Introduction
Greetings! My name is Shreyasi Chakraborty, and I hail from India. My journey into the healthcare industry began with a childhood dream of becoming a doctor, a passion I nurtured from the age of five. Over the years, that dream evolved into a rewarding career that led me to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, which became the foundation of my career. During my time in dental school, I not only refined my clinical skills but also developed a deep appreciation for how healthcare can transform lives on an individual level. I started my career practicing dentistry in both hospital and clinic settings, taking on responsibilities that extended beyond patient care into clinical operations and quality improvement.
To further enhance my skills, I pursued a Master’s in Clinical Dentistry in London. This experience broadened my perspective on healthcare delivery and deepened my commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. However, it was during the pandemic that I recognized the pressing need to address healthcare challenges at a systemic level. This realization propelled me to pursue a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona, where I focused on public health policy and management. During this time, I interned as a Project Manager at Banner Health, where I worked on initiatives aimed at optimizing processes and improving patient care outcomes.
Currently, I serve as a Quality Improvement professional at WelbeHealth, a healthcare organization dedicated to providing all-inclusive care for the elderly. My role allows me to make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable seniors by ensuring compliance with federal regulations, analyzing care delivery processes, and implementing improvements. Each day, I focus on identifying areas for enhancement and developing strategies to elevate the quality and safety of care. Working with this organization resonates deeply with my passion for creating compassionate, equitable healthcare systems. The mission to serve seniors with personalized care aligns perfectly with my commitment to driving transformative solutions that benefit communities.
Through my journey, I’ve been fortunate to witness how healthcare can not only treat but also uplift individuals and populations. This drives my ongoing commitment to fostering change that makes healthcare more accessible, efficient, and equitable for all.
Regulatory Affairs Fellow
career options
Public health regulatory affairs is a dynamic field that bridges science, policy, and management to ensure health systems function efficiently and equitably. This industry offers diverse career paths for individuals passionate about shaping health policies, ensuring compliance, and advocating for public health at a broader scale. These career paths in public health regulatory affairs play a critical role in safeguarding public health, ensuring compliance, and driving systemic improvements in healthcare. Here are some career options in this sector:
Regulatory Affairs Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
A comprehensive understanding of public health regulations and policies is essential in my role. This includes familiarity with federal and state healthcare laws, compliance standards, and guidelines such as those related to HIPAA and CMS regulations. I honed this expertise through formal education, continuous professional training, and hands-on experience in compliance and quality improvement roles. I use this skill daily to ensure our organization adheres to all regulatory requirements, especially during audits or when implementing new healthcare programs.
Analyzing complex healthcare data and generating actionable insights is a cornerstone of my work. I regularly manage data collection, develop quality improvement reports, and monitor performance metrics required by regulatory agencies. This skill was developed through academic coursework, internships, and on-the-job experience using tools like productivity software and EMR systems. It is critical when preparing submissions for federal reporting or assessing the impact of quality initiatives.
Writing clear, concise, and detailed documents are vital for communicating complex regulatory and healthcare processes. From drafting corrective action plans to preparing documentation for QI Committees, this skill ensures accurate and effective communication with stakeholders. My ability to write technical documents was cultivated through academic training and refined through professional practice, including creating compliance reports and policies.
Data analysis skills are crucial in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, allowing for interpreting and extracting insights from complex datasets. Proficiency in statistical analysis, knowledge of data analysis techniques, and familiarity with software and statistical packages commonly used in these fields are essential for effective data analysis.
Working with diverse teams and stakeholders requires a deep understanding of cultural, social, and behavioral factors that influence healthcare. This skill was developed through academic studies in public health and practical experiences in community-based healthcare settings. It is indispensable for creating inclusive policies and fostering collaboration among team members, patients, and regulatory agencies.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Effective communication is at the heart of my daily work, whether it's articulating complex regulatory requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, or presenting findings to stakeholders. I developed this skill through academic presentations, professional training, and extensive interaction with diverse groups in my roles. It is particularly valuable during audits, committee meetings, and when mentoring team members to ensure clarity and alignment.
In a role focused on quality improvement, problem-solving is essential for identifying challenges, analyzing root causes, and implementing solutions. I refined this skill through my education in public health and experience managing complex projects in compliance and quality assurance. It comes into play when addressing process inefficiencies, resolving compliance issues, or mitigating risks during audits.
Managing multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently is crucial in a fast-paced healthcare environment. I cultivated this skill through hands-on experience balancing the demands of academic, internship, and professional responsibilities. It is indispensable when juggling activities such as preparing regulatory reports, coordinating committee meetings, and responding to urgent compliance requirements.
The dynamic nature of healthcare regulations and quality improvement demands flexibility and the ability to adjust to new challenges. I learned adaptability through diverse roles in clinical operations, research, and compliance, where rapid changes required quick thinking and innovative solutions. This skill is frequently applied when responding to evolving regulatory guidelines or shifting organizational priorities.
Building strong, collaborative relationships across teams and with external stakeholders is key to driving successful outcomes. This skill was nurtured through team-based projects during my education and professional roles, where collective efforts were essential for achieving objectives. I rely on collaboration daily to align team efforts, foster a positive work culture, and ensure seamless communication among all parties involved.
