Interview with Shrishaila Patil, APAC Connect 2026 Co-Chair

Background and Personal Journey

How would your colleagues describe you?

• Brings great “energy and enthusiasm” in everything he does.
• “Always ready to help” and share knowledge.
• People person, passionate about the industry and about developing our Community.

What inspired you to take on the role of PHUSE Connect Co-Chair?

The PHUSE APAC Connect is a dream come true for me. I have been hoping for many years that the APAC region would have its own Connect event, just like the US and the EU, and I am delighted to see this become a reality in 2026.

I am honoured to take on the role of Connect Co-Chair and am sincerely grateful for this opportunity to contribute to such a significant milestone.

How long have you been involved with PHUSE, and what does the Community mean to you personally and professionally?

I have been involved with PHUSE since 2015 as a volunteer, presenter, chair, events co-ordinator, membership officer, and with Single Day Events (SDEs). PHUSE is very close to my heart.

The PHUSE Board nominated me as PHUSE India Events Lead in January 2022. I lead the PHUSE SDEs (around four per year) in India, identifying chairs, presenters, keynote speakers, panel members and sponsors for each event. I strive to build a passionate team of PHUSE Volunteers in India.

What first sparked your interest in data science and the work you do today?

In the beginning of my career (two decades ago), I had the opportunity to design eCRFs, build clinical databases and create SDTM, ADaM datasets and TFLs for Phase I to III clinical trials. This was when I became interested in clinical data science.

When you think back on your career journey, what moment or experience stands out?

I have been fortunate to get end-to-end experience of eCRF design, clinical database programming and statistical programming (SDTM, ADaM and TFL) tasks.

Technical: I have worked on SDTM programming for 60+ projects. I was an SDTM SME, which I enjoyed a lot. The role involved programming, managing clients, training teams, leading projects and developing SOPs/working guidance documents etc.

Leadership: I have developed big teams from scratch. Growing and nurturing teams and delivering value is truly rewarding.

Experience and Insights with PHUSE

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time volunteering with PHUSE?

I was very proud to receive the PHUSE Influencer Award from the PHUSE Board of Directors for providing significant leadership to the PHUSE India Community. What do you find most rewarding about bringing people together through PHUSE events?

PHUSE events provide an excellent platform for industry collaboration and networking. They offer a space for sharing knowledge and insights and developing a culture of innovation and creativity.

What do you think makes PHUSE Connect events unique in the industry?

Whether you are an employee, a service provider or a pharma/biotech company, the benefits of attending PHUSE Connects are second to none. They offer Hands-on Workshops, poster presentations, panel discussions and leadership presentations, as well as networking with industry leaders and decision-makers. PHUSE Connects bring together thought leaders and SMEs to identify potential solutions to industry-wide challenges.

What’s one skill or mindset that helps professionals get the most out of a PHUSE Connect event?

Networking with SMEs, industry peers and stakeholders.

What advice would you give to someone attending their first PHUSE Connect?

Use the poster presentations and Hands-on Workshops for experiential learning. Attend panel discussions and leadership sessions to hear from senior leaders/decision-makers about their experiences, industry trends and the bigger picture.

Looking Ahead

What are your main goals or priorities for the upcoming APAC Connect?

As Co-Chair for the first-ever PHUSE APAC Connect, I hope we deliver a high-quality event with great content, presentations and sessions. We want it to be a rich learning experience for everyone attending.

How do you see the APAC Connect evolving over the next few years?

The APAC Connect will play a pivotal role in driving continued innovation and transformation within the APAC community. With many pharmaceutical and biotech GCCs establishing themselves and expanding their teams in India, it is increasingly important to keep the conversation going.

This event is a valuable opportunity for the APAC community to come together regularly, learn from one another, share innovative solutions, and collectively deliver significant value to our industry.