What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
My motivation to pursue industry stems from various factors, such as a strong desire to contribute to improving people's health and well-being but in a different realm. I was drawn to industry, specifically MSL, because it combines science, innovation, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a broader spectrum. Industry has given me the chance to work on groundbreaking therapies that can change lives.
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
My motivation stems from a passion for bridging the gap between science and patient care. Throughout my decade-long career in biopharma, I have enjoyed translating complex scientific data into actionable strategies that enhance patient outcomes. The pharmaceutical industry offers a unique platform to make meaningful contributions to healthcare by supporting the development of innovative therapies and collaborating with diverse healthcare stakeholders.
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
I’m drawn to the pharmaceutical industry because it offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global health while constantly growing through new research, technologies, and innovations. I’m excited by the chance to work upstream in the provider-patient relationship, helping shape treatments and healthcare solutions that directly improve patient outcomes. The ability to contribute to life-saving advancements while continuing to learn and evolve professionally makes this career path incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, I want to be part of a field where I can make a lasting difference in both science and healthcare.
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
From my awareness of the industry, I knew that becoming a medical science liaison would be the ideal role for me as it is the perfect blend of communication, science, and relationship building. As an MSL, I have the opportunity to share complex scientific information in different ways to various audiences. I have always found that my strengths lie in emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong relationships, both of which are key to succeeding in this role.
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
I was inspired to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry by my grandmother, who was one of very few Black women to work at Merck during her time. She dedicated her entire career to the company, always expressing how proud she was to be part of an effort that saved lives. This deep-rooted passion for caring for others through science has stayed with me throughout my life. When I discovered the vast array of career opportunities in pharma that align perfectly with my personality and strengths, I knew it was the ideal field where I could truly thrive.
Our IPhO National Fellows Council Diversity Team chats with Ibrahim Younis, PharmD, Senior Clinical Scientist at Pfizer, about his inspiring career journey.
Andrew Asante, PharmD Senior Manager, External Medical Engagement Amgen LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
Growing up, I had to run many errands to the pharmacy to pick up medications for my mom and myself because we both have asthma. From these trips, I was inspired by the work of the local pharmacists and the many people they are able to serve on a daily basis.
Because of my life experiences, my mission became to work for an organization that is committed to public health with a global platform to bring lifesaving medicines to serve patients, especially to underserved populations. The pharmaceutical industry allows me the opportunity to do this.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
First, I believe it is inspiring to see the work Amgen and other pharmaceutical companies are doing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B). I currently serve as Amgen's Black Employee Network “Global Health Equity Lead”, and I am impressed with the continuous leadership support going towards talent development and creating an inclusive environment for minorities.
Furthermore, there is currently an opportunity within the pharmaceutical industry to increase minority representation in clinical trials, which will require grassroot engagement at the community level. I believe the companies that work towards effectively increasing grassroot engagement will be pivotal to improve the lives of patients, while being able to serve more patients.
Dagmawit Betru, PharmD Medical Science Liaison at Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
My drive to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry stemmed from my passion to contribute to the cutting-edge research and development of new drugs, thus impacting patient care on a larger scale. The pharmaceutical industry offers a rewarding career path where pharmacists can apply their expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and contribute to the advancement of healthcare on a global scale. Throughout pharmacy school, I was told to diversify my experiences early in my career. I have completed different internships in global regulatory affairs, medical affairs, market access, and a pharmaceutical rotation in medical strategy and HEOR. My interest to pursue the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role stemmed after I completed an internship in Medical Affairs at Novo Nordisk.
This role allows me to be a lifelong learner and leverage my clinical expertise and scientific knowledge to build relationships with healthcare professionals, providing them with accurate and up-to-date scientific information. MSLs also serve as a vital link between pharmaceutical companies and the medical community, helping to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
To advance DEI initiatives, pharmaceutical companies could proactively engage with diverse communities to create strategic partnerships and train clinical trial staff to be culturally competent and sensitive to the preferences of diverse participants, including language barriers. It is also important to ensure that clinical trial sites are strategically located in areas with diverse populations to improve recruitment and retention of participants from underrepresented groups. Additionally, companies should continue to strengthen the efforts to recruit and retain a diverse workforce at all levels and provide ongoing training on cultural competence to all employees, while simultaneously seeking ongoing feedback and adjusting initiatives based on feedback for sustained improvement.
