early times report
Chandigarh, Dec 25: PGIMER Chandigarh has added another landmark to its growing legacy of global academic excellence, with *Dr Parth Lal, MD, Paediatrics Resident* , being honoured with the *“2025 Suzanne and Peter Berry International Travel Award”* by the *American Epilepsy Society (AES)* —one of the world’s most respected professional bodies in epilepsy research and care.
The award is bestowed annually on only *two outstanding young investigators worldwide* from Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, or Latin America, recognizing exceptional contributions to clinical neuroscience research related to epilepsy. *Dr Parth Lal’s selection from over 1,500 international submissions underscores both the scientific merit and global relevance of his work.*
Dr Parth Lal was recognised for his original research paper titled *“Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Nitrazepam Versus Topiramate in Resistant Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial.”* The study addresses *infantile epileptic spasms syndrome* , one of the most severe and difficult-to-treat forms of childhood epilepsy, associated with high morbidity and long-term neuro developmental challenges. *He was the lead author of this research, which was conducted as part of his MD dissertation,* reflecting a rare blend of academic depth and strong clinical applicability at the postgraduate level.
Importantly, the research provides *Class I evidence* —the highest level of clinical evidence—guiding the choice of antiseizure medication in *treatment-resistant cases,* a domain where robust comparative data has traditionally been limited. The findings have the potential to directly influence clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for infants suffering from refractory epileptic spasms.
As part of the honour, Dr Parth Lal was invited to present his work at the *Annual Meeting of the American Epilepsy Society* , held this year in *Atlanta, USA,* offering him a global platform to share PGIMER’s research excellence with leading clinicians and neuroscientists from across the world.
Expressing his gratitude, *Dr Parth Lal* said, “This recognition from the American Epilepsy Society is deeply humbling. I am grateful to PGIMER for its nurturing academic environment and to my mentors for their constant guidance. Most importantly, this work is dedicated to children with resistant epilepsy and their families, for whom evidence-based treatment options are critically needed.”
His research was conducted under the guidance of *Dr Jitendra Sahu, Professor in Paediatric Neurology, Advanced Paediatric Centre, PGIMER* who lauded the achievement, stating, “Dr Parth’s work reflects scientific rigour, clinical relevance, and a deep commitment to improving patient care. Such international recognition not only highlights his potential as a clinician-scientist but also reinforces PGIMER’s growing contribution to high-impact paediatric neuroscience research.”
This achievement reaffirms PGIMER, Chandigarh’s position as a leading centre for cutting-edge clinical research and its commitment to fostering young investigators who are shaping the future of evidence-based medicine on a global scale. |
