The IPhO Podcast

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Bolu Oladini, PharmD, BCMAS, Director, Generative AI Medical Content Lead at Pfizer. Bolu walks us through his career journey, from starting in medical communications, where he mastered the art of storytelling, to his transition into medical affairs and his current leadership role. He shares how his passion for innovation led him to explore the intersection of AI and medical affairs, and offers insights on how to thoughtfully leverage AI in the pharmaceutical industry. Beyond his work in pharma, Bolu opens up about his new book, which focuses on resilience and finding strength through hardship. This episode is packed with inspiration, forward-thinking perspectives, and practical advice for navigating both career and personal growth. We hope you enjoy it!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, you'll meet Ajith Varghese, PharmD, Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant. Ajith takes us along on his career journey, which began in retail pharmacy and has culminated in a successful transition to the pharmaceutical industry. He shares his advice on how to craft a standout resume that captures your unique skills and experiences, strategies for effective interview preparation, and the key skills and mindset needed to thrive in a competitive industry. Whether you're a pharmacy student, a recent graduate, or a professional considering a career shift, this episode has plenty of practical advice and inspiration to help you take the next step in your career journey. Enjoy!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, you'll meet Alena Abraham—our newest podcast host—and say goodbye to Rita Youssef as she interviews her final guest. Alena chats with Rita about her inspiring journey into pharmacy, which was deeply influenced by her mother's impactful role as a pharmacist in her community. She offers thoughtful advice on how to network effectively, including how to confidently connect with fellows and professionals. You'll be hearing a lot more from Alena in the months ahead. We're thrilled to welcome her to the team and incredibly grateful to Rita for her year of inspiring podcast content.

On this special episode of the IPhO Podcast, we put our hosts on the spot! Long-time friends and co-hosts Sergio Gatoulis, PharmD, Senior Medical Director/US Medical Lead at Pfizer, and Alex Schepart, PharmD, MBA, Senior Director, Medical Affairs at Shionogi Inc. (U.S.), chat with fellow co-host Rita Youssef, PharmD about their personal career journeys, connections to IPhO, and how the pandemic inspired this very podcast nearly four years ago. You've heard their voices since 2021, now it's their turn to share their own experiences. Don't miss this fun and heartfelt episode—it's one of our favorites!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Marla Quintana, PharmD, RPh, a second-year Regulatory Sciences Advertising and Promotion Fellow at Biogen/MCPHS; Ibrahim Hegazy, PharmD, a second-year GRA/RAI Regulatory Strategy Fellow at Merck/Rutgers; and Lana Zaki, BPS, PharmD, a Rutgers fellowship alumna who completed her fellowship in Regulatory Affairs Global Labeling Strategy at Novartis. Each guest shares personal anecdotes from their journey into regulatory affairs, starting with fellowship experiences that shaped their careers in pharma. They explore the diverse areas within regulatory sciences—advertising and promotion, regulatory strategy, and global labeling—offering insights into how these functions come together to support product development and market access. Additionally, Marla, Ibrahim, and Lana discuss the challenges and rewards of their work, the skills they've found essential for success, and their advice for PharmD graduates looking to break into the industry.

An unforgettable milestone like a 50th podcast episode calls for an unforgettable guest—and once again, our team delivered! We are honored to welcome David Epstein, seasoned pharmaceutical executive, innovator, and trailblazer, to the show! Throughout his transformative career, David has led teams to develop and launch over 30 new medications worldwide. Currently, he serves as Chairman at Agomab, where he continues to drive strategic initiatives and support groundbreaking advancements in the field. Previously, he led Seagen through a period of marked growth and success as Chief Executive Officer—culminating in its merger with Pfizer. If there's anyone who knows what it takes to rise through the ranks, push boundaries, motivate and inspire others, and enjoy a truly life-changing career, it's David. And you can learn from him by tuning in!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Irene Laurora, PharmD, Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs at Perrigo. Irene shares personal anecdotes from her career journey, starting out as a clinical research Fellow and forging her path to senior leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. She explores the differences between clinical research, medical affairs, consumer science, and how they all intersect. Irene also shares her experience bringing an innovative over-the-counter birth control pill from clinical development to the consumer market—highlighting the triumphs and challenges she encountered along the way.