Olanike Oladeji, PharmD Manager, Medical Affairs Insights - Cardiovascular Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
It has always been my passion to make a positive impact on the healthcare system and ultimately help patients on their journey. Then I wanted a career with the opportunity to have a greater impact on patients while striking a balance with my life responsibilities. A career within the pharmaceutical industry provides flexibility and evolving opportunities for personal and professional growth. There’s lots of room to spread your wings and explore different roles you may never have thought possible. You are not limited to a functional area, and that’s what motivated me to choose this career path.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
As the industry evolves, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are now crucial components of a thriving workplace culture. There is a need for genuine commitment from the leadership to DEI, and this must be continually prioritized in actions, decisions, policies, and strategy. Inclusive practices in hiring, performance evaluation, and promotions are paramount to providing equitable opportunities for career development and advancement. Other areas on which DEI will focus will include community engagement to address the healthcare gap, diverse perspectives, cultural competency in clinical trials, and product development, which will allow for an inclusive data population. Prioritizing DEI initiatives to create a more equitable workplace will improve overall health outcomes for the patients we serve.
Dr. Daled Serrano-Bahri, PharmD Associate Director, MSL Training, Inflammation & Autoimmunity Incyte LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
I first started my career as a pharmacy school adjunct professor at my alma mater. From there, I transitioned to clinical practice as a hospital clinical pharmacist and quickly developed passion for it. When the doors opened to transition into the pharmaceutical industry, I decided to take on the challenge. The opportunity to join a company that is committed to the relentless pursuit of science that could improve the lives of patients was exhilarating and a unique chance to expand my experience and knowledge of the pharmacy field. I was fascinated by the idea of building and fostering relationships with key experts in shared therapeutic areas to deliver scientific knowledge, while still helping patients indirectly. I immediately knew, by taking on this unique opportunity, I had a chance to make a great impact in the lives of patients with scientific innovation and research.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
This question has a two-fold answer. While it is important to continue to foster an inclusive and diverse environment within the pharmaceutical industry that supports hiring professionals from different ethnicities, cultural back grounds, languages, religions, genders, race, etc., it is far more important to support and promote growth for all of those already in the industry. This reflects the idea that growth and progress happen from within, which supports the notion that we need to embrace diversity by acknowledging and recognizing professionals in the field that bring upon said diversity.
This is done by continuously providing and facilitating the professional advancement of every employee, bridging income gaps within groups, and fostering safe environments for equal participation and growth. In summary, there must be recognition that we need to continue to work hard to level the playing field, while agreeing to promote diversity, inclusion and equity, which in the end will make for a better industry, empathizing with its own workers while also improving outcomes for our patients.
Dr. Filmon Emnetu, PharmD, RPh Global Clinical Trial Project Manager Eli Lilly LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
My motivation to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry is rooted in my lifelong desire to make a genuine and lasting difference in the lives of patients around the world. Because the pharmaceutical sector plays a critical role in developing and delivering innovative therapies, I was naturally drawn to pursue a career in research and development. Working on phase 3 clinical trials affords me the opportunity to learn something new every day while simultaneously pursuing my goal of improving patient outcomes and health equity outcomes around the globe.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
To continue making progress in improving DEI initiatives within the pharmaceutical industry, companies should prioritize implementing comprehensive diversity initiatives, ensuring fair and inclusive hiring practices, and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees. This includes actively seeking diverse talent, establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs for students and post-grads, promoting diversity at the leadership level, and regularly evaluating and addressing any disparities or biases within the organization. Additionally, collaboration with diverse patient communities and stakeholders can help ensure that medicines and healthcare solutions meet the needs of all individuals.
Dr. Aaron-Albert Hargrove, PharmD Manager - Central Clinical Services Eli Lilly LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
As a student, I worked in retail and hospital pharmacy. I became engrossed in various pharmaceutical journals and medical reviews. The therapeutic indications were fascinating, however, the data never reflected on the everyday population that I continuously served. So, I immediately saw a need and I knew the pharmaceutical industry is where I could make the biggest impact.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
Companies should continue advocating for DEI efforts. They need to realize that this is a movement, not a moment. Pamphlets/brochures with diverse ethnicities aren't enough. They should have diverse leadership on every level of the organization.
