Her Story
About Anagha
Anagha Shende is a Medical Science Liaison in the pharmaceutical industry based in Los Angeles, California. She has worked in the field since completing her residency in 2019 after earning her MD degree. She later obtained a fast-track Master's in Regulatory Affairs to familiarize herself with industry rules and governance in the United States. Shende is a member of the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) and values integrity, remaining unbiased and focused on facts and data to benefit patients. She attributes her success to encouragement from her family and guidance from mentors. Shende previously volunteered with Make-A-Wish in the Bay Area.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anagha
01What do you attribute your success to?
My family has always encouraged me to ask questions and trusted my decisions. Even when leaving clinical practice, they supported me. Meeting the right mentors who guided and trained me has also been essential.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself. Find people who would guide you and mentor you. It takes training and finesse to make the transition, but go for it even when instances make you question your choice.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For people from medical background, the biggest challenge is networking and presenting data professionally. We are not taught to present or talk professionally beyond patients, and residency keeps us in a bubble without life outside, so soft skills become a hurdle when transitioning.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is most important. I work for a pharma company that runs on profits, but as medical I make sure to always do my work with integrity, being unbiased, sticking to facts and data, for the benefit of patients.
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