IPhO News

Fellowship Sponsor Company: United Therapeutics (UNC)

Function/Discipline: Clinical Research & Drug Development

Fellowship Years: 2018—2020

Alma Mater: University of the Pacific, Class of 2018

My pharmacy school had an accelerated program, which meant I completed the typical 4 year pharmacy curriculum in 3 years. Consequently, we had no summer breaks, so my industry knowledge was limited by not having the time to intern at a biopharmaceutical company.

I always believed that I would pursue a traditional career path through residency. However, all of that changed when I began working on a clinical trial, spearheaded by a professor at my school, and my interest in clinical research and industry grew immensely.

This opportunity, along with my involvement with IPhO, solidified my decision to pursue a career in industry. Obtaining a fellowship in clinical research was the next logical step for me.

I’m happy to have found a career path that combines my passion for novel research with the ability to apply my clinical knowledge. I look forward to all the new skills I’ll learn during my fellowship.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: UCB/IPhO

Function/Discipline: Global Regulatory Strategy

Fellowship Years: 2018—2020

Alma Mater: University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Pharmacy, Class of 2018

Pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry comes easy to some, but can be a discovery process for others. For me, I felt it was a little of both. I knew I wanted to pursue a non-traditional career path and I knew I wanted it to be in industry, but the discovery for me was deciding which function was the best fit. Industry provides opportunities for pharmacists to grow exponentially, which is what initially intrigued me and drew me in. Regardless of which company you choose, you will be faced with challenges and opportunities that will require the scientific knowledge gained in pharmacy school, and will allow you to apply skills such as critical thinking and strategic planning. The growth acquired from these opportunities can completely change the dynamic of a pharmacist's career. After learning more about industry I came to understand that not everything is black and white, and pharmacists have been and can continue to be trained to create the grey that is necessary to ensure medications in development are truly meeting an unmet global need.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: GlaskoSmithKline (GSK) and UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (UNC)

Function/Discipline: Global Regulatory Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2017 – 2019

Alma Mater: Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), Class of 2017

My strong interest in regulatory affairs originated from my cooperative education placements, and my employment within the Federal Government. I witnessed the dynamics between policy and science and developed an understanding of regulatory affairs and drug development through various employment experiences. My positions within Health Canada, community pharmacies internationally, and industry settings at Novartis and Becton Dickinson helped me become familiar with pre-market regulatory review and post-market surveillance.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: DDB Health (Omnicom Health Group)

Function/Discipline: Pharmaceutical Advertising and Marketing

Fellowship Years: 2017-2019

Alma Mater: Rutgers University, Class of 2017

I never imagined that one day I would use my pharmaceutical background to assist with virtual reality experiences, video shoots, and podcasts. I knew early on in pharmacy school that I was interested in a somewhat non-traditional path. Before applying to pharmacy school, I was only aware of community and hospital pharmacy. After taking a class about the pharmaceutical industry at Rutgers, I learned that pharmacists have the potential to impact patients and healthcare on a national or even global level. I decided to explore that path further and took an Pharmaceutical Advertising and Marketing elective course. I was intrigued by the fact that this career path would allow me to use my scientific knowledge while incorporating creative elements. I was fortunate to intern at two pharmaceutical advertising agencies, RevHealth and Harrison and Star, which solidified my interest in this career path.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Merck (Rutgers)

Function/Discipline: Global Regulatory Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2017-2019

Alma Mater: Howard University, Class of 2017

Throughout pharmacy school, I gained work experience in both the retail and hospital settings, and I knew that the “traditional roles” of pharmacy practice were not the best fit for me. I wanted to position myself to do more. During my second year in pharmacy school, I was given the opportunity to work with a team of colleagues to develop a multidisciplinary initiative that targeted the homeless population of Washington, DC. As I worked on the project, I recognized how much I enjoyed working with individuals with unique areas of expertise in order to create something innovative that provided a major positive impact to underserved communities. This experience inspired me to pursue post-doctoral opportunities that would allow me to work in a similar environment. Soon after the initiative, a Howard University alumnus and Rutgers Fellow came to speak to us regarding the various roles for pharmacists within the pharmaceutical industry. As he discussed the details of the various positions within several functional areas, I was reminded of the role I played in the homeless outreach initiative. After his presentation, I decided that I was going to pursue a position in the pharmaceutical industry.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: GlaxoSmithKline (UNC)

Function/Discipline: Global Regulatory Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2017-2019

