Women in Science
Meet Dr. Tremoulet
Dr. Adri Tremoulet is the Associate Dean for Health Sciences Faculty Affairs and is Professor of Pediatrics. As a pediatric clinical trialist and clinical pharmacologist, her research focuses on developing diagnostic tools and repurposing therapeutics in Phase I through III trials for Kawasaki disease. Dr. Tremoulet is responsible for developing and implementing programs that enhance the training and retention of a diverse faculty that can succeed in academic medicine.
As a native Spanish speaker and Cuban-American, she has established the KD Latin American Network, which engages more than 300 investigators from 20 Latin American countries in collecting prospective data from KD and MIS-C patients. She is passionate about training the next generation of diverse physician-scientists.
Did you have a role model that influenced your decision to work in science?
Dr. Harry Malech at the NIH showed me what it meant to be a physician-scientist. During my one year at the NIH between 3rd and 4th year of medical school as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program, Dr. Malech and I would round on patients with immunodeficiencies in the morning, then samples from those same patients would be used in the laboratory for our research in the afternoons. It was a true example of bench to bedside research.
What is your scientific background?
After receiving my MD, I completed my residency in pediatrics at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles and then a pediatric infectious disease fellowship at UCSD. During my fellowship I pursued a Master in clinical research at UCSD. I also sought training in pediatric clinical pharmacology during my fellowship.
How did you choose your field of study?
As a 4th year medical student I did a rotation at Kanti Children’s Hospital in Nepal. There I saw every vaccine preventable disease and decided I would pursue pediatric infectious diseases. As a fellow, I narrowed that field of study to Kawasaki disease after I received my Master in clinical research and had the chance to design and launch a clinical trial in KD patients with Dr. Jane Burns, Director of the UCSD/RCHSD KD Research Center.
Which topic are you working on at the moment? Why did you choose this topic and how do you think you’re making a difference?
My work on KD, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, focuses on finding new ways to treat this illness, especially children with coronary artery aneurysms. The work our team has done in KD has changed how many children around the world are treated for KD, and hopefully improving the outcomes of those children.
What are your biggest achievements?
Scientifically, my biggest achievement has been evaluating the use of different treatments in children with Kawasaki disease and impacting the global care of this illness. It’s a privilege to work with scientists and clinicians around the globe to improve the treatment of this disease. Personally, my biggest achievement is raising two strong-willed daughters (currently 12 and 15) with my husband of 23 years.
What are the biggest challenges/obstacles you have had to overcome?
My biggest challenge has been raising my children while pursuing a career as a physician-scientist. Both are demanding jobs that require time, perseverance and commitment, and frequently compete for my time and attention.
How do you stay encouraged during challenges?
I set small goals for myself. I try to break down large tasks into smaller ones that I am more likely to successfully complete. This then allows me to stay positive and face the next hurdle with more confidence.
During your career, have you been specifically mentored or supported by someone?
Mentors have been central to my success. Without them I would not be where I am today in my career.
What does a healthy work/life balance look like for you?
I shy away from the word “balance” as it invokes an image of someone about to fall off of a tight rope or teeter totter. I try to compartmentalize my life into times of the day when I am focused on my career and other times of the day when I am focused on my home life. Calendaring time for both is critical to achieving my goals in both arenas. I have danced flamenco for over 25 years and I find that having an activity outside of work is important to my mental and physical well-being.
If you had the option to give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would that be?
Know that you will be happy. You have a long road ahead but you will be surrounded by family and friends that love and support you.
In your opinion, which changes, if any, are needed in the scientific system to be more appealing to women in science and possible future women scientists?
Women need to see more women in leadership roles so they can envision themselves in those positions.
What has been the most unexpected part about your career in science/medicine?
I have been surprised at how I have been able to be a mentor to students, residents and faculty. I’ve been blessed to have amazing mentors throughout the course of my career and I have been able to provide that same mentorship to others in science and medicine. That is a true honor and brings me much joy.
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If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to contact Dr. Adriana Tremoulet at: atremoulet@health.ucsd.edu