AI based technologies are transforming healthcare through a transition from slow, manual processes to real-time access to data globally, thus speeding up research and drug development significantly.

Divya Jaiswal, our next pathbreaker, Principal Consultant at USDM Life Science, helps huge pharmaceutical companies to implement and administer systems like Veeva Vault to manage their clinical trials and regulatory data.

Divya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the role of digital technologies in healthcare and the significance of Responsible AI—how we can use Artificial Intelligence to make decisions in life sciences and healthcare without losing the “human” touch.

For students, don’t box yourselves in ! Just because you study Biology doesn’t mean you can’t love Computers. The best careers often happen where different fields mix.

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

I grew up in Korba, a small city in the Chhattisgarh state of India. I had a really curious childhood. My parents came from a service background. My father was an accountant with Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board and my mother is a home maker. They always encouraged me to ask questions and work hard.

Back in school, I wasn’t just about books; I loved debating, poetry writing, and painting. Looking back, those activities actually taught me how to work in a team, express myself, and think on my feet—skills I still use today!

What did you do for graduation / post-graduation?

My education has been a long and exciting journey because I believe learning never stops!

Bachelor’s (B.Pharm): I started with a degree in Pharmacy to learn the basics.

Master’s (M.Pharm): I specialized in Medical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry because I wanted to understand the deep science behind how medicines are created.

Management (PGDBA in operations): I realized science needs good management, so I studied Operations.

Doctorate (PhD): Even after 18 years of working, I went back to school! In 2025, I completed my PhD in Management Studies (Clinical Research).

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Healthcare Technology?

It wasn’t a straight line; it was a path shaped by curiosity and “aha!” moments.

Initial Spark: I was fascinated by how a tiny pill can cure a headache or fight a complex disease. That curiosity is what led me to Pharmacy initially.

The Turning Point (The “Pivot”): After college, I worked in Regulatory Affairs (the “rulebook” for medicine safety). I noticed that while the science was brilliant, the paperwork was slow and outdated. I used to think, “What if we could use technology to speed this up?”

I saw leaders in the industry struggling with data. I realized that there is a need for Life Sciences professionals to  learn IT (Information Technology), to be the bridge between the scientists and the computer engineers/coders. That realization was my biggest career driver.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? (My Career Path)

My career is a perfect example of how you can combine two different worlds—Science and Technology.

Step 1: The Foundation (Dabur Ranbaxy & Ind-Swift Labs)

Role: Research Scientist.

What I did: I learned the “rules.” I handled the complex process required to submit applications for drugs in countries like the US,Europe, Australia and Canada. This gave me my core subject matter expertise (Drug Regulatory writing).

Step 2: The Transition (PAREXEL)

Role: Project Manager.

The Shift: I moved from just doing the science to managing the projects. I learned how to organize teams and deliver results on time.

My job as a project manager gave me exposure to handle various health outcomes projects (HEOR) . I was handling a big team and I learnt about team management and various stakeholder managements too since this was a client facing role. I also learnt about managing and executing projects within timelines(scope) and budgets.

Step 3: The Tech Leap (Infosys Consulting)

Role: Senior Consultant/ Business Analyst

The Strategy: This was my big move into IT. I used my knowledge of pharmacy and Drug Regulatory Submissions  to help and implement better applications like Veeva for big companies like Pfizer Novartis and AstraZeneca . I wasn’t writing code, but I was telling the coders what to build to help the scientists. Also I test if the changes done by coders are as per the need of  companies or not.

Veeva Vault is a cloud-based content management platform specifically designed for the life sciences industry to securely store, manage, and track regulated documents and data. It was developed by Veeva Systems Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, California.  Due to my knowledge in clinical and regulatory business process and Veeva platform’s technical understanding, I  gather requirements from business and help in implementation of those as business analyst. From 2020 onwards, I have worked as business consultant and system administrator on Veeva’s different modules, ie, Veeva Regulatory Information Management (RIM), Veeva Clinical Operations (eTMF and CTMS). Veeva Quality and QMS.

From 2020 onwards (Daiichi, NNIT, Propharma), I am working in Veeva platform which has different modules i.e RIM, clinical quality, QMS. Being certified platform administrator, I learnt different modules of the platform and various companies hired me for my different module knowledge but everything is based on Veeva and my knowledge in field of clinical, regulatory and clinical.

Step 4: The Expert Level (Current Role)

Role: Principal Consultant.

Now: I lead the strategy. I help companies use AI and Cloud technology to be future-ready.

How did you get your first break?

