International Women’s Day 2024: an interview with Kamala Maddali

Awareness General Interest Opinion

In this interview, we speak with Kamala Kalyani Maddali (Health Collaborations LLC; PA, USA) about her experience in AI in life sciences and precision medicine as a woman and rare disease patient. Kamala discusses the importance of mentorship in her scientific career, and offers her insights into several key initiatives that support and amplify the contributions of women in STEM.  

What motivated you to pursue a career in science and how have you overcome challenges along the way?

I have and continue to suffer from multiple challenges, including mental health issues as a rare disease neuro–degenerative patient (with signs similar to Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s) that would have driven others to give up. But I chose to tower over these struggles, much like my name, and the title of the memoir I authored, ‘Becoming a Kamala’, where I discuss rising above the sludge of trials towards the sunshine of triumphs, unveil my various ‘avatars’, and pursue becoming a better human, woman and a rare disease patient.

Are there specific areas within your field where you see opportunities for more women to make significant contributions?

Opportunities in AI applications within life sciences and precision medicine are increasingly inclusive, with a growing recognition of the need for diversity and gender balance in STEM fields. For women, this translates into a variety of opportunities across research, leadership, entrepreneurship and advocacy, with initiatives aimed at supporting and amplifying their contributions. Here are some key areas and initiatives that particularly benefit women:

1. Leadership roles:
Organizations are recognizing the value of diversity in leadership positions and are more actively supporting women in taking on roles such as chief scientists, CEOs of biotech companies, heads of research labs, and other senior management positions in life sciences and tech companies.

2. Women in STEM advocacy:
There are numerous programs and networks dedicated to supporting women in STEM fields, including scholarships, mentorship programs, networking events, and professional associations specifically aimed at women in life sciences and AI. These platforms not only provide support and resources but also advocate for policies that enhance gender diversity in the workplace.

3. Research and development:
Women researchers are leading groundbreaking studies in AI, genomics, precision medicine and more. Funding agencies and institutions often have grants and fellowships aimed at supporting women scientists, encouraging their involvement in high-impact research projects.

4. Entrepreneurship:
There is a growing ecosystem supporting women-led startups in life sciences and AI, including incubators, accelerators, and venture capital funds focused on female entrepreneurs. This environment helps women bring innovative solutions to market and drive progress in healthcare technologies.

5. Education and mentorship:
Opportunities for women to contribute as educators and mentors in AI and life sciences are expanding. Initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of female scientists and technologists are crucial, including involvement in STEM programs for girls, university courses, and online platforms dedicated to science education.

6. Policy and ethics:
Women have significant opportunities to shape the ethical and regulatory landscapes of AI in healthcare. This can involve participating in policy development, ethical review boards and international forums focused on ensuring AI applications in life sciences adhere to ethical standards and promote equity.

7. Interdisciplinary collaboration:
The interdisciplinary nature of AI in life sciences opens up opportunities for women with diverse backgrounds—such as computer science, biology, ethics and public health—to collaborate on projects that require a multifaceted approach.

8. Digital health innovations:
With the surge in telehealth and digital health platforms, there are opportunities for women to lead in the development and deployment of digital solutions that improve patient care and access to healthcare services.

9. Networking and community building:
Women in AI and life sciences can leverage and contribute to professional networks and communities that foster collaboration, share knowledge and provide support. Being active in these communities can lead to new opportunities, partnerships and career advancements.

10. Global health initiatives:
Women are playing crucial roles in global health initiatives, applying AI and precision medicine to tackle health disparities and address challenges in underrepresented populations and developing countries.

These opportunities are bolstered by a global shift towards more inclusive and equitable practices in the sciences and technology sectors. For women interested in AI and life sciences, it is an opportune time to leverage their unique perspectives and skills to make significant contributions to the field.

How important has mentorship been in your scientific career, and have you had any notable mentors or role models who influenced your journey?

Mentorship is often a crucial component of success in scientific and technical fields. Mentors can provide guidance, advice and support that is invaluable for career development. They can help mentees navigate the complexities of their fields, offer insights into industry trends, and provide feedback on research and projects. Mentors also often act as role models, inspiring their mentees to pursue their goals and overcome challenges.

Some notable figures in the realms of science and technology that have personally influenced me are as below:

1. Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win a Nobel in two different sciences, was deeply influenced by her husband Pierre Curie, also a Nobel Laureate. Together, they conducted pioneering research on radioactivity.

2. Rosalind Franklin, whose work was central to understanding the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal and graphite, did not have a single famous mentor but collaborated with many leading scientists of her time, which shaped her approach to research.

3. Katherine Johnson, a mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first and subsequent US crewed spaceflights, was known to have been inspired by her college professors, who recognized and nurtured her talent early on.

4. Albert Einstein often credited his discussions with Max Planck and Marcel Grossmann as pivotal in his development of the theory of general relativity.

5. Stephen Hawking is a figure of inspiration in the fields of theoretical physics, cosmology and healthcare. His life and work offer several key lessons and sources of inspiration for those in healthcare.

  • Living with disability: Hawking’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease, exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of severe physical limitations. Despite being given a prognosis of just a few years after his diagnosis at the age of 21, Hawking continued his groundbreaking scientific work for over five decades. His ability to adapt and continue contributing significantly to science, despite his condition, can inspire healthcare professionals and patients alike to persevere through challenges.
  • Technological innovation for healthcare: Hawking’s reliance on various technologies for mobility and communication highlights the importance of assistive technologies in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. His use of a computer-based communication system to speak and his wheelchair’s sophisticated control systems are testaments to how technology can be harnessed to overcome physical limitations. This serves as an inspiration for innovation in medical technology and rehabilitation engineering, pushing healthcare professionals to explore new ways to assist patients.
  • Advocacy for research and accessibility: Hawking was a vocal advocate for scientific research, including medical research, and the need for accessible healthcare. He publicly discussed the value of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) in providing him with necessary care without financial hardship, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for all. His stance can inspire healthcare professionals and policymakers to advocate for healthcare systems that prioritize accessibility and equity.

6. Sushruta, often hailed as the “Father of Indian Medicine” and “Father of Plastic Surgery,” lived in ancient India and is believed to have authored the Sushruta Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda and one of the earliest comprehensive works on medicine and surgery. His contributions to the fields of surgery, medicine and healthcare are immense and continue to inspire healthcare professionals around the world for several reasons:

  • Pioneering surgical techniques: Sushruta’s work includes detailed descriptions of over 300 surgical procedures, including complex ones like rhinoplasty (reconstruction of the nose), cataract surgery, and the repair of intestinal obstructions, among others. His innovative techniques, particularly in plastic surgery, are marvelously sophisticated for their time and laid the groundwork for modern surgical practices.
  • Systematic medical training: Sushruta emphasized the importance of practical, hands-on training for surgeons, which included practicing on objects like watermelons, cucumbers, and leather bags filled with fluids to simulate human bodies. This systematic approach to medical education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, is a cornerstone of medical training today.
  • Holistic healthcare: Sushruta’s approach to medicine was remarkably holistic, considering the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the patient. He stressed the significance of a healthy lifestyle, diet and hygiene for prevention and treatment, principles that resonate strongly in modern healthcare, particularly in preventive medicine and holistic health.

I have personally captured my perspectives on a few of these mentors’ amazing work in my memoir- ‘Becoming a Kamala’.

In the tech industry, figures like Steve Jobs have emphasized the importance of role models and mentors. Steve Jobs himself served as a mentor to Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page, among others, influencing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

These examples underscore the importance of mentorship in fostering scientific inquiry, innovation and career progression. Mentors not only provide guidance and knowledge but also inspire perseverance, creativity and a passion for discovery.

Are there specific policies or initiatives that you believe could enhance and support the work of women in scientific careers?

Supporting women in scientific careers requires multifaceted approaches, addressing both systemic barriers and providing direct support to women scientists at various stages of their careers. Specific policies and initiatives that could enhance and support the work of women in scientific careers include:

1. Gender equity in funding:
Implementing policies that ensure equitable access to research funding for women scientists. This could include targeted grant programs for women-led research projects and measures to eliminate bias in the grant review process.

2. Mentorship and networking programs:
Creating formal mentorship programs that pair early-career women scientists with experienced mentors in their field. Additionally, fostering women’s professional networks provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, support and career advancement.

3. Work-life balance support:
Offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting options and flexible hours, can help women scientists manage their professional and personal responsibilities. On-site childcare facilities or childcare support can also make a significant difference.

4. Career development opportunities:
Ensuring that women scientists have equal opportunities for career development, including leadership training, workshops and conferences. Policies should also address equitable promotion and tenure processes that take into account diverse career paths and life events.

5. Addressing workplace culture:
Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace culture that actively combats discrimination, harassment and bias. This includes implementing clear policies, providing training on diversity and inclusion, and establishing mechanisms for reporting and addressing misconduct.

6. Recognition and visibility:
Increasing the visibility of women scientists through awards, speaking opportunities and leadership positions. Recognizing the achievements of women in science not only celebrates their contributions but also provides role models for the next generation.

