Fareed Melhem is the Head of Medidata AI, Medidata’s data science business. In this role, Fareed leads Medidata’s work developing analytic solutions that improve the design, planning, and execution of clinical trials and support the generation of novel evidence to support regulatory success, market access, and launch.  

Prior to Medidata, Fareed spent 10 years at McKinsey & Company where he worked with biopharma, CROs, and technology players in the R&D space. He led the R&D vertical in McKinsey’s Center for Analytics and Real World Evidence, advising clients on the application of advanced analytics across research and clinical development. Fareed has written on the impact that data and analytics can have in R&D and speaks regularly on the topic.

Fareed holds an MBA from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia and a BA from Columbia University.

Rachel Sherman is applying her expertise in regulatory science and medical product evaluation and approval to address client challenges at all stages of product development, both nationally and internationally.

Rachel has 30 years of experience with the US Food and Drug Administration, most recently serving as Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs. As a board-certified internist with a specialty in infectious diseases, she is recognized for innovative, patient-centered approaches to addressing complex policy issues and dedicated mentoring. Rachel is a nationally respected thought leader with principal roles across a broad range of complex subject matter, including real world evidence, combination products, rare diseases, biosimilars, infectious diseases, good clinical practice, prescription drug promotion and active post-market surveillance systems.

Rachel received her MD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, MPH from Johns Hopkins University and undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She completed her residency at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center and fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai Hospital.