P.K. earned her Medical Degree at the University of Texas Medical School, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society. Subsequently, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Baylor College of Medicine and Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she also served as a Chief Fellow. During her fellowship, she was named Fellow of the Year and earned the ASCO Young Investigator Award for her translational research in angiogenesis. Following fellowship, P.K. stayed at MD Anderson on the faculty as Assistant Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, where she specialized in the treatment of young breast cancer patients and co-led the development of the first multidisciplinary breast cancer survivorship clinic at MD Anderson. During this productive time, she was served as the principal investigator on multiple drug studies and co-led the breast medical oncology training program. After joining Amgen in 2012, as the Neupogen® /Neulasta® Global Development Lead and US Medical Lead, P.K. led a cross-functional team in the development and registration of the Neulasta® Onpro™, as well as the approval of Neupogen® and Neulasta® for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS).From 2014 to 2017, P.K. served as the Therapeutic Area Head for Oncology in the U.S. Medical Organization, where she oversaw U.S. oncology research activities, launch activities for newly approved oncology molecules, medical advocacy efforts, extramural research, and independent medical education grants. During this time, she successfully led the medical launch activities for IMLYGIC®, Kyprolis®, Neulasta Onpro™, and Blincyto®. From 2017-2019, P.K. served as the Global Product General Manager for three early-stage oncology molecules focused upon MCL-1, KRAS G12C, and KIF18. Furthermore, P.K. was appointed by the FDA to be the industry representative to the Oncology Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) for a four-year term, ending in 2019. In 2019, P.K. became Vice President of Global Development and Therapeutic Area Head of Hematology, where she is responsible for guiding and accelerating late development activities addressing marketed hematology programs and guiding the late development of early hematology programs. Since then, she expanded her role, becoming the Therapeutic Area Head of Gastrointestinal Oncology, GU Oncology, Bone, and Hematology. In her current role, PK leads a team of approximately 40 clinicians and scientists, with a laser focus upon accelerating the innovative development of small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and bispecifics that address more than 30 targets in the oncology space.

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

I am most proud of helping to lead and accelerate the development of important oncology molecules that have made a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

What are your passions and hobbies?

I love to spend time with my children.

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?

If not us, who? If not now, when?

Favorite snack food?

Sour cream and onion chips