Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sahar Umar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sahar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?
I would like to share my journey of making a career U-turn from the world of business and finance to healthcare research, a decision deeply rooted in both personal and professional experiences.
My career began in the business world after completing my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a minor in HR. I started at a pharmaceutical company, and later joined Accenture, a Fortune 500 company, in a promising role that led me to relocate from Florida to Dallas. While I enjoyed the challenge and growth in my career, life had other plans. I expanded my family and eventually took a break to care for my children. This temporary leave from the workforce allowed me to reflect on what truly mattered to me.
A pivotal moment came when my family moved to Atlanta for my husband’s new job, and we faced a life-altering challenge—our older son was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and serious immunological disorder. Managing his treatment while raising a family was the most difficult phase of my life. But it also sparked a deeper interest in healthcare, particularly after seeing how illness affected my loved ones, including my father who battled late-stage CKD and my father-in-law who suffered from dementia.
These personal experiences ignited a passion in me to pursue healthcare as a career. Despite the demands of being a mother of three, I returned to school to complete my science prerequisites and earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, focusing on Clinical Research Management. Now, as a Regulatory Analyst in the Office of IRB, I ensure compliance with federal regulations in biomedical research. The shift from business to healthcare research wasn’t easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. My unique journey has given me a fresh perspective on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the profound impact of healthcare research on people’s lives.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who may not have heard about me before, my journey is one of transformation, resilience, and passion. I initially started my career in the business sector after earning a degree in Business Administration with a focus on HR. My early career was spent in the corporate world, working at a pharmaceutical company and later with Accenture, a Fortune 500 company. However, life took an unexpected turn when my family and I moved to Atlanta, and my eldest son was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immunological disorder.
His battle with HLH, along with my father’s struggles with chronic kidney disease and my father-in-law’s dementia diagnosis, deeply affected me. It was during these difficult times that I discovered my calling in healthcare. I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a new career in healthcare research. I went back to school, completed my science prerequisites, and earned my Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Clinical Research Management.
Today, I am proud to be part of research, where I help ensure compliance with federal regulations in biomedical research. My work involves ensuring adherence to ethical standards and safeguarding the integrity of research practices, which helps protect the integrity of the research process. What sets me apart in this field is my unique combination of business and healthcare experience. I approach regulatory compliance not just as a requirement but as a way to maintain transparency and foster ethical research practices.
I am passionate about ensuring that scientific research is conducted with the highest ethical standards, protecting both the subjects involved and the integrity of the data. What I provide is peace of mind to research teams and organizations, knowing that their studies comply with federal regulations, which is crucial for securing funding, publishing findings, and advancing scientific knowledge.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to balance my career, family life, and educational pursuits. My journey from business to healthcare was not easy, but it taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability. I want others to know that it’s never too late to change course and pursue your passion, no matter what challenges you may face. I believe that my background allows me to bring a fresh perspective to healthcare research, and I’m committed to contributing to advancements that could ultimately help people like my son and many others.
For anyone interested in healthcare research or navigating complex regulatory landscapes, my work ensures that research remains ethical and credible, with a focus on protecting the rights and welfare of individuals involved in studies. And through my story, I hope to inspire others to follow their own unique paths, knowing that even the most difficult experiences can lead to meaningful change and success.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back, I would choose to be a medical doctor. The experiences I’ve had in healthcare research and compliance have deepened my appreciation for the profound impact that medical professionals have on patients’ lives. While my current role allows me to contribute to the integrity of research, I sometimes feel that being directly involved in patient care would have allowed me to make a more immediate, hands-on difference. The combination of science, human connection, and the ability to heal is something I deeply admire and respect.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Aside from training and knowledge, I believe adaptability and attention to detail are crucial for success in my field. Regulations and guidelines in healthcare research are constantly evolving, so the ability to quickly adjust and stay current is key. Additionally, having a strong sense of ethics and integrity helps ensure that the research process remains transparent and protects the welfare of participants. Effective communication and collaboration are also important, as much of the work involves working closely with diverse teams of researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies.
Image Credits
Sahar