Drug-coated balloon maker Surmodics (NSDQ:SRDX) announced yesterday that it appointed Dr. Nusrath Sultana as its new VP of clinical affairs, effective immediately.

Sultana previously served as the senior director of global medical affairs at Edwards Lifesciences, where she was responsible for the development of the medical affairs infrastructure at the company. She also provided leadership, oversight and strategic direction for core medical affairs activities.

The more than 20-year veteran of the medical affairs, medtech and healthcare industries also served as the senior director of global clinical operations at St. Jude Medical.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Nusrath’s caliber joining the Surmodics team,” Surmodics president & CEO Gary Maharaj said in a news release. “She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success that make her the ideal person to lead clinical affairs. Nusrath’s leadership will be critical to our clinical strategy, and the design and conduct of effective clinical trials with the highest ethical and safety standards.”

Sultana’s new role will bring on responsibilities such as the executive oversight and overall management of Surmodics’ clinical study programs and clinical trial design and execution. She is slated to be a member of the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based company’s senior leadership team, reporting directly to Maharaj.

“I am excited to join the Surmodics team and look forward to helping the company achieve its vision,” added Sultana. “The ongoing clinical initiatives and multiple product platforms have the potential to provide meaningful benefits for patients undergoing peripheral vascular treatment. I am honored to be a part of this journey.”