IPhO News

Fellowship Sponsor Company: Novartis/Rutgers

Function/Discipline: Commercial Launch Excellence

Fellowship Years: 2019—2021

Alma Mater: Purdue University, Class of 2019

I originally chose to pursue my PharmD because of the versatility of the degree. The training in the science and practice of pharmacy prepares you for many different career paths, as I still had no idea what I wanted to do when I finished pharmacy school. I discovered the industry career path through my local IPhO chapter and several students and alumni who had raved about this non-traditional pharmacy path. The beauty of industry is that you still don’t have to decide what you “want to be when you grow up,” because there is so much flexibility in job functions across the industry. Regardless of the career path you choose, the PharmD background provides the framework and base knowledge to succeed in any functional area.

For me, I chose to pursue a fellowship in commercial because of the unique opportunity to utilize both my creative skills and pharmacy knowledge. In order to successfully market a drug, a deep therapeutic understanding of the disease, doctors, and patients is vitally important, and this is where a PharmD can excel. I have a passion for advanced problem solving and strategic thinking and found that marketing roles help flex this skill with a fun, creative twist.

Specifically, in my current role, I am working on products in phase II/III development across therapeutic areas in a new department at Novartis titled Launch Excellence. I am responsible for developing the commercial strategy and activities prior to drug approval to ensure the drug is successful at launch. The unique structure of this new department allows for teams to move with the drug as opposed to the drug moving to different commercial teams as it moves to different phases of development. This would potentially allow me to work on a product from phase III strategy onward to post-approval marketing and gain a wealth of different experiences within the commercial realm.

Overall, the great part about industry is that you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do. I work on something different every day and the career path opportunities following my fellowship are endless. If you are like me and enjoy the challenge of variety and new opportunities, seek out this aspect in your potential future fellowship. I was specifically looking for ambiguity and the ability to move around to work on a variety of projects and I feel that I found this in my current fellowship. Know yourself and your passions, lean on your mentors for support, and the rest will fall into place. Pursuing a fellowship has already proven to be a rewarding professional experience and I’m excited to see what comes next.

Have a fellowship question? Click here to ask a current fellow!

Fellowship Sponsor Company: MCPHS/Novartis

Function/Discipline: Clinical Quality Assurance

Fellowship Years: 2018—2020

Alma Mater: Ohio Northern University, Class of 2018

Having gone to school in the Midwest, industry wasn't on many people’s minds and it certainly wasn’t on mine. I interned at an independent compounding pharmacy and a hospital pharmacy, and always planned to become a clinical specialist at a hospital. After an internship in the Investigational Drug Service at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in clinical research that would enable me to deliver new treatment options to patients who needed them.

I discovered that I could most actively contribute to clinical research in the industry setting, and chose a fellowship in quality assurance because of my interest in protecting patient rights and designing safe processes and systems. Although I did not have industry-specific experience when applying for fellowships, I was able to demonstrate the value of the experience that I did have to obtain my fellowship position. My favorite fellowship memory has been hosting Friendsgiving and Christmas cookie decorating with my Novartis co-fellows!

Have a fellowship question? Click here to ask a current fellow!

Fellowship Sponsor Company: ECIR Medical Communications

Function/Discipline: Scientific Communications/Medical Affairs

Fellowship Years: 2018—2019

Alma Mater: Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Class of 2018

I knew early on when I started pharmacy school that I wanted to pursue a career in industry. My interest was peaked when my pharmacy school provided a 10-day introduction to industry experience, giving me the opportunity to visit Amgen. I learned about the various roles that pharmacists in industry play and the global impact they make on patients and healthcare.

My coursework and industry experience through rotations helped me determine the areas of insdustry that interested me most. I leveraged my rotations, leadership experience gained through IPhO, and the network I built throughout pharmacy school to prepare for a fellowship.

While on rotations, I set up as many 1:1 meetings with individuals in different roles as possible, and always offered a helping hand so I could gain exposure to their day-to-day responsibilities. I took on several leadership roles, including my role with IPhO, to improve my public speaking skills as well as to learn from others. Finally (and importantly), I turned to my mentors for guidance and advice. Ultimately, I decided to pursue a fellowship in scientific communications/medical affairs to advance my skills and knowledge in pharmacy and expand my career options. As a current fellow, I am grateful for my role and being part of a supportive team and work environment that allows me to grow personally and professionally each day.

Have a fellowship question? Click here to ask a current fellow!

Fellowship Sponsor Company: PRI Healthcare Solutions

Function/Discipline: Medical Communications

Fellowship Years: 2018—2019

Alma Mater: St. John’s University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Class of 2018

Throughout pharmacy school, I always set my sights on the “bigger picture.” I felt that the knowledge I was acquiring could be used to benefit a larger group of people than just the patients I would see if I worked in a retail or hospital setting. I wanted to make a bigger impact by sharing the healthcare information I learned regionally, nationally, or even internationally. This desire sparked my interest in the pharmaceutical/medical communications industry.

After talking with former pharmacy students who shared their experiences with fellowships and industry, it became even clearer to me that pursuing this path would help satisfy my personal and professional aspirations. To better understand industry, I decided to select elective rotations in medical communications during my final year of pharmacy school. I learned all about the value of a pharmacist in the collaborative medical communications/ medical affairs field. Because of the experience gained during my rotation, I knew that pursuing a fellowship was the best next step for me.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: USC/Allergan

Function/Discipline: Medical Affairs- Global Phase IV

Fellowship Years: 2018—2019

Alma Mater: University of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy, Class of 2018

I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist at a young age. However, figuring out my niche in the field took some exploration. During my first year of pharmacy school, a pharmacist came to campus to speak and he introduced me to industry pharmacy. His talk sparked my interest and from there, I began to research more about what industry pharmacy was, types of fellowships available, and where I would fit best. Like many other schools, my college of pharmacy was better versed in information relating to residency or community pharmacy. It became my responsibility to discover what industry opportunities existed and to take advantage of them.

Fellowship Sponsor Company: MCPHS/Sanofi Genzyme

Function/Discipline: US Medical Affairs/Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Fellowship Years: 2018—2020

Alma Mater: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), Class of 2018

Like many pharmacy students, I did not enter pharmacy school with the goal of pursuing a career in industry. Although pharmacy school prepares students for several different careers, often the pharmaceutical industry and fellowship programs are left behind. I learned about industry through friends and past fellows and was able to secure two APPE rotations at Bayer and Sanofi Genzyme during my P4 year. In fact, I met my eventual Sanofi Genzyme APPE preceptor at an ACPHS IPhO networking event my P3 year, where she agreed to work with me as a student. Two years later, I am living in Boston as a Sanofi Genzyme fellow. Talk about a small world!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.