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, Coach Jerry, Architect of the IPhO Coaching Service, talks about his professional career and the circumstances that led to his commitment and contributions to students, fellows, and experienced traditional pharmacists pursuing industry practice. Jerry's professional career includes positions in sales, training, and marketing at Eli Lilly, Searle, and BIMARK Medical Communications. He currently holds the position Senior Consultant, Coach, and Industry Instructor. Jerry attributes his career success to using both his “right and left brain” to integrate complex scientific and clinical principles with creativity and communication skills to bring new pharmaceutical products to market. As an industry coach, he uses these skills to identify clients' strengths and weaknesses, match them with their interests, and prepare them for the competitive interviewing process.   In this episode, Coach Jerry will also explain how he overcame his greatest personal challenge, living with a disability, requiring that he retire early from his day job of running a medical communications agency to find professional joy and success in coaching others to pursue their professional dreams.

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Libby Shelton, PharmD, RPh, first-year US Oncology Business Division Training and Development Fellow at Daiichi Sankyo Inc./Rutgers; and Rachel Hawley, PharmD, first-year US Medical Affairs Fellow at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals/Northeastern University.   Libby and Rachel share personal anecdotes from their own fellowship application journeys, including how they prioritized uncovering their purpose and passion.   They also explore the differences between affiliated and non-affiliated fellowships, to help you find the perfect fit. Plus, they share advice for crafting a stand-out CV and mastering interview skills.

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Farrell Simon, PharmD, MBA, Chief Commercial Officer for Trevi Therapeutics.   Farrell dives deep into his career background and what led him to pursue his PharmD and MBA. After spending a decade at Pfizer, he transitioned into his role at Trevi Therapeutics, and he helps address one of the most common questions we're asked by pharmacy students: should I work at a larger company, or a smaller one?   Hear his answer—hint: it's all about experiences—and learn how to tell your personal story in a way that makes potential employers want to know more.   We hope you enjoy the episode!

Episode 45: From Community Pharmacy to Medical Information with Marise Khalil   On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Marise Khalil, PharmD, MBA, RPh, Senior Associate, Medical Information - Rare Disease Lead at Amgen.   Marise shares how her scientific knowledge and expertise in pharmacy practice have supported her transition to the pharmaceutical industry. She also breaks down the workflow differences and similarities between community pharmacy and medical information—including the many skills needed for both roles!    This episode will help pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists learn to highlight their skills and experiences while pursuing industry roles. Marise's advice: get involved and retain as many skills as you can, because those skills will lead to career opportunities!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Mohamed Elzokm, PharmD, RPh, MBAc, first-year Consumer Health Medical and Clinical Affairs Fellow at Bayer/Rutgers.   Mohamed shares a personal reflection on what inspired him to pursue the pharmaceutical industry, skills for students to highlight in interviews if they don't have industry experience, his positive outlook on encountering roadblocks along the way, and so much more.   This episode will help students prepare to break out of the pharmacy school mindset, to present with confidence and succeed on the path to fellowship and beyond.

Episode 43: From Fellow to Full-Time Role with Megan Kahleifeh On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Megan Kahleifeh, PharmD, Senior Manager, Global Medical Communications at Genmab. As Megan neared the end of her medical affairs fellowship, she began to explore full-time roles at other companies. Though it wasn't her original plan to leave, she found external opportunities that aligned more closely with the career path she hoped to take. Megan shares the knowledge and skills she gained during her fellowship that made her a strong candidate when applying for full-time roles. One of her biggest pieces of advice: know how to communicate effectively and proactively! If you're preparing for next steps after your fellowship, you don't want to miss this episode! We hope you enjoy.

Episode 42 - Maintaining Your Network with Naomi Kozlowski   On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we're joined by Naomi Kozlowski, PharmD, Regulatory Promotion Lead at Amgen.   Naomi shares how a unique leadership training experience in pharmacy school piqued her interest in the pharmaceutical industry, how she honed her problem solving and critical thinking skills, and the early connection that changed the entire trajectory of her career.   Naomi's journey is proof of the power of building and maintaining your network—in pharmacy school and beyond.  

