IPhO Podcast

Welcome to the IPhO Podcast

Each episode will introduce a new leader in industry who will share information about his/her role, relevant experiences, and advice for listeners looking to advance their industry career. The podcast hosts, Sergio Gatoulis, Alex Schepart, and Rita Youssef, have nearly 20 years of combined industry experience and know what it takes to transition from pharmacy student, to industry fellow, to industry pharmacist—so you'll find something interesting no matter where you are in your journey. Pop in your earbuds and enjoy the show!

Full List of Episodes
Medical Affairs Episodes
Regulatory Affairs Episodes
Drug Safety Episodes
Career Development Episodes
Fellowship Episodes
Episodes for Industry Pharmacists

Meet the Hosts

Sergio Gatoulis

Sergio is currently a Medical Director at a large, multinational biopharmaceutical company with a focus in genitourinary malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Prior to this, he was a Senior Director of Global Clinical Research with a primary area of responsibility for two pipeline Rx-to-OTC switches. He has held several other similar positions in Global Medical Affairs and Clinical Development, and completed his Rutgers post-doctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs and Clinical Operations. With a long-standing passion for technology, he also supported a New Ventures team in the scouting of new opportunities in the digital health space and is an avid tech hobbyist in his free time.

Sergio received his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. He continues to be active in the field of pharmacy, serving on the leadership team of the Industry Pharmacists Organization since its founding. He has served as a preceptor for Rutgers fellows, mentored numerous talented young professionals, and has led the Rutgers Fellowship Program at his current company.

A New Jersey native, he lives in Morris County with his wife and young son. He has a diverse set of interests outside of pharmacy and enjoys spending his time learning new things.

Alex Schepart

Alex is a third generation pharmacist who graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences with a PharmD and the University at Buffalo School of Management with an MBA.

Upon graduation, he completed a two-year fellowship in Global Medical Affairs with the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program where he enjoyed the opportunity to learn from extraordinarily talented and motivated individuals, partner with faculty on interesting research projects, and teach within the pharmacy school. As a result of this experience Alex embarked on a career in Medical Affairs which has been simultaneously challenging and rewarding, yet has positioned him to achieve two of his highest professional priorities: support the well-being of patients and help students and young professionals find their paths and achieve their goals.

Alex lives in New Jersey with his incredible wife and two young sons. When not working, you’ll likely find him and his family cooking together, enjoying the great outdoors, or cheering for their hometown Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

Alena Abraham

Alena Abraham is a Global Regulatory Affairs & Regulatory Affairs International postdoctoral fellow at Merck, in conjunction with Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program. Based in New Jersey, she is a 2024 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

As the new host of the IPhO podcast, Alena is excited to create a platform that educates, inspires, and connects pharmacy students and professionals. Her mission is to showcase the diverse career pathways in the pharmaceutical industry, provide actionable insights from industry leaders, and foster impactful discussions about innovation, professional growth, and leadership.

Passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, Alena is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and driving meaningful change in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Outside of her role with IPhO, Alena is the creator and host of Unseen Potential, a podcast focused on providing career resources and advice for the blind and visually impaired community. Alena uses her platform to raise awareness, challenge systemic barriers, and promote inclusivity in education and the workforce.

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