IPhO News

We are quickly approaching the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting! For fellowship candidates, this is a career flashpoint, and the industry fellowship receptions are high-stakes networking events. Unlike formal interviews, these receptions are your chance to make a personal and professional impression. They are fast-paced and crowded. The largest is the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF) reception as it represents a huge consortium of top companies—often over a dozen in attendance. It requires a targeted, highly efficient strategy.

1. Hyper-Target Your Research

With 10+ companies present, you cannot treat them all equally. You need to narrow your focus based on your application and interview status.

• Prioritize Existing Interviews: If you have PPS interviews scheduled with any Rutgers partner companies, those groups should be your first priority at the reception. Many candidates have already completed an initial phone screen and perhaps even one or two rounds of online interviews. Use the reception not just to introduce yourself, but to leverage those prior conversations and reinforce your interest. Connecting with current Fellows or Preceptors in this informal setting allows you to reference a topic discussed in your earlier interview, demonstrating continuity and genuine enthusiasm for their program, which can significantly boost your standing before the on-site interviews begin.

Alvina Okafor, PharmD
Sanofi/HUPIF
Global Regulatory Affairs Labeling Postdoctoral Fellow

Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that therapies meet the needs of diverse patient populations. To continue making progress, companies should invest in regions with high disease burdens, deeply study how those conditions affect local populations, and use those insights to develop more effective, equitable interventions.

As a career coach, I'm constantly asked this key question: What is the real difference between interview preparation and a mock interview?

The difference between interview preparation and conducting mock interviews is primarily the distinction between knowledge acquisition and performance simulation.

Think of it as learning the strategy of interviewing and understanding what industry employers are looking for in candidates and how that needs to connect with your responses, while mock interviews allow you to practice using these interviewing strategies.

This time of year, as I coach fellowship candidates during their interview process, one of the most frequent questions I get is whether to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for responding to behavioral interview questions. While its structured format offers significant advantages, relying too heavily on it can create pitfalls. A successful approach lies in understanding its pros and cons, and using it as a guide, not a script.

THE POWER OF STAR

This method is highly effective because it ensures your answer is complete, coherent, and relevant to the interviewer's needs.

• Clarity and Structure: It forces candidates to organize their thoughts logically. Instead of rambling, you deliver a concise narrative that clearly defines the problem, your personal contribution, and the measurable outcome. This makes it easy for the interviewer to follow and score.
• Demonstrates Competencies: It moves beyond simply describing skills (e.g., "I'm a great problem-solver") to proving them with real-world examples (e.g., "Here is a time I solved a problem...").
• Focuses on the Candidate's Role: The "Action" step demands that the candidate use "I" statements, preventing them from generalizing or deflecting credit to a team. It clearly highlights individual contribution and decision-making under pressure.
• Quantifiable Results: The "Result" section encourages candidates to include metrics, data, or measurable outcomes. This turns subjective stories into objective evidence of success.

Our very own IPhO Coach Jerry recently sat down for an interview with Drug Topics to share his perspective on a topic of ongoing and critical importance to pharmacists—job satisfaction and burnout!

Coach Jerry authored the IPhO 2023 Compendium, Pharmacist Job Satisfaction and Burnout in Traditional and Non-Traditional Practice Settings (1)

A recent study on the prevalence and risk factors of burnout among 412 community pharmacists, published in JAPhA (2) showed that 74.9% of respondents experienced burnout. Of those, 68.9% attributed their burnout to emotional exhaustion, followed by depersonalization (50.4%), and reduced personal accomplishment (30.7%).

Landing an industry fellowship is incredibly competitive. With limited spots and a high volume of applicants, relying on just a few applications can be a high-risk strategy.

If you are one of the exceptionally prepared few—with an outstanding CV and excellent industry and clinical experiences—you may feel comfortable applying to just a few positions. However, if you are like most solidly prepared candidates (who may be wondering if they are exceptional), I recommend that you avoid under-applying.

As the fellowship application process is moving forward beyond initial interview screens, one of the critical steps during your interviews can frequently be overlooked. You’ve researched the company, polished your elevator pitch, and nailed the behavioral questions. You’ve demonstrated your skills and proven your fit. But as the interview winds down and the interviewer asks, “Do you have any final questions for me?” a crucial opportunity arises—one that many candidates miss. This is the moment to transition from being a qualified applicant to demonstrating your desire to join their team!

It’s time to ask for the position.

