The Everest Post Correspondent
Dr. Dharam Raj Upadhyay is an accomplished technology executive, researcher, and healthcare IT strategist, with more than a decade of experience in data science, analytics, digital health systems, and enterprise-level project leadership. Currently serving as IT Specialist, Data management and analytics at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland, he leads critical programs that strengthen healthcare data modernization, electronic medical record (EMR) systems, and data security infrastructure across one of the world’s most important healthcare regulatory agencies.
His career journey reflects a remarkable transformation—from a remote village in Nepal with limited access to education, to holding senior leadership positions in some of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. He stands today as a role model for aspiring professionals in both developing and developed countries, demonstrating how perseverance, education, and innovation can break barriers of geography and circumstance.
Early Life & Education
Dr. Upadhyay was born in Bajhang, Nepal, a mountainous district where schools were scarce, resources limited, and opportunities often reserved only for those with privilege. In his childhood, he and his peers often walked several hours each day to reach their classrooms, carrying with them not just books but also the determination to rise above limitations. His parents instilled in him the values of discipline, integrity, and persistence, which became guiding principles throughout his life.
He completed his early schooling in Bajhang before moving to Kailali for higher studies. He graduated from Kailali Multiple Campus and Siddhanath Science Campus with a master’s in science (Unfinished). To support his studies, he worked as a mathematics teacher, a role that helped him refine his communication skills and reinforced his passion for knowledge-sharing and leadership.
In 2013, driven by his ambition to explore opportunities beyond borders, he moved to the United States through the Diversity Visa (DV) Program. Like many first-generation immigrants, he began with modest jobs, working in retail and part-time employment to support himself. At the same time, he pursued further education with unshakable determination.
His academic achievements in the U.S. are both broad and impressive:
- PhD in Data Science & Advanced Analytics in Modern Healthcare Systems, University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky (2024) – where his research focused on how AI and predictive analytics can transform patient care and clinical decision-making.
- Master’s in business administration, Ashford University, Arizona (2022) – emphasizing organizational leadership and strategic management.
- Ms/MsIT in Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Phoenix – building his technical expertise in modern computing.
- Master’s in project management, American Academy of Project Management, Denver – strengthening his ability to lead large-scale initiatives.
Training and Certifications
Top Universities
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility: Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT).
- Data Science R Basics: Harvard University
- Organizational leadership- Harvard University
- Technical Fundamentals of Generative AI- Stanford University
Government Organization.
- Clinical review and Approval: Health & Human Services/Food and Drug Administration
- Biological product review: Food & Drug Administration/ Central of Biologics evaluation & Research
Other Organizations(100+ certifications)
- AWS Data Insight Modules
- Azure Databricks (ADB) and Azure Data Factory
- FDA/CBER Application reviewer and approval
- FDA/CBER Application Lifecycle
- CBER Hive Scientific Series: An analysis of Single
- DP 203 Azure Data Engineering
- DP 900 Azure Data Fundamentals
- EPIC Cogito and Clinical Data Models
- Google Cloud Data Insight- Google Cloud Services (12 modules)
- Informatica MDM administration- Informatica co-operation
- Informatica MDM Hierarchy Manager- Informatica co-operation
- Informatica MDM multi-Domain edition 10.1 – Informatica Co-operation
- Information management system (IMS) – University of Phoenix
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) – BEYOND20
- Master Project Manager (MPM)- American Academy of Project Management
Professional Career
Dr. Upadhyay’s career trajectory in the U.S. is an inspiring story of determination and upward mobility. Beginning from entry-level positions, he steadily climbed the professional ladder, taking on increasingly complex and high-impact roles across major healthcare organizations:
- City of Hope Cancer Center, California
At one of the nation’s leading cancer treatment and research institutions, Dr. Upadhyay advanced to become Director of Data Management & Analytics. He was instrumental in building robust data pipelines, streamlining clinical data processes, and supporting research initiatives that depend heavily on reliable and secure information systems. His work contributed to accelerating cancer research outcomes and improving patient care delivery.
- Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey
At New Jersey’s largest healthcare network, comprising 23 hospitals, Dr. Upadhyay served as Director of Data Management & Analytics. He led enterprise-wide projects valued at over $25 million, developed integrated data strategies, and implemented advanced reporting systems that allowed leadership to make evidence-based decisions. His contributions strengthened patient record systems, reduced inefficiencies, and improved collaboration across multiple facilities.
- UnitedHealth Group, Minnesota
In his role as Director of Data Management & Analytics at UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune 5 company, Dr. Upadhyay was responsible for managing projects worth $30 million. He introduced innovative data management processes that saved the organization over $10 million annually, proving his ability to combine strategic vision with operational efficiency. He managed and mentored a team of more than 100 professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
- Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Maryland
Today, Dr. Upadhyay serves as IT Specialist, data architecture and analytics at the FDA, where his role has direct national impact. He leads efforts in modernizing review, approval systems, improving data security frameworks, and driving analytics that support regulatory oversight and public health decision-making. His work ensures that the FDA remains at the forefront of data-driven healthcare policy and innovation, safeguarding millions of lives through reliable systems and cutting-edge technology.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Upadhyay’s expertise lies at the intersection of healthcare, technology, Artificial/Machine learning (AI/ML) and leadership, where he has successfully led transformative projects in some of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. His knowledge and skills span:
- Healthcare IT & Data Science – Designing and executing digital transformation strategies that optimize healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Systems – Implementation, integration, and optimization of Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, and Meditech platforms for hospitals and health networks.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) in Healthcare – Applying AI/ML to develop predictive models for disease progression, patient risk stratification, hospital readmission forecasting, and clinical decision support systems. Leveraging natural language processing (NLP) for unstructured medical data, and deploying machine learning algorithms to accelerate diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized treatment pathways.
- Advanced Analytics & Predictive Modeling – Building robust data frameworks and advanced statistical models that enable evidence-based decision-making at both clinical and organizational levels.
- Data Governance, Compliance & Security – Implementing HIPAA-compliant data strategies, ensuring privacy protection, and establishing secure data infrastructures for healthcare institutions.
- Enterprise Project Leadership – Directing multi-million-dollar, large-scale technology projects while leading cross-functional teams of 100+ professionals.
- Change Management & Organizational Transformation – Driving adoption of new technologies, aligning teams, and ensuring smooth transitions with minimal disruption to healthcare delivery.
Leadership & Recognition
Beyond his executive roles, Dr. Upadhyay is a recognized thought leader and mentor. He actively participates in international professional organizations and holds membership on several prestigious boards, including:
- Advisory Board of Healthcare Society – contributing to shaping global healthcare policy discussions.
- The National Society of Leadership and Success – mentoring future leaders across industries.
- Golden Key International Honor Society – recognizing his academic excellence and leadership contributions.
- Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society – Recognized for outstanding academic achievement and leadership in business and professional studies.
- Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society – International honor society acknowledging excellence in business education and leadership among top scholars worldwide.
He is frequently invited to speak at conferences, summits, and academic institutions, where he shares insights on AI in healthcare, EMR modernization, and data-driven decision-making. His professional philosophy emphasizes resilience: “Success is not defined by where one starts but by the courage to persist, the discipline to work hard, and the vision to create meaningful change.”
Personal Vision
Dr. Upadhyay’s personal journey—from walking miles daily to attend school in rural Nepal to becoming a senior leader in U.S. federal healthcare—represents the transformative power of persistence, education, and adaptability.
Looking forward, he envisions applying his global expertise to advance healthcare data systems in Nepal and other developing nations. His goal is to help build modern, secure, and AI-driven healthcare platforms that bridge the gap between developing and developed countries. He strongly believes that technology should not only solve problems for advanced economies but should also be adapted to serve communities with limited infrastructure.
Above all, Dr. Upadhyay sees his success as a collective responsibility: to inspire the next generation, to mentor young professionals, and to demonstrate that with the right mindset and work ethic, boundaries of geography, economics, and circumstance can be transcended.
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