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Srujitha Marupuru
PhD Candidate, Health and Pharmaceutical Outcomes
The University of Arizona
And - Research Assistant
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Break the stereotypes and be bold enough to be a leader in the field you want to study, and enjoy.
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
With restricted resources, prioritization in healthcare is crucial and my research complements traditional clinical development in understanding the costs, benefits of pharmaceutical drugs and healthcare services. I particularly focus on research to evaluate the aspects of pharmaceutical products, services, and programs. Being a health economist, I aim for providing evidence that supports cost-effective healthcare by providing the best possible health outcomes at affordable costs.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Being born in a family of physicians, I have always had a great passion for science and an inclination towards exemplary teamwork. My childhood experiences in this environment have shaped my early interests in life sciences. While I started my Doctor of Pharmacy program in India, I realized despite the availability of medical services, treatment remained unaffordable to the less privileged, chiefly because of policy gaps and the paucity of expertise. With this understanding, I discovered my passion for Pharmacoeconomics. Health economics and outcomes research is a growing field that provides important information for making healthcare coverage and access decisions.
HOW DO/DID YOU TACKLE OBSTACLES?
I think roadblocks are always there when you are out there trying to do something that has not been done before. I have an amazing family for which I am thankful and I always think of them and how far I came along when I look behind. I am a very self-motivated person and in my low times, I keep my calm and look at the big picture and where I want to see myself in the future. Being determined and self-grounded with positive confidence is what pushes me forward every day.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I would say definitely being accepted into a fully-funded Ph.D. program in the top 10 ranked Pharmaceutical Science Center of the United States to pursue my scientific career has been my most memorable achievement. It was quite impossible to think of such opportunities and access to such resources and academic environments being across the world.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I take pride in working in the healthcare industry where I see the world become a better place to live and my tiniest contribution can actually help one patient feel better. I foster happiness and end suffering from my research when public health policy or clinical decisions are driven by my evidence-based research. I wake up every day with this enthusiasm to make a difference and my curiosity and intrinsic motivation are what drives me to persist. Especially I see my work is very challenging and it always enables me to think critically and find creative solutions. The satisfaction I get to interact and collaborate cross-functionally with different healthcare fields is my daily driving force.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
I believe in this era of 2021, it's really high time to close the gender gap of women being underrepresented across the STEM areas. The world needs female innovators and always believe in yourself. All today’s young girls need to do is a dream and be fearless in pursuing it. Let your passions, curiosities, inspirations, and life's mission drive your career, and not be afraid to take paths that are less traveled. Break the stereotypes and be bold enough to be a leader in the field you want to study, and enjoy. It’s very important for nowadays girls to understand that future is really bright with breakthrough technology that we have and with such power tools around us, not to get sidetracked from what you love and thrive.
INSPIRATION
“Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.” – Swami Vivekananda