Many candidates hesitate, fearing it sounds too aggressive or presumptuous. The reality is, a confident and comfortable well-phrased “ask” demonstrates genuine enthusiasm, strong initiative, and the self-awareness to know you have earned the right by responding credibly to the interviewer’s questions. The interviewing technique of “asking for the business” (AFTB) with a professional close distinguishes you as a top-tier candidate.

Here are three practical, powerful tips to make “The Final Ask” effectively:

Rene Rabaza, PharmD
AbbVie, Inc.
Associate Director, US Regulatory Affairs Advertising and Promotion

What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?

During my fourth year of pharmacy school, I completed a rotation at a pharmaceutical company, which became a pivotal moment in my career. I was fascinated by the vast opportunities available to pharmacists within the industry and the variety of roles where we can apply our skills and training. During this rotation, I had the chance to shadow someone in Regulatory Affairs Advertising and Promotion (Ad Promo) at a meeting commonly referred to as collab, promotional review committee (PRC), or Medical Regulatory and Promotional review (MRP)—where representatives from Marketing, Medical, Regulatory, and sometimes Legal and Compliance gather to discuss promotional materials. With my background in both dance and pharmacy, I was instantly drawn to these discussions because they struck the perfect balance between science and creativity. After attending just one meeting, I knew Ad Promo was the area I wanted to pursue—and the rest is history.

Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?

The pharmaceutical industry should continue to cultivate safe and inclusive environments where all employees can thrive. I believe that it is essential to celebrate and support employee resource groups, as they often provide a sense of community in the workplace. Fostering an environment that encourages open exchange of ideas enables employees to learn more about one another and appreciate different cultures. Listening with the intent to understand, rather than simply to respond, further strengthens these connections. Embracing diversity of both people and perspectives sparks new ideas and drives innovation, laying the foundation for effective collaboration. When a company can prioritize diversity through its culture with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it can lead to higher employee retention rate, increased engagement, and enhanced business performance. Leadership can also play a role. When leadership embraces and shows their commitment to DEI, such as building into the company's strategic objectives, they set a positive tone for the entire organization.

As you prepare for the fellowship application and interviewing process in today's competitive market, your first impression will not be a handshake, but most likely a scheduled call or a login link. Companies are increasingly using phone screens to vet candidates!

Think of the phone screen as the rapid-fire checkpoint. It’s typically short—often 15 minutes—and is usually conducted by a current industry fellow. The primary goal for the company is efficient, high-volume screening.

Congratulations to student pharmacists at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, the newest addition to our growing student chapter network. IPhO now connects them to a national network of 100+ chapters and thousands of industry-minded student pharmacists with similar interests, as well as a national network of hundreds of industry fellows and thousands of industry pharmacists.

To start a chapter at your school, contact us here.

For the student benefits of joining IPhO, view the National Student Brochure here!

During the Saturday session of this year’s IPhO Annual Meeting (IAM), we were proud to recognize the top five IPhO student chapters nationwide for their outstanding dedication and impact. These chapters stood out across these major scoring categories of our Recognition of Chapter Annual Program (ReCAP): membership recruitment, social media engagement, professional development, VIP Case Competition participation, fundraising, and community service.

This year’s top performing chapters are:

• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy (First Place)

• Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy (Second Place)

• Temple University School of Pharmacy (Third Place)

• University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (Fourth Place)

• Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (Tied for Fifth Place)

Ridhi Sharma, PharmD
Gilead Sciences
Global Medical Strategic Operations, Medical Information

What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?

My motivation to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry stems from a desire to drive transformative healthcare innovations that directly advance global health equity, inspired by my experiences volunteering in clinical settings and witnessing the impact of access to life-saving medications. I am passionate about combining my clinical expertise as a pharmacist with the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking therapies and strategic initiatives that improve patient outcomes on a global scale. The dynamic, collaborative environment and focus on scientific innovation within the industry align perfectly with my commitment to making a meaningful difference in patient care and public health.

Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?

Pharmaceutical companies should drive meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion by embedding DEI accountability into leadership, setting measurable goals for diverse representation at every level, and fostering inclusive company cultures where all employees and patients feel valued. To advance health equity, companies must prioritize inclusive clinical trial recruitment, partner with communities, and transparently report outcomes to ensure treatments work safely across populations. Sustained commitment—from flexible hiring and ongoing education to innovation in outreach and unbiased advancement opportunities—will empower the industry to better serve global health needs and unlock greater innovation.

Yuxi Lei, PharmD
Global Commercial Fellow
Novocure/IPhO

What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?

