As pharmaceutical companies and clinical research sites work to bring lifesaving therapies to patients earlier, they need to build new capabilities to execute in rapid, authentic and tailored ways.

Tara M Austraat-Churik

Managing Director, Health Sciences and Wellness, Ernst & Young LLP

Accomplished health and life sciences strategy and operations executive. Leader of diverse global teams. Scientist with stage presence. Dual citizen. Member of Steeler Nation. Proud mom.

Tara is a managing director in the EY US Health Sciences and Wellness Consulting practice. She has over 20 years of experience spanning the life sciences value chain, including artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented drug discovery, pharmacovigilance, clinical trial optimization, medical affairs and patient journey mapping using real-world data and evidence. In health care, she has transformed clinical trial office operating models and accelerated clinical trial activation. She has led several large-scale continuous improvement initiatives for pharmaceutical companies, as well as product lifecycle management.

Prior to joining EY US in 2020, Tara held leadership roles at a multinational technology company and at the world’s largest advertising and marketing services company. 

Tara began her career as an intelligence analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, and subsequently worked in public sector consulting.

Tara holds a BA and MA from the University of Notre Dame and an MSc from the University of Edinburgh.  

How Tara is building a better working world

Tara knows firsthand how innovation in health care can make a significant impact on patients’ lives. She leads projects that aim to transform clinical research and medical affairs while developing groundbreaking solutions across the life sciences sector. She develops strategies that empower companies to deliver better outcomes for patients while achieving operational efficiency. She is passionate about harnessing technology to drive positive change in health care. By fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging cross-functional teamwork, Tara contributes to a more effective, sustainable and inclusive health care ecosystem.  

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