Shreyasi
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Regulatory Affairs Fellow
:
My job search journey has been a blend of persistence, learning, and moments of serendipity. While pursuing my Master of Public Health, I was clear about my goal: securing an internship that is directly connected to healthcare, ideally with a well-recognized organization. I knew that a strong internship experience would be pivotal not only for professional growth but also for building connections, enhancing my resume, and increasing my chances of securing a full-time role. Through consistent networking with seniors, alumni, and leveraging my university's partnerships, I connected with a senior who was both a resident doctor and an MPH graduate. This connection led to an impactful internship with one of the state’s largest healthcare organizations. During this internship, I worked on a significant project that enriched my skill set and added tremendous value to my resume. This step proved crucial in shaping my career trajectory and opening doors to further opportunities.
However, despite a solid academic background, relevant internship experience, and a strong profile, landing a full-time position was no easy feat. It required months of unwavering dedication, applying to over 50 jobs daily, building meaningful connections on LinkedIn, and reaching out to hiring managers/recruiters with tailored messages. The process was emotionally taxing—marked by days of rejection and self-doubt—but I learned the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive mindset. Setting realistic expectations about the time and effort needed (4-6 months, on average) helped me navigate the challenges more effectively. Regularly updating my resume to align with applicant tracking systems and preparing rigorously for interviews became routine.
Eventually, these efforts culminated in an offer that aligned with my career aspirations. The role was everything I had envisioned, providing an opportunity to make a tangible impact in healthcare. Looking back, I believe that persistence, manifestation, and constant self-improvement were key to achieving my goals. While the path was far from linear, the journey taught me invaluable lessons about patience, adaptability, and the power of dedication. To anyone navigating the job market, I would say: trust the process, keep refining your approach, and believe that your hard work will ultimately pay off.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would start by saying, "Trust the process and believe in yourself, even when the path ahead seems uncertain." Building a career in healthcare, especially in the realm of public health and quality improvement, is a journey that requires perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to embrace new opportunities. It’s not always going to be straightforward, but every experience—no matter how challenging—will shape you into the professional you aspire to become.
I would tell my younger self to focus on building meaningful connections. Reach out to mentors, alumni, and professionals in your field because relationships matter just as much as skills and qualifications. Don't hesitate to ask for guidance or share your aspirations; you’d be surprised how many people are willing to help. The internship you’re aiming for isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s the foundation of your career. Prioritize growth and learning over immediate rewards, and never underestimate the impact of a well-chosen opportunity.
Resilience is the key to navigating the job market. Rejections, ghosting, and setbacks are part of the process, but they don’t define your worth or potential. Stay consistent, keep refining your approach, and remember that every "no" brings you closer to a "yes." It’s a numbers game, so apply broadly, network authentically, and prepare rigorously. You’re going to face moments of doubt, but don’t let them deter you. The effort you’re putting in today will open doors you can’t yet see.
Lastly, always keep learning and growing. Embrace challenges as opportunities to stretch yourself. The hard and soft skills you’ll develop—whether it’s analyzing data, managing projects, or communicating effectively—will serve you in ways you can’t imagine right now. And above all, take care of yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. The career you’re building is not just about professional success; it’s about making a difference in the lives of others. Trust in your journey, because it’s going to be worth it.
Final thoughts & tips
For someone aspiring to make a difference in regulatory affairs within public health, it is essential to recognize that the journey is just as significant as the destination. This field goes beyond compliance and guidelines—it is about safeguarding lives, ensuring equity, and driving meaningful change in healthcare systems. Every decision made in this domain can have a lasting impact on communities and individuals.
Patience is key when navigating this career path. Building a career in regulatory affairs demands dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. The challenges encountered along the way will refine skills and shape character. Every project, and role contributes to expertise, and each opportunity should be approached with enthusiasm and a growth mindset.
Curiosity, resilience, and hard work are invaluable in this journey. While the path may not always be smooth, determination and passion for improving public health will pave the way forward. The work in regulatory affairs bridges the gap between policy, science, and the well-being of society. It is not just about building a career—it is about contributing to a healthier and safer future for all.
By believing in your potential and maintaining a strong sense of purpose, you can overcome obstacles and make an enduring impact in this field. The efforts will be worthwhile, creating positive change that benefits communities and shapes the future of public health.
Resources to dig in more
Public Health Jobs
This job portal is dedicated to careers in public health, including regulatory affairs roles. It is a platform for finding internships, entry-level opportunities, and full-time positions.
Health Affairs Blog
This website covers a wide range of public health topics, including regulatory policies and their implications on healthcare systems. It provides scholarly articles, thought pieces, and research findings that are helpful for understanding the intersection of policy and public health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Public Health Policy
The CDC’s Public Health Policy section offers resources and insights into how public health policies are developed, implemented, and regulated. It includes guidelines, tools, and case studies that are essential for understanding the regulatory framework in public health.
Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS)
RAPS is a leading organization dedicated to regulatory affairs professionals. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, certification programs, and industry updates. It is an essential platform for anyone looking to stay informed about regulatory affairs trends and career opportunities.