Alma Mater: Rutgers University, Class of 2017

Industry is full of new and exciting innovations that drew me in from early in my pharmacy school career. I knew from my involvement in the Rutgers student chapter of DIA and my experiences within industry that I wanted to be a part of this dynamic environment and continue to grow as a life-long learner. I have always been passionate about wanting to help patients on a macro scale, and the pharmaceutical industry provides an ideal outlet for these ambitions.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Takeda Oncology (MCPHS)

Function/Discipline: Global Medical Affairs, Medical Science Liaison

Fellowship Years: 2017-2018

Alma Mater: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Class of 2017

I am eager to learn, develop, and implement healthcare strategies and educational tools to improve peoples’ health and their quality of life. Prior to pharmacy school I earned a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Southern Utah University. Upon graduation, I had the opportunity to teach low-income families and individuals the basics of food budgeting, safety and preparation. Later, I worked as a pharmaceutical compounder, using my food science skills to develop individualized medicine. In both of these roles, I greatly enjoyed being able to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I decided that I wanted to be part of a team that truly makes a difference in the lives of patients’ and their families on a global level. I returned to school to obtain a PharmD degree and pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Purdue)

Function/Discipline: Global Regulatory Affairs – Strategy

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

Alma Mater: Purdue University, Class of 2016

I had every intention of becoming a community pharmacist in my small hometown of Francesville, Indiana. However, after spending 4 years in the retail setting, I realized I did not feel as challenged or fulfilled as I hoped. Thus, I began to look at other opportunities outside of traditional hospital and community pharmacy. My curiosity led me to many presentations and discussions at Purdue with pharmacists and leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. It was here I learned that an industry pharmacist can be highly involved in developing and promoting access to new medications for patients all over the world. This was the challenging career that I was looking for.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Merck

Function/Discipline: Clinical Safety and Risk Management

Fellowship Years: 2017-2019

Alma Mater: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Class of 2017

My choice to pursue pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry never really surprised me. Even in undergraduate school, I was a biology major looking into entering public health instead of joining everyone in pre-med. I suppose it was my unique experiences and perspective in health care that influenced me to be where I am today.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Entrée Health (Omnicom Health Group)

Function/Discipline: Market Access

Fellowship Years: 2017-2019

Alma Mater: Rutgers University, Class of 2017

“You went to pharmacy school…to do marketing?” a good friend asked me (with a very confused expression) when I announced my decision to join a fellowship program offered by Omnicom Health Group. That was the first of many times I would hear that question since accepting the offer.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Novo Nordisk

Function/Discipline: Medical Affairs and Strategy

Fellowship Years: 2016-2017

Alma Mater: University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Class of 2016

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Pharma has a funny way of drawing people in, including those who did not necessarily ever intend to move in that direction. One of the best traits a PharmD student/grad can acquire is to always, even if you know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life, always bring an inquisitive mindset to every encounter and be bold by initiating conversation, whether it is with a CEO or a junior level person. You never know where it might lead, and for me, it led me to completely redirecting my career.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Sunovion Pharmaceuticals

Function/Discipline: Medical Information/Medical Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

PharmD Alma Mater: University of Michigan, Class of 2016

I’ve always had a passion for the mind - a passion to understand the intricacies of its neuronal pathways, of how these pathways shape our movements and our thoughts, and of the inevitable irregularities in functioning that can so greatly impact an individual’s life. As an undergraduate, the more I learned about the disorders that so often plague the mind, the more curious I became. I discovered what many healthcare professionals, including my pharmacy colleagues, know today: fundamentally new treatments for psychiatric conditions have not been discovered in the recent past, and existing treatments are not always effective. After uncovering this disheartening fact, I knew that I wanted to contribute to the advancement of treatment options for those with mental illness.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: MedImmune/AstraZeneca

Function/Discipline: Clinical Development

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

Alma Mater: University of Maryland, Class of 2016

As the middle child and daughter of a career diplomat who has five children, born and raised in Cameroon, Switzerland, China, Saudi Arabia and France, I am always eager to explore opportunities, discover new things and distinguish myself.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: ECIR Medical Communications

Function/Discipline: Medical Strategy & Communications

Fellowship Years: 2016-2017

Alma Mater: University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Class of 2016

My interests to provide patient care on a global scale formed during my first year in pharmacy school. I discovered my passion for population-based healthcare through my local and national involvement in AMCP, including the P&T Competition. Drawn to exciting nontraditional pharmacy routes, I became eager to explore unique ways that pharmacists provide value in the healthcare system and had the privilege of completing a rotation at the FDA. This experience allowed me to interact with policy leaders, introduced me to policy on clinical trial design, sharpened my holistic view of drug evaluation, and ultimately led to my decision to pursue a challenging and rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Merck

Function/Discipline: Clinical Development (Late-Stage) - Oncology

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

Alma Mater: Temple University, Class of 2016

My passion to pursue pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry was the result of a very sad and life-changing experience. I was volunteering in a small town in Iran called “Bam” after a large earthquake struck the city. Many were left without adequate medical assistance, while facing a shortage of medical supplies and medications. I was studying Engineering at the time and never thought I’d change gears, but I did!

