Advanced solutions in AI and Medical Imaging can enhance healthcare by ensuring that technologists and radiologists get high-quality images for accurate clinical diagnosis !

Hrishikesh Deshpande, our next pathbreaker, AI Project Lead and Scientist at Philips Research (Hamburg, Germany), develops cutting-edge AI based deep learning applications to improve CT, X-ray and MR imaging workflows.

Hrishikesh talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his PhD which was part of the VISAGES research group at INRIA Rennes (France), with a focus on medical imaging to detect and develop biomarkers for brain diseases, and to translate this research into clinical practice.

For students, medical research is one of those key domains that not only challenge you to come up with innovative solutions but also contribute to making a healthier world !

Hrishikesh, can you share your background with our young readers?

Growing up in a district in Maharashtra, I was fascinated by the engineering and medical fields from an early age. As a child, I looked up to several medical doctors in my family, while my father’s job as an engineer left a strong impression on me when he described his work for the very first time. I could see how engineers positively impact society, through his dedicated work as an electrical engineer in the state electricity board.

Starting from my primary education in a village, my parents played a big role in shaping my educational pursuits. My father travelled quite some distance every day to his office so that me and my sister could get a better education. My mother encouraged us to excel academically while also enjoying outdoor activities. I was also fortunate to have school teachers who instilled the discipline to study for long hours every day, a task that is more challenging in today’s era of where social media distractions are abundant. 

A eureka moment that shaped my career was when I achieved first place in my school during the 10th-grade exams. Coming from a rural background where I had received my primary education, this success solidified my belief in my methods and reinforced the notion that success knows no bounds, as long as one is willing to put in sincere efforts regardless of their background.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering at Shri Guru Gobind Singhji (SGGS) Institute of Engineering and Technology, followed by a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at IIT Bombay. Later, I obtained a PhD in Computer Science from INRIA Rennes France, specializing in machine learning, computer vision, and medical image processing.

What were some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat., unconventional and uncommon career?

I opted for a bachelor’s course in Instrumentation Engineering because of its interdisciplinary nature. During these formative years, my focus was on understanding concepts rather than chasing grades, while engaging in co-curricular activities like organizing industry visits and technical workshops. One such workshop on biomedical engineering triggered my interest in the applications of signal and image processing for healthcare. In the final years of engineering, I studied rigorously to clear the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) exam with All India Rank of 84, securing admission for a master’s course in biomedical engineering at IIT Bombay. 

Two years at IIT Bombay was a life-changing experience. To be able to learn from the experts in the field and to be surrounded by the brightest minds in the country pushed me to raise my game in both academic and non-academic worlds. Specializing in image processing and medical imaging, my master’s project focused on the signal and image processing of cardiac and functional MRI, under the guidance of Prof. Vikram Gadre. Apart from research work, his guidance on interpersonal aspects such as managing projects, delivering effective presentations, and prioritizing mental health shaped me as a person.

Thereafter, I worked in industry in India for three years, including a stint at a startup, A3 Remote Monitoring Technologies, incubated at IIT Bombay. I led the research and development of a tele-cardiology product for extending the capabilities of a portable ECG device, which facilitated the scalability of the product and ultimately resulted in saving hundreds of lives. The most rewarding aspect of working in industry was being able to apply the knowledge I acquired during my academic studies to create a substantial social and business impact while growing professionally across various domains with a leadership mindset.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path.

During my masters studies at IIT Bombay and while working on a project on ECG-based arrhythmia detection in the start-up, I became deeply intrigued by machine learning and its potential applications. As a result, after three years of industrial experience, I decided to expand my expertise in the fields of machine learning and computer vision by pursuing a PhD. I dedicated a few hours every day after work to study for the GRE, prepare application documents, applying for PhD positions, and getting ready for interviews. After a few applications and interviews, I secured a PhD position at INRIA Rennes France.

Initially, the prospect of moving to France with a different language and work culture seemed challenging. To prepare for this transition, I learnt basic French and read research papers in the field of my future work, before travelling. Upon arrival, my considerate supervisors and a supportive friend helped me settle into the new environment, and soon, I found a steadfast companion in this journey – my wife! On the professional front, collaborating with internationally renowned supervisors proved to be an enriching experience. I proposed novel machine learning methods for the segmentation of multiple sclerosis lesions, which were published in prestigious conferences and journals.

INRIA (French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation) is a national research institution in France renowned for its contributions to computer science and applied mathematics. They have 10 research centers across the country, with over 200 groups focusing on areas such as AI, computer vision, cybersecurity, high-performance computing etc., addressing real-world challenges in healthcare, transportation, communication etc. Each research group is associated with a French university where PhD students are registered to follow the graduate courses and obtain their doctoral degree from.

For my PhD, I was part of the VISAGES research group (now EMPENN) at INRIA Rennes, with a focus on medical imaging to detect and develop biomarkers for brain diseases, and to translate this research into clinical practice. My thesis on dictionary learning for pattern classification in medical imaging yielded notable contributions in two directions: On the methodological front, I explored the significance of a crucial and unexplored parameter, dictionary size, and demonstrated its fundamental importance in improved image classification. On the application side, we proposed adaptive dictionary learning method for the segmentation of multiple sclerosis lesions in brain MR images, achieving substantially improved performance.

