This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed Dr. Abir Rahman. He is a physician. Very recently, he
has obtained his Ph.D. in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the Florida International University (FIU), located in Miami, USA. Here he has shared his experiences and insights of Ph.D. life in the USA.
1. Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your Ph.D. topic and, your University to our readers.
Dr. Abir Rahman: I have completed my medical degree (MBBS) from Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College, followed by an MPH from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in the USA. I have recently completed my Ph.D. in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the Florida International University (FIU), located in Miami, USA. My dissertation topic is concerned with behavioral epidemiology, and the title of my dissertation was “Associations of Sociocultural Stressors with Psychological Distress and Self-rated Health among Hispanic Emerging Adults.”
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for Ph.D.? In other words, why are you pursuing a Ph.D.?
Dr. Abir Rahman: I first heard about public health while I was going through community medicine class in medical college. Eventually, I got to learn about Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and other concentrations within public health. Although I started to get interested in medical research, Epidemiological research specifically, at that time, as a medical student, I could not decide whether I should pursue a career specializing in epidemiology. Finally, when I was about to start my post-grad degree preparation, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. with a concentration in Epidemiology.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) Ph.D. topic and ii) Institute?
Dr. Abir Rahman: i) I learned about research conducted by different professors in the department as a first-year Ph.D. student at FIU. Ultimately I chose the professor and the specific topic that I am interested in during 2nd year. However, before admission, most universities require students to mention a general research area they are interested in. Some universities also require students to contact prospective Ph.D. advisors before admission to the program. ii) Regarding selecting an institute, I followed Best Public Health Programs – US News Rankings. I chose 8 to 9 universities with High, moderate, and low position holders from the rankings. I looked at funding opportunities and then applied. Finally, out of all the admission offers I received, I selected the one which goes with me best, funding and location-wise.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as a Ph.D. student, Bachelor or Master degree?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Minimum qualification for applying for Ph.D. is a Bachelor’s degree, an average 3.0 point GPA TOEFL (80 or higher on the internet-based exam)/IELTS (must score 6.5 or higher). Additionally, students need to submit a GRE score, course-by-course WES evaluation of transcripts (undergrad and masters if done outside of the U.S.), three letters of recommendations, and a goal statement/statement of purpose.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do a Ph.D. in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Dr. Abir Rahman: At first prospective students need to do their research. They need to know the admission requirements (easy to find from the university website). They also need to know about a general research area they are interested in, and it does not need to be very specific. For example, one can say that he or she is interested in working on mental health without mentioning specific areas of mental health. After doing all the research and fulfilling the requirements, you can apply through SOPHAS (most of the application goes through this system).
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What are mistakes one should avoid when contacting with University or Professor for a Ph.D. studentship?
Dr. Abir Rahman: First of all, do not send out a generic email. Customize your email based on the professor’s and your research interest. Secondly, do not send out a similar email to all the professors in the same department/university at the same time, it does not help your case. Be patient, wait at least a week for a response (meanwhile you can email professors of other universities). Finally, always be courteous, even in rejection.
7.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get Ph.D., by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications(journal articles)?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Usually by submitting a dissertation and passing the dissertation defense. My department at FIU usually requires students to have at least two publications from the dissertation.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing a Ph.D. supervisor?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Yes, I deliberately chose my supervisor. Regarding criteria, first of all, research interests need to align. Second of all, the supervisor should be supportive and be willing to provide time and feedback on your work. Supervisors need to be selected very carefully.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Be communicative, show/give efforts, and finish tasks on time.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Be collaborative, supportive, and provide feedback on each other’s work.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing a Ph.D. is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Yes, it is a stressful job. I usually spend time with family, friends and visit scenic places to relieve stress.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Dr. Abir Rahman: Due to COVID, I did most of my works from home. As my work involves dry lab, I was not always required to go to a lab.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: Ph.D. is considered as training for a career in Research. What 1. technical and 2. Soft skills you are focusing to develop or developed by this time?
Dr. Abir Rahman: There are several technical and soft skills I gained throughout this journey. Technical skills- became proficient in various statistical packages and other software. Few such are – SPSS, SAS, EpiInfo, R, Endnote, etc.
Soft skills – critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, professional writing, teamwork, leadership, professional attitude, work ethic, etc.
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Dr. Abir Rahman: I do have plans to return to Bangladesh at one point. Before that, I do want to have experience working as an Epidemiologist here in the U.S.
15.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective Ph.D. students?
Dr. Abir Rahman: The journey for Ph.D. may seem overwhelming, but stay determined, it is very much doable.
16. Scientific Bangladesh: Would like to share your weekly story with other Ph.D. students? If yes, register at www.scfbd.net
Dr. Abir Rahman: Yes. Thank you for asking.
Scientific Bangladesh: Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Our readers will be waiting to read your regular writings. Pls, register to the above link for access as an author.