Bundle 11 (2026)

Dr. Padma Sheila Rajagopal received her M.D. at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, during which she also received an M.P.H. in quantitative methods with a focus on genetic epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. She completed her internal medicine residency training at the University of Pittsburgh and a fellowship in hematology/oncology with an additional fellowship year focused on cancer genetics at the University of Chicago, where she received an M.Sc. in biomedical informatics. Dr. Rajagopal is a recipient of the Ruth L. Kirschstein F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship and the American Society of Clinical Oncology / Breast Cancer Research Foundation Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award.

Dr. Rajagopal’s laboratory focuses on how characterizing genomic and transcriptomic interactions between germline variants / inherited cancer syndromes and somatic development in tumors can improve clinical prediction and prognostication in patients with cancer. Her current research focuses on using transcriptomics to characterize breast cancers and treatment responses in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes.

Dr. Bates is the Director of Operations for the National Pharmacogenomics Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, specializing in precision medicine. She is also Professor of Clinical Education at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Bates completed her Bachelor of Science at Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Science with concentration in biochemistry and biophysics at Northern Illinois University and her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed a post graduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy practice and PGY2 oncology pharmacy residency at Duke University Medical Center and is certified in both pharmacogenomics and precision oncology. Dr. Bates has experience as a leader in clinical pharmacy practice, oncology pharmacy, and residency training. She has a passion for advancing pharmacy practice through education rooted in the belief that learning improves lives. Dr. Bates was recognized for her achievements when she was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Milton W Skolaut leadership award bestowed by Duke University Medical Center, designated as Fellow by ASHP, and awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2019 by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists.