Distinguished Service Award and Catalyst for Excellence Award Winners

The University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation proudly recognizes three leaders from AstraZeneca — Carlos Doti, MD, vice president and head of medical affairs, U.S. oncology business unit; Deepa Lalla, PhD, MS, vice president of evidence generation, publications, and partnerships; and Bob Li, MD, PhD, MPH, global head of medical affairs, oncology — for their advocacy, leadership, and sustained commitment to advancing educational experiences, research, practice, and community engagement through continuing partnerships.

For years, Drs. Doti and Lalla have championed collaborations with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP), with the strong support and engagement of Dr. Li at the global level. Through their collective vision and advocacy, the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology company has strengthened its partnerships with the school by supporting internships for students in the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program and fellowships for Doctor of Pharmacy and PhD in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research students. They also have hosted, given, and participated in numerous lectures and industry panels to help prepare UMSOP students for impactful careers in the pharmaceutical sector.

Their support also has extended to UMSOP’s nationally recognized PATIENTS Program, including its PATIENTS Professors Academy; the recently launched Going National Initiative; and a Master Services Agreement that deepens and sustains this collaboration. Together, these leaders have been instrumental in securing more than $1 million in funding to advance patient-centered outcomes research and expand the reach and impact of the PATIENTS Program.

Beyond financial investment, their engagement has been deeply personal and strategic. Drs. Doti, Lalla, and Li have actively cultivated new and expanded partnerships to strengthen pharmacy education, training, research, and community outreach. By introducing school leadership and faculty to colleagues across AstraZeneca, they have opened doors to broader collaboration and enhanced support for initiatives across UMB.

In April 2025, UMSOP welcomed Dr. Doti as the featured speaker for the Paul A. Pumpian Memorial Lecture. In his address, “The Evolving Role of Medical and Regulatory Affairs — Transforming Science to Care,” he challenged students, faculty, and staff to harness the systems around them to expand access to clinical trials, influence regulatory policy, and shape drug-development strategies that better serve underserved communities. His remarks reflected a global perspective and a steadfast belief in the power of pharmacy professionals to drive meaningful change in health care.

Further demonstrating this group’s commitment to advancing oncology research and patient care, Dr. Doti was part of the AstraZeneca team that provided a significant philanthropic gift to the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. AstraZeneca also has supported the UMB CURE Scholars program, the year-round initiative that seeks to empower middle school and high school students in West Baltimore for competitive and rewarding research, health care, and STEM-related career opportunities.

Through visionary leadership, sustained advocacy, and transformative philanthropy, Drs. Doti, Lalla, and Li exemplify the very best of industry/academic partnership. Their enduring support has expanded opportunities for UMSOP students, strengthened research, and advanced the shared mission of improving health for all.