This October, for Breast Cancer Awareness month, we feature Clinical Fellow Dr. Harsh Batra.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
I am a clinical fellow in breast pathology. The truth is, although I like the whole spectrum of Pathology, my interest in following breast pathology as a dedicated profession was more of a “stumble upon” occurrence during the late phase of my residency and when I did my postdoctoral fellowship.
I was clear I wanted to follow a physician scientist pathway after my residency so I wanted to learn about core research and research skills. A chance meeting with my previous mentor in the United States landed me a postdoctoral role in a breast cancer lab where I became more aware and interested in translational aspects of breast cancers, especially in today’s landscape where pathologists and biologists lie at the center of the story in the precision medicine realm.
After my postdoctoral fellowship, I wanted to return to a setting where I could hone my clinical skills along with continuing impactful research in the breast cancer domain. The field is translationally very relevant as breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and even the smallest aspect of studying this area leads to more inquisitiveness and sometimes, joy of finding a few answers along the way.
Tell us about your research
I am currently involved in two research projects.
The first is a multi-institutional study of metaplastic breast carcinomas, rare cancers that have been historically challenging to study. Understanding their biology may lead to improved therapies.
The second project explores artificial intelligence in breast cancer, where our team is developing an unsupervised model to quantify Ki67, a key biomarker. This model aims to provide a precise, reproducible, and efficient method for evaluating Ki67, which is currently scored subjectively.
I am also interested in studying Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, especially invasive lobular cancers which I have studied in the past and would love to explore more.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
One of the most interesting things has been to get involved with Dr. Susan Done’s lab, which is a group of very intelligent and fun-loving lab members working with an exemplary leader who teaches you every step of the way and all working towards a common goal.
Also, all the people I have interacted with at LMP have been very interesting, which makes the workplace very fun and cordial.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
There are a few actually. One is that to swim, you need to enter the water, even if you are scared. Second, is to choose a niche. You might fail, but if you try to do everything, you shall surely fail. Third is, like Bollywood films, everything turns out well in the end.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Working at a few big places over these limited years has made me realise that people, whoever they are, are the real power in an organisation. Compassion, honesty, respect and ethics are the most important binding factors or stepping stones on which you should lay your foundation on. The rest will fall in place.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
I, honestly, am not influenced by anyone, though I am super inspired by my son and all the children I meet. I am not influenced, as it takes away the one superpower I have - the power to fail honestly and thus honestly rectify myself.
I am inspired by children as they are super inquisitive, stubborn and honest to the core. These qualities inspire me to keep that “child” alive inside me - to be a better learner and not give up easily.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I am not a secretive person, but something that people might not know is that I volunteer for a political party in Canada and I like theater.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of your studies?
I like spending time with my family, playing Luigi’s Mansion and Super Mario Odyssey on my Nintendo when time allows, and I love exploring restaurants and new experiences, especially nature trails.
What is your favourite album, film, and novel?
Favorite films: Veer Zara and Life is beautiful
Favorite albums: Veer zara and the very best of Frank Sinatra
Novel: There are many but I’ll put four in here
Usne kaha tha by Chandra Sharma Guleri
Chanakya neeti
Thinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman
The art of war by Sun Tzu
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
My grandfather was the most compassionate and selfless person I remember. I was 15 when he passed away. I think my conversations with him would be more enriching now, so I'd like a chance to have dinner with him.
Another would be Narendra Modi (this would be a second dinner not the first one, haha). I am sure, talking over dinner to one of the most successful prime ministers in India’s history would be fun.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Wherever I can get my extended family together. We live all over the world, so whichever place gets all of us on the same spot is my most favorite place.
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
A starlink subscription by tesla and a bitcoin miner setup. By the time someone sees my SOS signal, I’ll return with some extra money and a little more knowledge of cryptocurrency.
