Association of Clinical Pharmacologists
Focused Leadership for ACP’s Key Professional Priorities
The Association of Clinical Pharmacologists has constituted specialised councils to advance its academic, scientific, clinical and professional objectives. Each council is led by a designated convenor who coordinates activities within a defined area and supports collaboration among ACP members, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, industry, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
Together, these councils help translate ACP’s mission into focused programmes that strengthen clinical pharmacology education, ethical research, patient care, medicines policy and professional development. The profiles below are based on the official council-convenor list provided by ACP.
Training and Capacity Building Council
Convenor: Dr. Smita Pattanaik
The Council focuses on strengthening the knowledge and skills of clinical pharmacologists and related healthcare professionals. Its areas of interest include continuing professional development, workshops, training programmes, mentorship and initiatives that promote competency-based clinical pharmacology practice.
Academics and Curricular Monitoring Council
Convenor: Dr. Bhaskar Krishnamurthy
The Council supports the advancement of clinical pharmacology education and the continued review of academic curricula. It encourages the development of relevant, contemporary and competency-oriented teaching approaches for undergraduate, postgraduate and specialised training programmes.
Clinical Research and Ethics Council
Convenor: Dr. Sandhiya Selvarajan
The Council promotes scientifically rigorous, ethically responsible and patient-centred clinical research. Its focus includes research methodology, ethical standards, participant protection, good clinical practice, research integrity and the responsible generation and use of clinical evidence.
Media and Communications Council
Convenor: Dr. Pooja Gupta
The Council oversees professional communication and public engagement relating to ACP’s activities. It supports the clear and responsible dissemination of scientific information through digital platforms, publications, educational resources, media outreach and member communications.
Regulatory and Policy Matters Council
Convenor: Dr. Santosh Taur
The Council contributes clinical pharmacology expertise to discussions concerning medicines regulation and healthcare policy. It supports evidence-informed approaches to drug development, approval, safety monitoring, rational use and the formulation of clear and scientifically sound regulatory policies.
Industry Affairs and Academia Collaboration Council
Convenor: Dr. Pawan Singh
The Council promotes constructive collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare organisations and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. It encourages partnerships in research, education, innovation, capacity building and the responsible development of medicines and healthcare technologies.
Patient Care Optimisation and Therapeutics Council
Convenor: Dr. Shambo Samrat Samajdar
The Council focuses on improving therapeutic decision-making and patient outcomes through clinical pharmacology. Its scope includes medication optimisation, individualised therapy, benefit–risk assessment, prevention of medicine-related problems and the safe and effective use of medicines.
Career Guidance and Counselling Council
Convenor: Dr. Sukanta Sen
The Council supports students, trainees and professionals exploring careers in clinical pharmacology and allied fields. It promotes mentorship, career awareness, professional counselling and guidance on opportunities in academia, clinical research, healthcare, industry and regulatory science.
Treatment Guidance and Protocols Council
Convenor: Dr. Prafull Mohan
The Council supports the development, review and dissemination of evidence-based treatment guidance and therapeutic protocols. Its work aims to encourage consistent, rational and patient-centred prescribing while supporting the appropriate translation of clinical evidence into practice.
International Relations and Collaborations Council
Convenor: Dr. Manjunath N. K.
The Council promotes ACP’s engagement with international professional societies, academic institutions and research networks. It supports scientific exchange, collaborative research, global learning opportunities and the development of partnerships that enhance the international visibility of Indian clinical pharmacology.
Working Together for Better Therapeutics
Through their respective areas of responsibility, ACP’s specialised councils provide an organised platform for members to contribute expertise, develop professional initiatives and address emerging priorities in clinical pharmacology. Their combined efforts support safer medicines, stronger research, better education and improved therapeutic outcomes.