My first break came from my deep academic performance during my Master’s. My understanding of Pharmaceutical Chemistry helped me land a role as a Research Scientist at Dabur Research Foundation, where I got hands-on experience with real-world drug approvals.

I began my Infosys journey eleven years back, in December 2014, as a Senior Associate Consultant. Joining Infosys was a life-changing and audacious decision for me – moving from the core pharma role of Pharma Regulatory Submission Expert to information technology. After the US Food and Drug Administration announced moving towards electronic common technical document (eCTD) from paper-based documentation, I developed my interest in possible solutions. As an end-user, I was also curious to understand how huge information volume is handled through IT systems (regulatory information management system), which I was previously handling in MS Excel with macros . When I came to know about the opening at Infosys, where my expertise as a submission expert was required, I realized this was my best chance to find answers to my curiosity. I was interviewed on my knowledge related to regulatory submissions and computer system validation(CSV)

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

Challenge 1: Speaking a New Language (IT)

Issue: Moving from Pharmacy to IT was hard. I didn’t know the technical jargon of software engineers.

Solution: I was not afraid to ask “stupid” questions. I took certifications (like Scrum Master and Azure) to learn the basics so I could communicate effectively.

Challenge 2: Constant Change

Issue: Technology changes incredibly fast. What works today might be obsolete tomorrow.

Solution: I adopted a “Life-Long Learner” mindset. This is why I pursued my PhD even while working full-time. I have done multiple certifications like Veeva vault admin certificate to keep myself updated.

Challenge 3: Balancing It All

Issue: Managing a high-pressure job, a PhD, and personal life (I have two teenagers at home and I am in the USA, far away from my home country, India).

Solution: Time management and prioritization. I learned to focus on what brings the most value.

Where do you work now?

Current Role: Principal Consultant at USDM Life Sciences.

USDM Life Sciences is a premier consulting and technology firm focused exclusively on the life sciences industry, offering services that ensure GxP compliance, digital transformation, and operational efficiency for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. They provide specialized, audit-ready solutions across clinical, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality domains to help companies bring products to market faster. USDM Life Sciences serves over 900 clients, including top-tier pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. They specialize in GxP compliance, cloud assurance, and digital transformation for organizations ranging from emerging startups to large global enterprises. Their clients leverage USDM to ensure regulatory adherence in manufacturing, clinical, and safety domains.

I help huge pharmaceutical companies to implement and administer systems like Veeva Vault to manage their clinical trials and regulatory data.

I have also done  my Doctorate in management studies (DMS) with specialization in  Clinical Research. My doctoral research on Huntington’s Disease and aggression: Rates of aggression and treatment methods, gave me a deep understanding of clinical complexity, patient safety, behavioral risk factors, and evidence‑based treatment evaluation. These insights directly strengthen my work with Veeva Clinical Operations (CTMS, eTMF, Study Startup), where I design patient‑centric, compliant, and operationally efficient workflows. My scientific background helps me translate real clinical challenges into digital processes that improve study execution, site management, and inspection readiness.”

What are the skills needed for your role? How did you acquire them?

I need to know the Science (GxP, Regulatory rules), the Tech (Cloud, AI, Validation), and need to develop People Skills (Communication, Agile leadership).

My typical day?

A mix of strategizing with clients, designing system workflows (drawing how data moves), and mentoring my team.

What I love about my work?

I love that I sit at the intersection of two worlds. I get to solve complex puzzles that ultimately help sick people get better.

How does your work benefit society?

It takes years and billions of dollars to bring a new medicine to the market. My work uses technology to speed up that process and ensure the data is accurate. If I can help a company get a cancer drug approved 6 months faster, that’s 6 months of extra life for patients waiting for that cure.

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

One project close to my heart was leading a Digital Transformation for a major client where we modernized how they handled clinical trial data. We moved them from slow, manual processes to a cloud-based system.

Why it matters: This didn’t just save paper; it allowed them to share data globally in real-time, speeding up their research significantly. Being part of a team that facilitates such massive change was incredibly rewarding.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Don’t Box Yourself In: Just because you study Biology doesn’t mean you can’t love Computers. The best careers often happen where different fields mix.

Your Career is a Jungle Gym, Not a Ladder: It’s okay to move sideways to learn something new.

Stay Curious: The tools you use in the future probably haven’t been invented yet. The only skill that will save you is your ability to learn.

Future Plans?

I am currently exploring Responsible AI—how we can use Artificial Intelligence to make decisions in life sciences and healthcare without losing the “human” touch. I also plan to continue mentoring young professionals, especially women in STEM, to help them find their own unique paths. I have also joined Calbright to learn Data analytics and I am volunteering  for policy making in the field of AI too.