available for:

  • Job opportunities

Years of Experience:

More than 20 years

Highest Qualification:

Bachelors

Languages:

English, Hindi Marathi

Nationality:

Indian

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