Discovering Viatris – Women in Science

What is your current role at Viatris and how long have you been in healthcare?

There have been 1512 years and counting. I work as a Senior Manager in the Regulatory Science-Oral Solid Dosage Form department. I am in charge of regulatory science activities for pharmaceuticals distributed in Europe and Australia/New Zealand

What piqued your interest in science as a child/adolescent?

My grandfather instilled in me an interest in science that stayed with me long after I realized it. I grew up on a premium technology institute residential campus (Indian Institute of Technology) surrounded by scientists. When I first started working, I became interested in regulatory science and realized that this field offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn everything there is to know about a pharmaceutical product, from conception to disposal.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in science?

Step out into the world and explore without fear. Science is all about curiosities, questions and finding answers. Gender discrimination, in my opinion, must be eradicated from one’s own mind before it can be eradicated from the minds of others. A real sense of equality comes when you match up your potential, hard work, passion and commitment to those who are exceptional and inspire you. When you outperform yourself and inspire others, you feel accomplished. Use your logic to find solutions and make improvements. Give something back to humanity. Making a career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is an adventure that you should enjoy as you explore, learn, and grow.

How does your daily work contribute to our commitment to improving patient access?

My job entails keeping our marketed products up to date with the most recent regulatory requirements. I am also in charge of registering repatriations and other supply-critical, cost-cutting projects on time in order to avoid any out-of-stock situations. We demonstrate a commitment to improving patient access by focusing on supply continuity.

Director of Chemistry | Morgantown

What is your current role and how long you have been in healthcare?

My current position is Director of Chemistry at R&D Collins Ferry. I lead a team with a wide range of responsibilities, including quality system compliance, drug product testing, and pre-approval product storage. In March, I will have been with the company for 20 years.

What piqued your interest in science as a child/adolescent?

Because my father is an engineer, I was exposed to science and math at a young age because he frequently took me to his job sites. My parents recognized and encouraged my interest in science by sending me to science camps. This, combined with my interest in high school chemistry classes, led me to a career in science.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in science?

Whatever field of science you choose, being a part of positive change, whether it’s launching a spaceship or developing new medications, will be a rewarding experience. Never be afraid of adversity, and always strive to be the best!

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in science?

Whatever field of science you choose, being a part of positive change, whether it’s launching a spaceship or developing new medications, will be a rewarding experience. Never be afraid of adversity, and always strive to be the best!

How does your daily work contribute to our commitment to improving patient access?

The goal of R&D is to obtain approval for new products. The work of my team is included in the final “package” that is submitted to health authorities. We maintain a high standard of quality in our daily operations to ensure that our products are approved, continuing our history of a strong pipeline and patient access.

Global NCD Operations Lead | Taipei

[3/29, 18:07] Ayushii: What is your current role at Viatris and how long have you been in healthcare?

After receiving my undergraduate nursing degree, I began my career in the health care field. As a registered nurse, I worked in one of Taiwan’s largest medical centers. Every day, I cared for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as COPD and lung cancer. Seeing patients who had multiple hospitalizations for the same long-term diseases, I felt it would be more meaningful to devote myself to public health or disease prevention from the start, rather than waiting until a chronic condition became irreversible. I pursued advanced studies in public health and later worked as a government public health practitioner. After a few years, I changed my mind.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in science?

Life is beautiful whether you pursue a career in art or in science, and there is no clear distinction between science and art when it comes to health. Public health, a scientific discipline that connects science and social aspects of population health, taught me that health topics are just as important as political and financial issues. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis highlighted the importance of public health science in a dramatic way.

How does your daily work contribute to our commitment to improving patient access?

Viatris receives medical leadership from Global NCD Excellence for solutions that reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and help people live healthier lives. We create and implement medical education, data generation, publication, and innovative/partnership programs. These programs can disseminate or apply scientific knowledge to improve the outcomes of NCD management and control. My role is to collaborate with my colleagues to deliver the programs in a timely and effective manner.