5 Questions With Rishil J. Kathawala, Ph.D., Biocompatibility Engineer, IGT Devices Quality Services, Philips
October 25, 2023
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Dr. Kathawala is an experienced professional with over 9 years of incremental expertise in regulatory scientific projects. Dr. Kathawala joined Philips in January 2021, and most recently has been crucial in the strategy and execution of biological safety for Philips’ Image Guided Services Devices (IGTD). He effectively managed multiple project/product portfolios within a matrix team environment and seamlessly coordinated regulatory biological safety testing for various business critical efforts at Philips.
He is also very passionate about the value and growth of in vitro (non-animal) testing approaches for the evaluation of biological safety of medical devices and drug combination products. He continually works with his leadership team and cross-functional team members to provide return on investments on several corporate initiatives. Dr. Kathawala has a M.S and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology focus) from St. John’s University, Queens, NY.
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?Â
I wish I had known what I wanted to be while growing up. As far as I can remember, I had a curiosity for science and research. All my work and efforts since then have been a natural outcome of my inherent interest to become a Scientist. Little did I know what it takes to become one!! I embarked on a journey and accepted a seat at a pharmacy college.
After earning an undergraduate degree in pharmacy in India, I decided to pursue graduate studies at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. I completed four years of graduate studies in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in pharmacology. My research work at St. John’s and my early work experience focused on discovering compounds that surmounted drug resistance in certain types of cancers. After being trained from world-renowned scientists and institutions (Stanford University, University of Arizona, Stony Brook University), it only made sense to utilize the stage to realize the true potential of all the learning and training that I received; and make a meaningful contribution to the people around me.
I took on a challenging but important position of a Toxicologist/Study Director at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS) in Gaithersburg, MD. This highly visible position at IIVS, provided a great opportunity to see how science and business interact. Currently, I work as a Biocompatibility Engineer at Philips. Isn’t that exciting to be able to use scientific concepts to solve real-world business critical challenges in a leading health technology company? Â
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?Â
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
I think building a community is important and staying connected to the community is even more important. It can be challenging with our everyday tasks. We all are subject matter experts in our field of expertise and that can be a great starting point for contributing to a community.
I believe that community has a critical role in knowledge sharing, providing resources, establishing goals, harmonizing a process, and much more. I often try to facilitate communications across different functions, which I think is very important for the successful conduct of an organization.
For instance, communications go beyond just speaking with your mentor/boss/manager. Each day can be different, one day you are putting the hat of an Investigator on a scientific project; the next day troubleshooting a failed test with technical experts or maybe negotiating with a business development professional for a quote! I look forward to collaborating and staying updated on all the latest innovations and breakthroughs from the talented BioBuzz community from MD and beyond.
3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…  Â
Over the recent few years, patient safety has been more important than ever. Biocompatibility or biological safety is one such essential aspect of patient safety. Philips is a global health technology leader and someone somewhere is always working around the clock. Lots of exciting events and activities going on worldwide. I might say that I have been fortunate to host and participate in a few.
Working at an international organization of this magnitude provides a greater view on environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital forefront, and much more; which is great. How everything gets tied together and knowing that the end product will be making an impact on the patient’s life is terrific. Companies and organizations are always on the lookout for talented professionals and a community like Biobuzz can be a great resource for networking.Â
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself? Â
If I could turn the clock back, I think of several pieces of advice that I received.
Be patient and keep doing the good work. Staying focused and pursuing a career path is very important, if that’s the direction one decides to take.
Read books outside the field of study provides a greater perspective.
Take courses to develop cross-functional skills that are outside of your immediate area of study. It is not a surprise that being able to lead is a key component of modern-day workforce and that taking a leadership course will surely be of value in the toolkit.
I think all these aforementioned reflections are important at different stages of careers, especially when someone is starting new. Â Â
5. FUN question. Who is one person who changed your life but doesn’t know it?Â
I wish I knew that person. I would like to send my gratitude and regards!!
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