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Pfizer (Rutgers)

Function/Discipline: Oncology Medical Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

Alma Mater: University of Southern California, Class of 2016

I first encountered pharmacists working in industry long before pharmacy school. I was fortunate enough to discover the world of healthcare consulting agencies after obtaining my undergraduate degree from University of California at Berkeley. I majored in biochemistry and was fascinated by the mechanisms of action of different medications. Working for companies that provided deliverables for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies opened my eyes to how industry operates. I worked primarily in drug reimbursement and eventually transitioned to work full time for one of our clients in South San Francisco, Genentech, on the commercial side of the business.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Sanofi (Rutgers)

Function/Discipline: Strategic Marketing

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

Alma Mater: St. John's University, Class of 2016

During my time at St. John’s University College of Pharmacy, I was employed by a retail pharmacy chain, as many student pharmacists are. Because of my love of communicating with people, patient counseling was always something I thoroughly enjoyed and took pride in at my hectic 24/7 store. To put this into perspective, I was selected by my university to compete nationally in the 2015 APhA-ASP National Patient Counseling Competition in California. In addition to my self-proclaimed “people skills,” I knew I had creative tendencies with a strategic mindset, and wanted to find employment that best utilized these skills. I was able to leverage my strengths to obtain marketing jobs with the CEO of a nutraceutical company and the VP of a continuing education company. These collective experiences showed me that it was possible to combine both my knowledge of health care and my desire for creativity and innovation. During my pharmacy rotations, I was fortunate enough to spend time at the FDA, Pfizer, and American Regent. At these sites, I was exposed to completely new aspects of pharmacy and built a solid foundation for understanding how the pharmaceutical industry functions. I developed an appreciation for industry, determined that this was where my skills best fit, and finally concluded that the pharmaceutical industry was the right career path for me.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Regeneron

Function/Discipline: Clinical Operations, Clinical Science, Regulatory Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2016-2018

Alma Mater: University of Michigan, Class of 2016

When I first stepped foot into pharmacy school, I did not realize that the pharmaceutical industry is a viable career option for pharmacists. Then, I completed a summer internship in Clinical Science at Takeda Pharmaceuticals after my P2 year. I owe much of my current success to my mentor at Takeda, who opened my eyes to the world of clinical research and helped me solidify my plans upon graduation. At Takeda, I connected with PharmDs across different departments and learned about their function and roles. What I learned is that there is no right or one linear way to go into the pharmaceutical industry.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Johnson & Johnson Consumer (USciences)

Function/Discipline: Regulatory Affairs and Medical Information

Fellowship Years: 2016-2017

Alma Mater: University of the Sciences, Class of 2016

I recently graduated from a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of the Sciences with a minor in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business. Classically, I worked at a community pharmacy throughout school and was not initially aware of the career options available to me outside of the traditional retail realm. Progressing through my years as a student, I gradually began exploring these options by working at both the University of Pennsylvania, in a pharmacy laboratory to conduct research, and also Acro Pharmaceutical Services, a specialty pharmacy. I was also actively involved with several organizations on campus, including: American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Drug Information Association (DIA), and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Bristol-Myers Squibb (Rutgers)

Function/Discipline: Oncology Medical Science Liaison, Medical Information, Clinical Trial Operations

Fellowship Years: 2015-2017

Alma Mater: University of the Sciences, Class of 2015

Having grown up in a low-middle income family out of Jersey City, NJ, I didn’t know much about what existed in the professional world. This simple upbringing presented me with a few challenges when I started working with professionals during my P4 year. Thinking that was tough, imagine then how I felt at the ASHP midyear meeting with hundreds of suited candidates just like myself, all prepared with their binders and their interview game faces. However, what I quickly realized was that I was just as qualified as any other candidate. Moreover, if I was going to stand out, I would have to be someone that nobody else could be. Myself. Only then did I find the program that fit my personality and one whose objectives were in line with my own.