From Industry to Academia: Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh on Navigating the Dynamic World of Pharmacy
In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of pharmacy in India, with a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Katedeshmukh has witnessed the transformation of the pharmaceutical industry. He has led Epic Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. as Technical and Managing Director and dedicated his expertise to pharmaceutical education.
In this edition of MedTeacher of DocScopy by MedBound Times, Yash Kamble, a fifth-year Pharm D student, sits down with Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh, PhD, to delve into his extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical industry and education. Dr. Katedeshmukh, who has held key positions in manufacturing and regulatory compliance, now shares his insights as a professor at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Pharmacy, Pune Maharashtra, India. His rich academic background that includes an M. Pharm from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, and a PhD from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Join us as we explore Dr. Katedeshmukh’s journey, from his academic roots at Panjab University to his leadership roles in both the industry and education sectors, and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of pharmacy in India.
Yash Kamble: Sir, before we begin, could you please introduce yourself?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: Hello, I am Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh. I have a Master's in Pharmacy and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with over 28 years of industry experience and 14 years in academia. I completed my Bachelor's in Pharmacy at the Government College of Pharmacy, Karad in 1978, followed by a Master's in Pharmaceutics from UIPS, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. I earned my PhD from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Yash Kamble: Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: It was almost 50 years ago when I chose Pharmacy. At that time, the pharmaceutical industry and the pharmacy profession were emerging, and people were beginning to recognize Pharmacy as a career option. I opted for a Bachelor's in Pharmacy because it was financially viable, with the Government College of Pharmacy, Karad in Maharashtra offering only 30 seats. Additionally, it was near my native place.
Yash Kamble: What do you think about the current state of pharmacy as a profession in India?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: India is widely known as the "Pharmacy of the World," with numerous large-scale US FDA-approved manufacturing units competing with multinational corporations. The pharmaceutical field is growing exponentially, and with it, the pharmacy profession as well. There are multiple career options available for students, making pharmacy an excellent profession.
Yash Kamble: How has your experience been as a professor?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: My industrial experience made the transition to teaching easier, as it allowed me to address students' needs for real-world knowledge. This helps bridge the gap between industrial and educational aspects, providing students with additional advantages as learners.
Yash Kamble: What insights can you provide for someone thinking of starting their own industry?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: Acquiring a manufacturing license is crucial. First, you must set up a fully functional manufacturing unit with the necessary plants, machinery, and workforce. Initially, we started with a loan license, manufacturing products through other units and handling our marketing. Later, we built our manufacturing unit at MIDC Satara, Maharashtra, starting with oral liquid formulations and expanding to capsules, ointments, and tablets. Over the years, we acquired licenses for Ayurvedic products. A good marketing strategy is vital for success, along with skilled technical manpower and sufficient funds.
Yash Kamble: In your opinion, how can pharmacy education improve in India?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: Pharmacy education is satisfactory but can be improved by updating the curriculum to include new technologies and industry developments. Students often find themselves unprepared for industry roles due to a lack of exposure to current procedures and technologies during their education. Frequent updates to the curriculum can address this gap.
Yash Kamble: What should students choose? B. Pharm or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: It depends on the student's interests. If they are interested in clinical fields, a PharmD. is the better choice. For those interested in industry roles, B. Pharm is more suitable. A diploma in pharmacy is a good option for those looking to start a retail pharmacy.
Yash Kamble: Can you tell me what is your favourite subject and why?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: My favorite subject has always been pharmaceutics, which is why I pursued my post-graduation (M Pharm) in this field. This subject deals with drug manufacturing, fueling my passion and eventually leading me to build my own manufacturing unit. My love for pharmaceutics and years of experience have also greatly contributed to my academic career.
Yash Kamble: Which field in pharmacy has more scope in the current state of India?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: The scope depends on individual interests. For industry roles, pharmaceutics with regulatory affairs and quality assurance offers good opportunities. For those inclined toward research and development, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology are viable options.
Yash Kamble: How can we improve pharmaceutical education from an industrial perspective?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: Incorporating current trends in the pharmaceutical industry like regulatory affairs, quality assurance, etc into the curriculum and teaching students about the latest developments in technology, research and development, regulatory affairs, and other allied subjects will better prepare them for the industry.
Yash Kamble: Can you share how you managed a pharmacy college as a principal?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: As a principal, I faced many challenges, including changing the faculty's perspective on academic development. Management policies also posed difficulties in developing the college. To elevate the institution, we updated all academic resources and focused on enhancing the academic sector, leading to full admissions for four years. We worked on faculty retention and prepared the college for NAAC accreditation. Overall, the experience was very satisfactory, and I learned a lot.
Yash Kamble: Can you give some advice for all the new pharmacy students who might be reading this?
Dr. Ramesh Katedeshmukh: My advice to pharmacy students is to gather as much information as possible about the industry and global pharmaceutical fields. Spending time in retail pharmacy stores weekly can provide practical knowledge about different formulations and retail business regulations. If students are unsure about their career path after pharmacy, I recommend they explore the current state of the profession, which will help them decide on their next steps.
