Deepika Kale is a staff software engineer at Guardant Health's Test, working on various testing methodologies, including system, integration, end-to-end, acceptance, security, usability, load, automated, and performance testing.
Through her coding and software testing expertise, she is enhancing cancer diagnostics and treatments, particularly in the precision oncology field, which treats cancer patients based on the unique DNA signatures of their tumours.
A Journey Rooted in Passion for Technology
Deepika's ability to use software to improve precision oncology began in her childhood when she discovered her fascination for technology. As a teenager, she was captivated by the impact of coding and the critical role of software testing in ensuring application robustness.
"You could say that I was very logical, and I loved learning about computers, especially the bugs that could prevent them from functioning correctly," Deepika Kale recalls. "I envisioned the inside of a program, made up of hundreds and hundreds of lines of code, and somewhere in all of that was one line that could bring the software down. That was incredible, and I wanted to learn more about it."
This curiosity led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and a master's degree in Computer Science, which became the foundation of her career in software engineering. Upon completing her education, Deepika quickly distinguished herself in the workforce with her meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. She excelled at documenting the path to reproducing bugs, understanding their origins, and ensuring they never reappeared.
Her skills were highly valued at Opera Solutions and Deloitte, where she earned the respect of her peers and superiors. However, it was at Guardant Health that Deepika found her true calling, merging her expertise in software testing with the critical needs of cancer diagnostics and treatments.
Transforming Cancer Diagnostics Through Quality and Innovation in Software Testing
At Guardant Health, Deepika is committed to the philosophy that "quality is never an accident. Instead, it is always the result of intelligent effort." She believes that every aspect of the software testing process must be meticulously scrutinised to ensure the highest standards. This involves identifying and fixing bugs, validating correct functionalities, and continuously seeking improvements.
With this philosophy, Deepika develops and executes testing protocols for bioinformatics software at Guardant Health, which are essential for personalised cancer treatments and diagnostics. According to her, this role demands not only technical expertise but also a comprehensive understanding of regulatory compliance with standards set by institutions such as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Deepika also develops and refines diagnostic tools that leverage blood biopsies for cancer detection and management. Her role involves ensuring that the software used in these diagnostics is reliable, accurate, and error-free. This is crucial as any flaw in the software could lead to incorrect diagnostics or treatment plans, potentially affecting patient outcomes.
She shares, "My work leads the technological advancements crucial for cancer treatment innovation. I ensure these systems meet stringent standards to facilitate success in earlier cancer detection and the transition of treatments from the laboratory to clinical practice."
Additionally, Deepika developed Guardant Health's Liquid Biopsy tests. These tests analyse blood samples to detect cancer DNA, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. The software engineer's meticulous testing processes have been instrumental in eliminating software errors, thus ensuring that these tests are accurate and reliable. Her work has directly benefited over 500,000 patients, illustrating the profound impact of her contributions.
Deepika also has played a crucial role in the software testing team dedicated to Guardant Health's SHIELD product, conducting software verification and validation in compliance with FDA regulations. This product is designed to enhance colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by providing an easy-to-administer blood test that detects early signs of CRC.
As a result of the system's strict compliance with the guidelines, the SHIELD product got FDA approval on July 29th, 2024, for its use in detecting CRC in average-risk adults. SHIELD is now the first blood test approved by the FDA as a primary screening option for CRC and the first that meets the performance. This promising development highlights the potential impact of the SHIELD test on CRC screening, early detection, and the ability to save more lives.
Deepika Kale's Impact Beyond Technology
Deepika's excellence and leadership in software testing have earned her global recognition. In 2024, she was honored with the prestigious Global Recognition Award for her contributions and innovations. She has also served as a judge for numerous esteemed awards, including the Globee Awards for Women in Business and the Webby Awards, highlighting her impact and standing in the industry.
From institutions to her peers, Deepika Kale was recognised for her passion for coding and software testing and her leadership in driving technological advancements. She is instrumental in architecting solutions for complex challenges across various sectors, including healthcare, childcare, transportation, and finance. She is viewed as a leader who pushes what is possible in software quality assurance. Her dedication to testing excellence is evident in her commitment to expanding the depth and breadth of testing coverage.
Beyond her technical achievements, Deepika Kale empowers the next generation of women in technology through mentorship. She actively participates in industry events, such as the StarEast and StarWest Conferences on Software Testing, and serves on judging panels, highlighting her commitment to this goal. Through her mentorship, she inspires young women to pursue coding and software testing careers, championing diversity and innovation in the male-dominant field.
Maintaining Excellence Through Collaboration
Deepika's dedication to excellence and her approach to software testing transform cancer diagnostics and treatments. Her work at Guardant Health not only improves the accuracy and reliability of cancer detection tools but also sets new standards for quality in medical software. Through her expertise, leadership, and advocacy, Deepika is making a lasting impact on the lives of cancer patients and the future of healthcare technology.
"I am driven to deliver software that is flawless in functionality and impeccable in its precision and reliability," Deepika says. "I am committed to ensuring that every diagnostic tool developed enhances patient outcomes and empowers clinicians."
Deepika Kale acknowledges that maintaining excellence and setting new standards is not easy in a critical career such as medical technology. In these high-pressure situations, her skill to make swift and informed decisions, deciding when a piece of software is safe enough to deploy, and knowing how to allocate resources effectively to address the most significant risks will be important.
The software engineer believes that in these demanding times, her good communication skills will be critical in ensuring that all team members and stakeholders are on the same page regarding software performance and safety. This includes transparently discussing potential risks, the status of testing efforts, and any issues that could impact patient care.
"Clear communication helps manage expectations and brings a culture of trust and accountability. Such collaboration elevates my role beyond mere technical oversight, rather an essential contributor to leveraging technology's potential to help patients get a better quality of life," Deepika Kale shares.
