Dr Kalpita Shringarpure’s career in public health research began with a spark of curiosity during a one-day operational research workshop in Baroda, India.
Inspired by this initial exposure and motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between data and decision-making, she enrolled in the SORT IT (Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative) course. At the time, her child was just nine months old, but she felt strongly that the opportunity was worth the challenge. That decision marked a turning point in her career.
“SORT IT aligned perfectly with my goal of strengthening public health through evidence,” says Dr Shringarpure, now an Assistant Professor of Community Medicine at Medical College Baroda. “It was not just learning how to do research. It was about doing research that matters.”
The year-long course provided hands-on, mentorship-driven training that sharpened her skills in designing, conducting and communicating operational research. She appreciated the focus on practical and relevant studies that could be carried out using existing systems and limited resources. “The course taught me how to conduct operational research within a programme setup without needing additional funds. That was a game changer,” she explains.
Through modules on protocol development, data analysis and manuscript writing, she learned to integrate research into real-world programme settings. One of the most important takeaways for her was the emphasis on data quality, structured timelines and actionable insights. “I became more organised, more disciplined, and much better at managing multiple projects simultaneously,” she reflects. “And I now mentor students and professionals using the same techniques I learned during SORT IT.”
Her SORT IT project focused on understanding why people with multidrug-resistant TB were being lost to follow-up during treatment. She explains, “We found a major gap in follow-up mechanisms and counselling. Based on our findings, the programme introduced local counsellors to support patients from the beginning of treatment.” The changes that followed her research were first implemented locally and later influenced broader discussions around TB care in Gujarat.
Since completing the course, Dr Shringarpure has taken on expanded leadership roles and research collaborations, working with UNICEF, the Government of Gujarat, and Gujarat State AIDS Control Society, among others. “After SORT IT, I was seen differently in my organisation. I was invited to lead programme evaluations and guide multi-institutional projects. The credibility that came with the peer-reviewed publication really opened doors.”
She has also been involved in running several adaptations of the SORT IT model at local and state levels. “I’ve helped organise versions of the course through the State Chapter of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, Malabar Cancer Center, and our own Medical College Baroda. I have also delivered workshops on PubMed and literature search techniques. That would not have been possible without the training and confidence I gained through SORT IT.”
Communication was another area where she saw major growth. The course incorporates translating research into lightning presentations, policy briefs and elevator pitches to better engage stakeholders. “SORT IT helped improve confidence in presenting findings to high-level stakeholders. Now I feel equipped to speak to important organisations. I’ve learned to present results clearly, tell a compelling story, and use visuals and data to make a point.”
Dr Shringarpure values the peer and mentor feedback she received throughout the course. “The feedback process helped me understand how stakeholders think. It made my work stronger.”
To those considering the course, Dr Shringarpure shares this advice: “Choose a research topic closely tied to field realities and policy gaps. Stay proactive and consistent throughout all phases of the course, from protocol development to manuscript submission. Leverage the mentorship opportunities and peer learning – they are invaluable.” She also encourages participants to maintain those connections after the course, adding, “Staying in touch with peers and mentors helps with continued knowledge sharing and future collaboration.”
Looking back, Dr Shringarpure says SORT IT reshaped her entire approach to research and policy. “I now understand that research must be designed with the end-user in mind. It is not just about generating evidence. It is about how you communicate it, how you frame it for decision-makers and how you use it to improve outcomes.”
If you want to commission a SORT IT course, please contact cor@theunion.org