The decision to pursue a PhD at INRIA Rennes was driven by the opportunity to work with experts in the field and to delve deeper into research topics I was passionate about. I was fortunate to have supportive supervisors, Dr. Christian Barillot and Prof. Dr. Pierre Maurel, whose insightful discussions helped me contribute to the research group, and improve my skills in advanced research, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which played a big part in my professional journey thereafter.

After my PhD, I decided to join the industry again and began my journey as an AI Scientist at Philips Research Hamburg. Here, I develop advanced algorithms aimed at enhancing people’s health through AI-based innovations in medical imaging. In addition to the research and development work, I have also taken on leadership and project management roles in recent years.

How did you get your first break?

I always believed in Swamy Vivekananda’s ideology: “Embrace one idea wholeheartedly, dedicate your mind and body to it, work tirelessly, and success will inevitably follow”. 

During my undergraduate years, I relentlessly pursued further education in image processing and biomedical engineering. This perseverance eventually led to my acceptance into the master’s program at IIT Bombay, despite the challenging admission process consisting of a written test and an interview with a panel of IIT professors. The written test, which focused on human physiology for the candidates with an engineering background and vice versa, posed a particular challenge as I had not studied biology in my 12th grade.  To overcome this obstacle, I committed to studying intensively and gathering required knowledge in a short span of time. However, the defining moment in my admission process came in the interview when I successfully answered complex technical questions, based on a seminar I had prepared during my bachelor’s studies. This experience convinced me that consistent daily efforts and determination can help you prepare for life-changing moments and help you achieve predefined goals.

Thereafter, I found breaks in both academic and industrial roles by actively acquiring new skills, striving to exceed expectations, networking with experts, and embracing challenging opportunities with an open mind.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

I generally enjoy being challenged because it helps me uncover new aspects of myself. During my PhD, I enjoyed the challenge of working towards my first scientific publication. At Philips Research Hamburg, it was about transferring the first software into the product, obtaining my first patent, transitioning into a leadership role etc. In each instance, I tackled the challenge by breaking it down into smaller projects, which were executed by conducting research, seeking advice from experts, and setting specific goals with deadlines. Today, tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Notion greatly help in planning and research, making it easier to address challenges more effectively.

Where do you work now? Tell us about your current role

I currently work with Philips Research Hamburg as an AI scientist and project leader. On the technology front, I develop cutting-edge deep learning applications to improve CT, X-ray and MR imaging workflows. My work involves understanding clinical and business needs, defining technical roadmaps for new business propositions, developing AI algorithms using the latest technologies, and preparing software for integration into products. I also lead teams in generating intellectual property and represent the company at scientific conferences to showcase our research work. In terms of project management and team leadership, I serve as an agile scrum master, coaching and leading a cross-functional team for delivering AI-driven innovations. I am further expanding my skills in this direction by recently earning certifications as a product owner and Project Management Professional (PMP). I enjoy the blend of contributing technically and guiding my team in driving innovations to improve the lives of people worldwide.

How does your work benefit society? 

By developing advanced solutions in AI and medical imaging, we improve the diagnostic accuracy and optimize medical imaging workflows. Our AI innovations ease the workload for technologists and ensure radiologists get high-quality images for accurate diagnosis, making healthcare more effective and efficient for both patients and clinics.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

In addition to saving lives with the tele-cardiology product at the IIT Bombay startup, I take pride in two projects I worked on at Philips. We initiated technically challenging exploratory studies, addressed complex problems using advanced technology, and successfully demonstrated to our business stakeholders how this work could benefit the imaging workflows. Subsequently, our efforts led to several impactful patents, publications, and software transfers for product integration. These projects hold special significance for me because they offered the development of end-to-end solutions for clinically impactful and technologically challenging problems, in addition to the personal growth I experienced in new fields such as project management and team leadership while driving these initiatives forward.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Although each journey is unique, I am happy to share some learnings based on my experience:

1. When you embark on any journey, do not wait for the perfect time to start.

2. Thoroughly research your field of interest and explore options that align with your passion. 

3. Once you have identified your goals, break them down into small, timebound and achievable tasks. Use visualization techniques to map out the path to achieving your goals.

4. Seek guidance from mentors and connect with experts in your field to learn new perspectives from their experiences and to fast-track your career development.

5. Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and supervisors, and approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

6. Find ways to make learning enjoyable while engaging in outdoor activities. Identify activities that help you relieve stress. For me, it’s weight-training, cooking, and music.

7. Draw inspiration from individuals and fields you like. For example, I love cricket and I find inspiration from individual players and improbable wins, like the one at the Gabba.

8. Use social media wisely. While it can be a valuable networking tool, avoid unproductive browsing. Dedicate time for study each day without social media distractions.  This will improve your focus and enable you to make significant strides towards your goals by taking small steps each day.

9. Don’t let fear hold you back, you will never know unless you try. 

10. Stay curious and invest in lifelong learning in this ever-changing world.

Future Plans?

I plan to be associated with organizations committed to advancing AI innovations for the betterment of people’s lives and well-being. With over a decade of experience in AI for healthcare, project management, and team leadership, I strive to make significant contributions to respective organizations while continuing to challenge myself with new learnings.

I would also like to continue my volunteering work such as mentoring students and professionals, reviewing scientific papers, leading project management initiatives via PMI etc. You can also find me sharing my experiences and insights on LinkedIn, where I have been recognized as a Top Artificial Intelligence Voice. Feel free to connect for insights or potential collaborations: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deshpandehn/