Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahar Umar.
Hi Sahar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Thank you for inviting me to share my story with you. It’s a pleasure to reflect on the path that has led me to where I am today.
My career journey began at a pharmaceutical company after completing my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a minor in HR. I was fortunate to land a great opportunity with the Fortune 500 company Accenture, which led me to move from my hometown in Florida to Dallas. This period marked a significant transition in both my professional and personal life as I expanded my family, welcoming my first child and soon after, my second. This joyful phase also brought challenges, necessitating a temporary leave from the workforce to care for my children.
A pivotal moment came when we decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia, due to my husband’s enticing job offer with Coca-Cola. However, life in Atlanta didn’t resonate with us, and we faced an unexpected turn when my older son was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immunological disorder. It was a secondary form caused by osteomyelitis, a bone infection. The experience was harrowing, involving a regimen of low-dose immunosuppressants and other medications. Thankfully, that challenging phase ended with my son’s recovery, and we chose to return to Dallas.
My life has often been touched by illness; my father battled late-stage CKD, and my father-in-law suffered from dementia. These experiences ignited a passion for healthcare in me. Despite the responsibilities of being a mother of three and managing family life, I went back to school. I completed all my science prerequisites and was accepted into a graduate program in the School of Biomedical Sciences, focusing on Clinical Research Management. During my graduate studies, I accepted an offer at a top-tier research institution, the University of Southwestern Medical Center, where I currently work in Regulatory and Compliance.
I’m excited to share that I have recently completed my Master of Science. This transition from a business major to a healthcare professional has been a long and fulfilling journey. My story is a testament to the fact that it is possible to balance being a dedicated mom, wife, and professional. I hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Reflecting on my path, it’s clear that it has been a journey filled with numerous ups and downs. The road was often rocky, presenting a series of hurdles that tested my resilience and shaped my character.
Initially, relocating from Florida to Dallas for a significant career opportunity was a major adjustment. Adapting to a different city and the demanding nature of my job at Accenture was a formidable task. However, the more substantial challenges lay in the personal realm. Striking a balance between an evolving career and the demands of new motherhood was a complex dance of priorities.
Our move to Atlanta, driven by my husband’s career opportunity, introduced a fresh set of difficulties. Our adjustment to the new city was overshadowed by my son’s medical emergency. Facing his diagnosis of HLH, a rare immunological condition, was both emotionally and logistically challenging. Navigating his treatment while maintaining familial stability was one of the most demanding periods of my life.
The decision to re-enter academia and pursue a career in healthcare while managing a household with three children was no small feat. The demands of academic studies, coupled with the responsibilities of home and later a demanding role in a leading research institution, required a significant commitment and efficient time management.
These trials, though arduous, have been invaluable learning experiences. They have not only fortified my resilience but also enriched my empathy, which is particularly beneficial in my current healthcare role.
Looking back, the journey has been turbulent yet enriching. The challenges I’ve encountered have been crucial in forging my current path and bringing me to where I stand today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am deeply passionate about my role in biomedical research, where I specialize in ensuring compliance and quality. With a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, focusing on clinical research management, I bring a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise to my work.
Currently, I am a Regulatory Associate at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In this role, I collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, physicians, and regulatory entities. My primary responsibility is to assure compliance with federal regulations relating to conflicts of interest within the context of biomedical research. This involves a meticulous approach to reviewing research activities, ensuring that they align with ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
My work is driven by a commitment to uphold the integrity of our research processes. I take pride in contributing to an environment where scientific inquiry can thrive, free from conflicts of interest that might otherwise cloud the validity or ethical standing of our research.
What sets me apart in this field is not only my educational background but also my passion for the subject. I believe that maintaining compliance is not just about adhering to regulations; it’s about fostering a research culture that values transparency, integrity, and the pursuit of scientific truth. My role is critical in safeguarding these values, and I find great fulfillment in knowing that my work contributes to the responsible advancement of biomedical research.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most significant lesson I’ve learned throughout my journey is the immense value of resilience and adaptability, especially in the face of unexpected challenges. One of the pivotal moments that reinforced this lesson was my son’s health crisis. This difficult period not only tested my resilience but also profoundly changed my perspective, leading me to a positive and life-altering decision: joining the healthcare force.
Navigating my son’s illness taught me the importance of hope, strength, and perseverance. It was a stark reminder that life is unpredictable, and the ability to adapt to sudden changes is vital. This personal experience deepened my empathy and understanding of healthcare challenges, inspiring me to contribute meaningfully in this field.
In my professional life, particularly in the dynamic environment of biomedical research and compliance, adaptability is key. Regulations and the research landscape are in constant flux, and being able to navigate these changes effectively is crucial. This adaptability is not just about external changes but also about internal growth. Pursuing a career in biomedical sciences while balancing family responsibilities required significant adaptability and resilience.
Thus, the journey with my son’s health crisis didn’t just teach me resilience in the face of adversity; it also steered me towards a rewarding career in healthcare. It instilled in me the belief that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and positive change. This perspective has been a guiding force in my professional commitments and personal endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-i-55b6a647
