Dr. Chitra Edwin
Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Professional
Read Dr. Chitra’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
As a scientist, regulatory affairs, compliance and quality systems professional in the Life Sciences industry and academia, I focus on my routine work obligations every day. I am also a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and consultant and provide remote consulting advice (with travel if necessary) for clients. In addition, periodically, I am on grant review panels, and as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati teach post-graduate students on regulatory affairs, and quality systems. Finally, I attempt to attend conferences, seminars and professional events when possible to network, and keep updated on the latest information pertaining to my field.
Why do you love it?
I love my career as a regulatory professional and am passionate about ensuring that any product for humanitarian use is effective and safe, and beneficial for the stipulated medical needs, general health, and well-being. This also involves ensuring that companies abide by the federal law to protect consumer safety.
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
There are always challenges in any career. And it is easy to look at a problem and think, oh boy, what do I do? But the important thing is as you get more advanced in your career you begin to perceive challenges as opportunities. You can be the master of the career path that you have identified for yourself. There is no certainty in industry where business climate fluctuations and evolving technological trends could be the norm. A flexible, adaptable mindset when you see change as an opportunity to learn more, is helpful during these circumstances. If you have that kind of positive attitude, then it becomes fun and exciting.
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
I am a lifelong learner and am always excited about new technologies. One innovation that I am excited about is personalized medicine or precision medicine. With personalized medicine, each patient receives a customized treatment plan for their specific medical condition based on their genetic profile. I am also very interested in rare and emerging diseases which sometimes are not big revenue generators in pharma. This challenge is exciting because these diseases effect limited numbers of individuals, with unmet medical needs.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in India.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
I liked a lot of teachers but my Kindergarten teacher because she was very kind and got me started on my educational path.
Tell us about your personal style. What’s in your purse?
I have two purses: I call one my general use purse, which is for when I am running out on routine errands. In it, I have my iPhone, keys, wallet, credit cards, cash, driver’s license, lotion, tissue and a small cosmetic case with lipstick, a brush, basic cosmetics, a mirror, and glasses. I also always have a few business cards in my purse because you never know who you are going to meet in the grocery store. A second larger purse is for professional meetings with the same items as my general use purse, plus a small notepad to jot down notes, or information.
Is there a current book or book you love?
I love Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I have read it multiple times. I am currently reading Bad Blood by John Carreyrou, and I am enjoying that.
Who inspires you?
My mom inspires me because she rose through the ranks in India to become the Chairperson, Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology at the university where she taught. When she started her career and education, very few women went to school and got graduate degrees.
What’s next for you?
I hope to be able to make a contribution with all of these advancements. To have the ability to get involved with rare emerging diseases and personalized medicine. To be able to say I learned something, made a contribution with the experience that I have, and I am grateful for that.
TAGS