7. Support for returning scientists:
Developing programs to support scientists who are returning to research after a career break, such as those who took time off for family reasons. These programs could offer refresher courses, research opportunities and grants to help ease the transition back into a scientific career.

8. Education and outreach:
Encouraging girls and young women to pursue STEM careers through outreach programs, scholarships and internships. Early exposure to STEM fields and female role models can inspire a lifelong interest in science.

9. Policy research and evaluation:
Conducting ongoing research to identify barriers faced by women in science and evaluating the effectiveness of policies and initiatives designed to support them. This data-driven approach ensures that policies are responsive to the actual needs and challenges of women scientists.

10. International collaboration:
Promoting international collaborations and exchanges that offer women scientists opportunities to work in diverse research environments and build global networks.

By implementing these and other targeted policies and initiatives, institutions, governments and organizations can create a more inclusive, equitable and supportive environment for women in scientific careers, enabling them to thrive and make lasting contributions to their fields.

What inspired you to write your book?

My book (‘Becoming a Kamala’) is a memoir chronicling all of the experiences that I lived through. Through the book’s intimate and inspirational lens, I share unique perspectives as a daughter, wife, mother, professional, patient, humanitarian, and most importantly, as a human being.

The spark behind the book:
As the head of an AI firm, a member of a family that I love, the mother of a bright 11-year-old, and the embraced victim of a debilitating condition, my story involves many rebirths in one life.
“I have navigated my way out of many debacles with sheer willpower and hope.”

My intended purpose and motivation in writing the memoir is a sincere attempt to chronicle my life experiences by inverting the hourglass. The decision to do so in book form was influenced by the fact that I did not want to forget any of the challenges I had faced.

‘Becoming a Kamala’ is a story about rising above our hardships, embracing the ways in which they have shaped us, and finding infinite fulfillment. These difficult painful experiences were powerful formative forces in my life, and I wanted to preserve it all, at length and in detail, so that my readers and I could learn and grow from these experiences.

Facing life head-on:
As I recall, “I have always faced the challenges of life head-on, facing them all squarely and obtaining all I achieved. Life has thrown me many curveballs. Sometimes even dung balls,” I say this now with a chuckle, “but I have faced them all bravely to reach my successes. During the course of my life, and in my reflection on my life, I have learned who I am and who I have been by my own yardstick, not by what the rest of the world believes success is.”

Overcoming obstacles and growing:
“Whether it was a triumph or a low point, every experience has helped me to become who I am today, and I never want to forget that”. All of my experiences, from failures to successes, have contributed to my transformation, moulding me into the respected person and professional that I am today.

As I began to record the past events and present circumstances of my life, I was surprised to realize just how much I had accomplished, what an extreme dreamer I had always been, and what a remarkably strong human being I had become. I stress that this claim is not pompous, but rather, an act of gratitude. “I feel truly thankful for my achievements and for the circumstances that made it possible for me to reach my goals.”

To all those struggling, a message of gratitude and hope:
If my experiences and lessons can benefit even a small percentage of those who are in the process of fighting for their life, I would consider this book a success. To take a quote from my book: “Most people do not have things handed to them. I know that for a fact — but we all need to make the most of what is given to us so we can cook with gratitude what we desire.” By changing people’s perspectives on adversity, failures, success, happiness and fulfilment, I hope to change lives.

I feel that my story can benefit a wide range of readers. If you are someone that aspires to bigger things in life, or someone fighting a desperate situation, or even someone simply bored of an ordinary life, I believe my journey will move and inspire you.

Interviewee profile:

Kamala Kalyani Maddali is celebrated for her global leadership in patient advocacy, precision medicine, and healthcare innovation. With a Professional Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from India and a PhD in Pharmacology from the USA, her unique blend of veterinary and pharmacological expertise underpins her visionary approach to healthcare. Dr Maddali’s career spans roles over two decades at Fortune-100 companies, contributing significantly to cancer research, AI and digital health. Her personal journey, marked by overcoming rare disease challenges, fuels her commitment to patient-centric healthcare. Recognized among PharmaVOICE’s top-100 inspiring life sciences figures, she actively supports educational and empowerment initiatives, embodying transformative leadership in global health.

Dr Maddali was nominated for a TEDx talk in 2022 relating to her personal journey to the professional excellence she brought through her leadership in “Artificial Intelligence” in almost refining it as “Augmentative, Accelerating, Authentic, Audacious and Auspicious” ways for patients, physicians, and the general public to access life sciences innovation and intelligence.

Disclaimers:

The opinions expressed in this feature are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of Future Medicine AI Hub or Future Science Group.