Laura A. Williams

Laura A. Williams, MD, MPH has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Currently, they serve as the Chief Medical Officer at Ardelyx, Inc. and has been in this position since October 2021. Prior to this, from November 2020 to September 2021, they held the role of SVP, Global Therapeutic Strategy & Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx, Inc. Additionally, they are a Board Member at the National Kidney Foundation - Northern California, starting in July 2021.

In terms of previous experiences, they worked at Imara Inc. as an Independent Board Director from June 2021 to February 2023. Before that, at AMAG Pharmaceuticals, they were the Sr. Vice President, Head of Clinical Development & Biostatistics from September 2017 to January 2020. From September 2016 to August 2017, they served as the Vice President, Clinical Development at Myovant Sciences.

Prior to their positions at AMAG Pharmaceuticals and Myovant Sciences, they spent several years at AbbVie and Abbott in various roles. At AbbVie, they were the Interim Head, Vice President, General Medicine, Retired from April 2016 to July 2016, and the Group Project Director, Women's Health, Retired from January 2013 to July 2016. At Abbott, they held the positions of Group Project Director, Women's Health from August 2011 to December 2012, Global Project Head, Virology from July 2009 to July 2011, Global Project Head, Dyslipidemia from 2006 to 2009, Global Project Head, Renal from 2002 to 2006, Acting Global Project Head, Outpatient Cardiovascular from 2002 to 2003, Medical Director, Clinical Pharmacology & Director, Abbott Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit from 2000 to 2002, and Associate Medical Director, Abbott Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit from 1998 to 2000.

Earlier in their career, they held the position of Associate Clinical Research Manager at Pharmacia & Upjohn from 1997 to 1998. Laura A. also worked as a Lecturer at the University of Michigan Medical Center from 1993 to 1994.

Overall, Laura A. Williams, MD, MPH has a strong background in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, holding leadership positions and contributing to various organizations throughout their career.

Laura A. Williams, MD, MPH has an extensive education history. Laura A. completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies and Biochemistry at Mississippi State University from 1980 to 1984. Laura A. continued their education at the University of Iowa and received their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in Medicine from 1985 to 1989.

Following their medical degree, Laura pursued their residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan from 1989 to 1992. During this time, they also served as the Chief Medical Resident from 1992 to 1993. Seeking further specialization, Laura joined the University of Washington for a Fellowship in Infectious Disease from 1994 to 1997.

In addition to their medical training, Laura earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Epidemiology at the University of Washington from 1994 to 1996. This furthered their expertise in public health and epidemiological research.

Laura's commitment to personal and professional development is evident through their participation in the Women of Color Leadership Program. Laura A. attended this program at Harvard Business School Executive Education and completed it successfully in May 2023.

Overall, Laura A. Williams, MD, MPH has a comprehensive educational background, combining medical training, public health expertise, and leadership development to enhance their abilities in the field of healthcare.