On this episode, we're joined by Keroles Nakhla, PharmD, Principal Scientist in PK Sciences at Novartis. Keroles shares the experiences in pharmacy school that set him up for success, provides a helpful overview of PK Sciences, and describes his journey to discovering his passion for this unique functional area.  Plus, he talks in-depth about his transition from industry Fellow to full-time employee at Novartis, and some of the most important things to look for in a future employer.

On this episode of the IPhO podcast, we introduce our newest host, Rita Youssef! Rita is the current Rotational Regulatory Affairs Fellow at Amgen in partnership with the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF) Program. The Podcast team would like to welcome Rita and thank Brian Arana-Madriz for his hard work and dedication to the series for the past year.

On this episode of the IPhO podcast, we are joined by Josiah Moore, a current PharmD candidate at Mercer University and a contractor at UCB. Josiah shares how he made the decision to pursue industry, how he secured life-changing industry experiences, and his major takeaways as he began his industry work as a contractor. 

On this episode of the IPhO podcast, we are joined by Josef S. Wills, PharmD, RPh and Brandon Vassar, PharmD for an insightful discussion on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry. Our guests share powerful first-hand experiences from their own career journeys and offer their thoughts on how to keep moving forward.

Join us for this exciting episode of the IPhO Podcast, as we dive into the world of pharmaceutical marketing with Dr. Shivani Vora. As a seasoned professional in the industry, Dr. Vora shares her expertise on global brand marketing, with a specific focus on oncology. Discover Dr. Vora's unique career journey, from her beginnings in HEOR market access to her current role in shaping the future of pharma. Gain valuable perspectives into market access strategies and the challenges of transitioning from a medical to a commercial role. We think you'll enjoy getting to know Dr. Vora as much as we did! And we hope you'll come away with tips to help shape your own future in the world of pharma. Listen now!

This podcast episode features Kyle Noonan, PharmD, Health Outcomes & Market Access Fellow at AmerisourceBergen Xcenda. Listen in as we explore the world of market access and its vital role in driving patient access.   Kyle shares his experiences collaborating with stakeholders in the drug channel and working alongside the Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) department. You'll also learn more about Pharmacy Benefit Managers and their important position in the pharmaceutical ecosystem.   Kyle's diverse background in healthcare settings and strong leadership experience give him a unique perspective on the world of market access and how to establish yourself as a top candidate. You'll come away with key takeaways and valuable advice—you don't want to miss it!

On this episode of the IPhO podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Camille Pope, Chief Medical Lead at Acclinate, who has more than 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Camille shares her insights on networking, maintaining professional relationships, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and creating more opportunities for diverse talent. Camille is passionate about fostering diverse talent and striving for health equity through inclusive research. She has established multiple initiatives and programs to help students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Camille's dedication to diversity is an inspiration to others in the industry.   Tune in for invaluable tips on building a strong network, nurturing meaningful professional relationships, and creating a more inclusive and equitable future for the pharmaceutical industry.   We are also thrilled to have Camille joining us at the 2023 Annual Meeting as our keynote speaker! She will elaborate on the importance of patient diversity in clinical trials—a critical topic for anyone interested in an industry career. Register today!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we are joined by Kevin Darko. Kevin is a PharmD working as a Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow at UCB. His industry journey started as an undergraduate research assistant at the Bowie State University Drug Synthesis lab. There, his passion for drug development and interest in pharma flourished as he learned more about how these drugs related to the disease state and by extension the patient's quality of life.  Always wanting to help people and improve their health status, Kevin came into pharmacy school knowing he wanted to go into industry. There, Kevin was able to hone the many skills needed to be successful in industry by pushing himself outside of his comfort zone, and continually challenging himself to reach the top of his game. Tune in this week as we go over the ins and outs of Regulatory Affairs, and what you can do to stand out among the competition, only on the IPhO Podcast.

