Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 2/1/2023 12:00:00 AM

Yuki Otani, MD, PhD, Advisor, Eli Lilly and Company, Carmel, IN

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of receiving my Doctor of Philosophy degree in Clinical Pharmacology in addition to my Medical Doctor degree and Pediatric Board Certification. I have always wanted to become an expert in drug development and its usage as it is one of the key components in advancement in medicine. I am proud to be taking part in helping to bring medications to patients who need them both directly in the clinical setting and indirectly through research.

Who has inspired you in your career?
I am inspired by my previous research advisor and mentor, Professor Yusuke Tanigawara. He is constantly motivated and consistent in his work. Professor Tanigawara's strong dedication has led him to make advancements in the field of individualized medicine. Additionally, he has successfully trained many next-generation scientists including myself. I would also like to mention Drs. Dean Bottino, Neeraj Gupta, and Majid Vakilynejad at Takeda Oncology for their immense guidance in the exciting field of pharmacometrics and specialized expertise during the collaborative work with Keio and Takeda. I am truly honored to have the privilege of working with and learning from so many talented individuals and experts in this field.

When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?
My free time is spent with my 23-month-old son and my wife, traveling around for food events, outdoor challenges, museum visits, and swimming in various pools. My son is into animals and dinosaurs, so visiting the Natural History Museum and Zoos in several different places has been enjoyable.

How do you keep focused and motivated?
When I am lost during a project, I always try to keep myself focused and motivated by reminding myself of the big picture of the project and how it could impact the world positively. I also look to my mentors and colleagues with great accomplishments and see what I am missing and how I could reach the place they are at the moment. The working environment has changed drastically due to the COVID pandemic and with that my career has changed. So, interacting with positive colleagues and mentors through ASCPT has played a significant role for sure.

What was your childhood dream job?
I've wanted to become a doctor who could help people who are in need since I was in junior high school.

Yuki has been a member of ASCPT since 2019.