Society often imposes boundaries upon us, limitations that dictate what we can and cannot do. But what about the boundaries we create for ourselves? The ones shaped by self-doubt and fear of the unknown? Dr. Neema Bisht, founder and director of CareerInPharma, shattered these boundaries to carve her own path. Her journey, from being a dentist to becoming a successful entrepreneur, is a testament to resilience, courage, and breaking free from societal expectations. Now she is well-known and respected in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.
A Modest Beginning in the Himalayas
Dr Neema hails from Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, a picturesque town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The people of her hometown are known for their humility and reserved nature. Public speaking was not common, and effective communication skills were not emphasized. But despite these barriers, she stood before an audience, breaking yet another boundary by sharing her inspiring journey.
The Dream of Becoming a Doctor
Inspired by her father, who served in the Indian Army, Dr. Neema initially aspired to join the armed forces. However, when she couldn’t secure a position, she pivoted to another prestigious career in medicine. Though she dreamt of becoming an MBBS doctor, she was admitted into dental school in Rishikesh. Becoming a doctor was considered an achievement in many households, and she was determined to make the most of it.
The Harsh Reality of Running a Dental Clinic
After completing her BDS in 2009, Dr. Neema, like many of her peers, started preparing for a master’s degree. When she couldn’t secure a desirable seat, she followed the expected path, opening her own dental clinic in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
However, reality did not align with expectations. Patients were scarce, and those who visited were often reluctant to pay for dental procedures, preferring home remedies instead. Competition was fierce, with dental clinics at every corner. The financial strain of running the clinic, paying staff salaries, and dealing with erratic income was overwhelming.
Despite giving her clinic seven years, she saw little progress. Some days, she earned nothing, and celebrating a meagre ₹500 earning with a plate of dosa was a stark reminder of her struggles.
A Bold Leap into the Pharmaceutical Industry
Breaking free from societal norms was not easy. The common belief was that a dentist should only run a clinic, or else their degree would go to waste. However, Dr. Neema decided to defy these expectations and explore a new career path.
In 2018, she took a leap of faith and joined a pharmaceutical company in Bangalore. Here, she faced another set of challenges. Doctors are not typically trained to work with technology, and she found herself struggling with computers while her younger Gen-Z colleagues worked efficiently. Once again, she pushed herself beyond her comfort zone, learning new tools and adapting to a corporate environment.
A New Purpose: CareerInPharma
As Dr. Neema settled into her corporate role, she started receiving calls from friends and batchmates inquiring about her transition. They, too, wanted guidance on shifting from clinical practice to the pharmaceutical industry. Recognizing the growing demand, she decided to formalize this support system.
In 2020, she founded CareerInPharma, an organization dedicated to training and guiding healthcare professionals to transition into the pharmaceutical and clinical research industries. Her initiative soon gained traction, helping thousands of doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and life science graduates discover new career opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry.
Stepping into the Spotlight
As the face of CareerInPharma, Dr. Neema had to engage in marketing and social media promotions, something she had never been comfortable with. She disliked being in front of the camera and avoided public attention. But she knew that to grow her company, she had to push past this limitation as well. She embraced the challenge, breaking yet another boundary.
Transforming Lives and Winning Recognition
CareerInPharma has trained and guided professionals across the globe, earning multiple awards as the Best Pharma Training Institute in India and Best Clinical Research Institute in India. Dr Neema takes immense pride in empowering individuals, particularly women who struggle to restart their careers after marriage or maternity breaks.
One of her most inspiring success stories is of a 47-year-old government doctor from Rajasthan, who transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry when many believed it was too late for a career change. This transformation reinforced Dr. Neema’s belief that breaking boundaries leads to success.
TEDx Speaker
Dr Neema’s relentless pursuit of breaking self-imposed limitations has led her to another remarkable milestone and now she is a TEDx Speaker 2025. This prestigious opportunity is a testament to her influence and dedication to empowering professionals. It signifies not just her personal growth but also the trust and recognition she has earned from the community. Through her TEDx talk, she continues to inspire individuals to challenge their boundaries and carve their own unique paths.
Dr. Neema Bisht’s journey is a powerful reminder that growth happens when we break the boundaries that confine us. Whether imposed by society or by ourselves, limitations can be shattered with courage and determination.
She urges everyone to stop living according to others’ expectations and start creating their own paths. As she says, “Darr ke aage jeet hai”
