By: Joshua Finley
In the bustling city of Miami, Ana Catalina Duarte’s journey from medical doctor to women’s health entrepreneur unfolds like a captivating novel. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and unwavering passion for improving women’s lives.
A Serendipitous Detour
Born and raised in Colombia, Duarte’s path began in the familiar halls of medical school. However, fate had other plans. “By accident, I wanted to do dermatology,” Duarte recalls, “but there was an issue with the hospital at that moment, and I went into health economics, just as a way of doing something for a year.” This chance detour ignited a passion that would shape her entire career.
Rising Through the Corporate Ranks
Duarte’s newfound interest in health systems catapulted her into the world of big pharmaceuticals. Her journey took her from GSK to Merck, where she navigated various roles in market access, marketing, and commercial sectors. Despite her success, Duarte felt a disconnect. “I didn’t feel so comfortable because I didn’t have the training or huge commercial abilities,” she explains.
This realization led her back to medical affairs at Sanofi, where her career truly took flight. Quickly ascending the corporate ladder, Duarte found herself overseeing a team of over 45 people across Colombia, Peru, Central America, and the Caribbean. Her expertise spanned multiple specialties, including immunology, rare diseases, and oncology.
A Global Adventure
Duarte’s corporate success propelled her to the Middle East, where she became the medical director for countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. This move offered a unique opportunity to work in a vastly different culture, but it also brought new challenges.
The Turning Point
As the pressures of corporate life mounted and values began to misalign, Duarte found herself at a crossroads. “One day, I was crying at home,” she remembers, “and my husband said, ‘What are you doing? This is not what you’re aiming for. This is not about a title. So maybe it’s time to move on.'”
When an opportunity to relocate to France arose, none of the positions resonated with Duarte. It was then that her husband, with years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, presented an idea for a startup in women’s health. This spark of inspiration would change everything.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
The transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur wasn’t immediate. “It should kick off in the Middle East,” Duarte explains, “but then, with a second thought, we were at the end. Why not transfer it to the US?” What began as a tentative “maybe” soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion as Duarte immersed herself in product development and understanding women’s health needs.
A New Chapter in Nutraceuticals
Now, as CSO and co-founder of her own company, Eusari Nutrition, Duarte leverages her extensive corporate and medical experience to bring scientifically supported, high-quality supplements to market. While nutraceuticals differ from traditional pharmaceuticals, Duarte sees significant overlap in the emphasis on science and evidence-based practice.
“In the end, the basis is, what is the science and evidence that something works? What are the best practices, and how do you transform that into a solution for people that really makes a difference in their life?” she emphasizes. Their first product focuses on menopausal symptoms, aiming to improve women’s health and lives through natural supplements.
Full Circle
This new venture has allowed Duarte to reconnect with her love of science. “Now that’s my main thing,” she says, describing her renewed enthusiasm for reading scientific journals, research and attending conferences. It’s a stark contrast to the management duties that dominated her later corporate years.
A Story of Resilience and Purpose
Ana Catalina Duarte’s journey from corporate pharmaceutical executive to women’s health entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of purpose-driven work. Having learned to prioritize self-care, embrace flexibility, and maintain a sense of humor, Duarte has built a career and business that truly reflect her values and passions.
As she and her husband prepare to launch their first product, Duarte’s mission to support women’s health is closer to realization than ever before. Her story serves as an inspiration to those seeking to align their careers with their deepest values and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Boost your health journey with Ana Catalina Duarte – expert nutrition guidance awaits! Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
