Photography: [styleGIO]

Austin internal medicine specialist Dr. Nandini Kohli wanted to get into the challenging field of medical research. But like most physicians who juggle dozens of demands, she lacked the time to deal with all the paperwork and administrative details that would be involved in such a venture.

Then Kohli heard about Discovery Clinical Trials, one of two innovative San Antonio- based companies created by 35-year-old entrepreneur Trudy Madan – companies that are growing at a phenomenal rate, fast changing the face of the medical industry and offering doctors a chance to participate in exciting scientific studies and investigations buoyed by a strong support system.

Kohli welcomed the opportunity and signed on as a Discovery partner in June. She’s the first in Austin to do so and hopes others in the city’s medical community will recognize the advantages and climb aboard, as well.

“I have always felt that research and clinical studies [are] a natural extension of the practice of medicine,” Kohli says. “Advancement in treating diseases can only be made by constantly looking for newer and more effective ways to treat them.

“Discovery Clinical Trials has trained staff to focus on details and ensure that stringent guidelines are being followed. This ends up being a great partnership since each of us [is] doing what we excel at. Together we can move mountains!”

Madan started moving mountains within the health care industry about four years ago. Taking a look at statistics, the CEO learned that although there are more than 720,000 licensed physicians in the United States, only 10 percent of the number participate in research studies. The prime deterrent, she found out, was the old time crunch: They’re too busy to analyze the research situation, find suitable projects and take on additional office and marketing responsibilities.

So Madan made up her mind to help, first creating Discovery’s sister company Synergyst, which now has a presence in 13 markets across the country (it is especially dominant in Texas and Florida), and then coming up with the concept for Discovery.

Synergyst focuses on easing the physician’s burden by navigating through complicated research channels; finding independent research projects suited to the practice or assisting with those that doctors propose; and then contracting with the physicians to provide essential administrative expertise.

Discovery, in operation for about a year-and-a-half, deals with clinical trials, providing marketing, legal, financial, staffing and regulatory services to strengthen and increase a practice’s research capabilities. Research centers are set up within the private practice; pharmaceutical companies needing drug and device trials completed for FDA approval are contacted, and matches to the physician specialties are made.

Madan proudly points out that more than 150 clinical trials dealing with a wide variety of problems ranging from pelvic pain to high blood pressure were conducted last year. She hopes to dramatically increase such investigations and to raise the number of research centers from eight to 20 by the close of 2010.

The number of employees boasted by Synergyst and Discovery – currently 40 – will probably increase, too.

Admittedly, these are lofty business goals. But if anybody can do it, the dynamic young entrepreneur probably can. Those who have associated with her both in business and philanthropic activities stand in awe of her abilities.

“Anyone who meets Trudy Madan is impressed immediately with why she is successful,” says John A. Toohey, president and executive director of ARTS San Antono. “Trudy is focused, effective and results-oriented at the same time that she is charming and warmly gracious. It is an honor to work with her and a challenge to keep up with her.”

Such dedication and leadership qualities led to Madan’s being named in 2008 as one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 under 40 who are making a difference and leaving their mark on the community.

Born in New Delhi, India, career aspirations brought her to the United States in 1982. She earned a master’s in science in health care administration from Texas Woman’s University and eventually settled in San Antonio because it is such a medically oriented community. Indeed, the CEO points out, all of Texas is a prime area for health care ventures because of its diversity, and Austin, with its rapidly expanding health care presence, is a logical choice for aggressive company expansion.

Madan brings extensive experience and powerful credentials to the health care/research field, and though she’s young, her resume reveals that she’s aptly qualified to be a CEO.

Prior to founding Synergyst and Discovery, she was a senior executive at various insurance companies and physicians’ organizations. She negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts with national hospitals, multi-specialty physician groups and ancillary organizations. Her areas of expertise include physician and hospital contracting, strategic business development, marketing and sales.

Also a licensed agent for group insurance, the CEO does consulting in the areas of managing health benefits and reducing costs. Indeed, concern about rising medical costs was one of the reasons for launching Discovery, she explains, as participating clinical trial patients who might be of limited means can receive cutting-edge care and the latest medications free.

It’s a win-win situation all the way around, she points out. The pharmaceutical companies benefit in that they get their drugs and devices tested. The physicians benefit because they get to contribute to the vast body of scientific knowledge and help their patients at the same time. As for the patients, many are drawn from a diverse geographical base to which her companies have access; they not only get their meds and expert care, but also are instrumental in essential investigations that may pave the way to improving and even saving lives.

Little wonder Discovery has become a labor of love for Madan, as is Synergyst with its independent research projects. Ask what she likes to do to relax, and the answer’s travel – but, she admits with a laugh, usually the traveling is to one of the research sites. When it comes to hobbies, reading ranks high on her list – but not those mysteries or romance novels. “I read business books,” she declares.

Madan does try to make time in her busy corporate life for exercise. She’s a great believer in staying fit, which is natural since she’s so deeply involved in and committed to health care. The CEO also devotes many hours to philanthropic activities, such as serving on ARTS San Antonio’s board of directors (she will take over the chairmanship of the board in October). She also is an American Diabetes Association/San Antonio Chapter chairman, and she volunteers with the American Heart Association.

“I think contributing to the community is very important,” the entrepreneur says. “All of us should give back.”

As for what’s important in business, she emphasizes professional competence, honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic. Her secret to success and advice to others eager to make a mark in the corporate world?

“Have a solid foundation,” she says. “Surround yourself with excellent mentors. Then have faith in yourself and get out there …. If you firmly believe you can do it, you will.”

For more information about Synergyst Research, visit www.synergystresearch.net. To learn further details regarding Discovery Clincal Trials, check out www.discoverytrials.com.