Dr. LaToya Benjamin, PharmD Associate Director, Medical Omnichannel & Independent Education Eli Lilly LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
I desired a career that provided space for me to constantly evolve, impact large patient populations and have a healthy work/life balance. Endless opportunities for pharmacists within the pharmaceutical industry were the determining factor. The only limitations are self-imposed.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
Understanding that diversity includes everyone is the major key. Companies should continue to evaluate the reason and need for investment in DEI. Have those tough conversations and be vulnerable from the top down. If the desire to change is genuine to the core, the work that follows will align and eventually lead to the difference respective companies are seeking.
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
My motivation is to help bring new medicines to patients. The pharmaceutical industry provides an ecosystem to learn and discover new things and is dynamic, fast-moving, and at the cutting edge of technology.
Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?
Develop initiatives that will bring new ideas in. Create workforce pipeline programs with colleges and high schools to directly engage equitable and diverse talent. Encourage on-site visits and gap-year alternatives. Recruit and hire regionally and provide opportunities for students to apply for internships or experiential rotations at all times during the year. These initiatives will help the pharmaceutical sector remain competitive and grow stronger.
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
I had many motivations to pursue the pharmaceutical industry and particularly regulatory affairs as a career path. When I was completing my APPE rotations as a pharmacy student, I had a rotation with AbbVie pharmaceuticals in regulatory affairs advertising and promotion. I learned so much from that experience and I saw the continuous growth, in knowledge but also in opportunities for career advancement, which I found appealing. I gravitated towards regulatory affairs because this function attaches you to innovation in new therapies, new mechanisms, new technologies, etc. This made sense to me as a career path, as I was always excited to lead/work on new projects throughout pharmacy school.
Stacie Smith, PharmD, MBA Associate Director, Global Market Access – Oncology Eli Lilly and Company LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
My motivation for pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry was the desire to contribute to the development of life-changing therapies that improve health outcomes and patient quality of life.
Gifty Gyebi, PharmD GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Medical Science Liaison LinkedIn Profile
What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?
Honestly, I just knew that a career involving direct patient care was not for me, and I still wanted to make an impact in healthcare. My college of pharmacy didn't offer much guidance in terms of career options outside of retail and hospital. Thankfully, I had (and still have) a great mentor who helped me explore other paths.
When did you decide that you wanted to work in industry versus retail/hospital? Was there an experience that inspired that decision?
I grew up with so much exposure to community and retail settings because my dad (also a pharmacist) owned a pharmacy in an underserved community in Mobile, AL. While I was very proud of my family-owned pharmacy business and the impact it had on the community in my hometown, I was also very interested in exploring opportunities with a global impact. At Florida A&M University (FAMU), we had access to speaker forums that highlighted the experiences of professionals working in various pharmacy settings. During one of the sessions, I vividly recall hearing a speaker highlighting her experience in the pharmaceutical industry, which definitely piqued my interest. It all started coming together as I listened to this fascinating presentation and the various career paths in pharma, including Medical, Commercial, and Regulatory.
I worked with a student guidance counselor in my school to help navigate and think through different opportunities, including student rotations and internships, so that I could start building my experience while matriculating through my PharmD program. I started taking intentional and proactive steps toward getting experience in the pharmaceutical setting. Through my mentorship from professors with backgrounds or resources in pharma, and my network, I was able to obtain a summer program with Harvard Medical School Health Policy (2002), internship at the Schering-Plough Research Institute (2003), student rotation at Bristol Myers Squibb (2004), and a Rutgers Fellowship with Bristol Myers Squibb (2005-2006). After these multiple incredible experiences in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, I knew pharma was definitely the place for me to have a promising and fulfilling career, and this continues to hold true almost 20 years later!
What was your motivation to pursue the Pharmaceutical Industry as a career path?
Growing up, I always enjoyed providing help and assistance to loved ones in any aspect I could - which led me to pursue pharmacy as a career. Additionally, I knew I wanted to work in an environment where I could help patients on a wide scale. In school, I enjoyed working with my classmates in a team atmosphere on projects and activities. Seeing fellow alumni from Florida A&M return to campus and speak about the various opportunities for pharmacists within the industry was quite appealing and lined up well with my career aspirations post-graduation. I continued to network with past and current fellows during my last year of school, which led to me pursue the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program.