My motivation to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry came from wanting to combine my pharmacy training with opportunities to improve patient outcomes on a broader scale. I was drawn to the idea of shaping strategy, education, and access in ways that influence healthcare beyond the individual level.

Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry; what should companies be doing to continue making progress?

Companies should continue embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into recruitment, leadership development, and clinical trial design. It’s also important to create fair growth opportunities and foster an environment where different perspectives are not only represented but also actively valued in decision-making.

Samia Baig, PharmD, MPH
Senior Data Scientist
Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine
LinkedIn Profile

I’m a Senior Data Scientist (Data Engineer) in an R&D Data Science and Digital Health team, where I implement pipelines to extract data from various sources to develop data solutions for clinical trial teams and ML/AI use-cases. My role blends subject matter expertise from my pharmacy and public health background and technical skills in data science and software development that I have gained over the years through prior roles in hospital pharmacy, public health and academia.

We're diving into a fundamental skill that underpins success in any field but is particularly crucial when navigating the dynamic and highly competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical industry: goal setting and achievement.

Whether you're a recent graduate eyeing your first role in the pharmaceutical industry or an experienced pharmacist considering a transition into this health care segment, having a clear roadmap and the strategies to reach your destination is paramount.

The pharmaceutical industry thrives on innovation, precision, and a long-term vision. Your career pursuit should mirror these principles. Simply having a vague aspiration to enter industry isn't enough. You need to move beyond generalities and cultivate specific goals that can be monitored, measured, and achievable within a reasonable timeframe. For example, your goal may be to secure a fellowship in medical affairs (MA) this coming fall application cycle.

The 2025 Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) National Fellows Council (NFC) Kick-Off Meeting was hosted in July, in person at the UCB campus in Atlanta, GA. The event brought together fellows, preceptors, directors, and members of the IPhO leadership team to network, exchange insights on the pharmaceutical industry, and emphasize the vital contributions pharmacists make within the field.

This year, 25 attendees joined us in person, while another 10 tuned in virtually!

The meeting featured networking sessions, educational seminars, and professional development panels. The day opened with welcoming remarks from Nicole Thompson, Vice President of the IPhO Fellows Community. Nicole provided an overview of IPhO, highlighting its impact on students, fellows, and industry professionals.

To student pharmacists navigating your path, let's dive into a crucial conversation about the future of pharmacy. A recent article in Drug Topics (1), brings to light a vital topic: how pharmacy education must evolve to genuinely prepare you for the realities of the modern workforce, particularly concerning the pervasive issue of pharmacist burnout.

This article highlights a Pennsylvania survey (2) where most pharmacy students observed significant burnout across various practice settings, with community chain pharmacies frequently cited. This observation profoundly influenced their career choices, leading many to prioritize roles that promise better work-life balance and flexibility. It's a clear indication that the next generation is acutely attuned to the pressures within the field, and rightly so.

For many aspiring pharmaceutical industry fellows, the application process can feel like a high-stakes puzzle; CVs are polished, research projects highlighted, and industry rotations and/or internships, if available, are meticulously detailed. Yet, one critical piece often goes underemphasized: a student pharmacist’s direct patient care experience. While it might seem counterintuitive for a role focused on drug development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, and other common industry fellowships, patient care is the foundation of expertise that sets industry pharmacists apart from other non-pharmacy professionals.

Believe it or not, this year's Annual Meeting is less than two months away, on September 4-7, 2025! We're giving registration away for free to five contest winners!

The rules are simple:

• Follow IPhO on Instagram (@industrypharmacistorg).
• View our feed and locate the "IPhO Annual Meeting 2025" Giveaway post (to be made at 10:00 AM ET on Tuesday, July 22, 2025).
• Like the post.
• Unscramble the three words and comment on the post with your answers!
• Share the post to your story and tag IPhO (@industrypharmacistorg), along with three friends who might benefit from entering the contest.
• Five winners who follow the steps above will be selected at random and tagged in an announcement post on Tuesday, July 29.
• Winners will receive a complimentary code to register for the meeting on the IPhO website. Registration must be completed by August 31 at midnight.
• Terms and conditions apply. Please see below.
• Deadline to like, comment, and share is Sunday, July 27, at midnight ET. Good luck!

Sissy Owusu-Addo, PharmD
Manager–Americas Regional Regulatory Scientist
ImBu

What was your motivation to pursue the pharmaceutical industry as a career path?

I have always been interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry since undergrad. I enjoyed learning how medications were created and wanted to be in a career that would serve patients on a broader scale. I loved the various roles that came with industry and how they blended well together.