On this special podcast episode, we are joined by our very own National Student Officer for Marketing and Partnerships, Jessica Blaze! Jessica is a fourth year pharmacy student at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Prior to attending NSU, she graduated with a Bachelors in Biological Sciences with a minor in General Business from The University of Rhode Island. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in addition to her PharmD degree. During her time at NSU, she has acquired multiple leadership positions including President of the IPhO chapter, Historian for the Student College of Clinical Pharmacy, and Scholarship Chair for Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. She also spends time working as a Dean's Ambassador, representing NSU College of Pharmacy to alumni and future pharmacy students.  Along with her current National Student Officer role and APPE rotations, Jessica works at a boutique dietary supplement company as a health and wellness writer, creating promotional content.  Jessica's plate may be incredibly full, but her strategies for time and project management serve her well. Tune in to learn how Jessica juggles her workload, maintains a healthy work/life balance, and grows her confidence in industry along the way! A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Boehringer-Ingelheim.

On this special podcast episode, we are joined by Kelly Cheung, Immunology Medical Affairs Fellow at UCB. Kelly has been a highly involved member of IPhO serving as the ACPHS Local Chapter President, and later becoming a Regional Student Officer and joining the IPhO National Fellows Council. Kelly's engagement with the pharmacy community doesn't stop with IPhO. While at ACPHS, Kelly also served as a student ambassador, a peer tutor, a student researcher, and the President of the Multicultural Club which won club of the year award 2 years in a row under her leadership.  Tune in this week to hear more on how Kelly was able to leverage her experiences through IPhO and ACPHS to successfully break into industry pharmacy without having direct industry experience. All this and more on episode 32 of the IPhO Podcast! A special thank you to our episode sponsors, Parexel and the University of the Pacific: Parexel:  https://jobs.parexel.com/IPhO-Webinar-Path-to-Project-Leader-Program#:~:text=Parexel%27s%20Path%20to%20Project%20Leader%20Program%20provides%20the%20opportunity%20for,to%20an%20Associate%20Project%20Leader University of the Pacific:  https://pharmacy.pacific.edu/pharmacy/fellowship/

We are kicking off the new year with a special podcast episode featuring Shawn Leland, CEO and Founder of Elevation Oncology! Shawn brings over a decade of experience in medical affairs and business development for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with a focus on building collaborations to realize the full potential of targeted and personalized therapeutics. His company, Elevation Oncology, is leading the way in novel cancer treatment, while always prioritizing the work/life balance and well-being of employees. Shawn stresses the importance of a flexible work environment that allows employees to be present in their careers and their homes. To perform at your best, he says, you need to have the time to sit back and refresh. Tune in now to learn about Shawn's journey and the exciting new developments happening at Elevation Oncology!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we are joined by Ekene Oranu, PharmD, US Oncology Marketing Fellow at Merck. Ekene shares how to leverage your transferable skills within industry to secure the position that's right for you. Ekene breaks down the skills you likely already possess to help bolster your resume as you apply for fellowships and entry-level roles, as well as how to succeed once you're there. You'll learn how to make the most of your relationship with your preceptors, develop your industry confidence as a PharmD, navigate industry functional areas, and more. This is an episode you don't want to miss! A special thank you to our episode sponsors, the National Pharmaceutical Council, RevHealth, and the University of Southern California. NPC: https://www.npcnow.org/about/health-policy-fellowship-rutgers-npc RevHealth: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/f7a77ebfd6665c5b96576ab65f65d420.pdf USC: https://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/program/fellowship-programs/

On this special podcast episode, we are joined again by IPhO CEO and Founder, Jim Alexander. And it's the perfect time: 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of IPhO! We're proud to look back on our very first days, celebrate how IPhO has grown over the past 10 years, and share our big plans for the future. "IPhO is not a thing; it's a community of people," says Jim. With 100 student chapters, a growing diversity and inclusion program, incredible partnerships with industry leaders, and a network of passionate and talented members, there's no limit to what IPhO can achieve over the next decade and beyond.  You definitely don't want to miss this one, so throw on your headphones and check out episode 29 of the IPhO Podcast! A special thank you to our episode sponsors, Pfizer and Novo Nordisk.

Episode 28: Meet Our Newest Podcast Host (Brian Arana-Madriz, PharmD)   We're excited to officially introduce you to the newest member of our IPhO Podcast team, Brian Arana-Madriz.    Brian is a Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, and an active member of the IPhO National Fellows Council! Join us as we get to know Brian and learn about his background, experiences, future plans for the podcast, and helpful advice for those who may be pursuing non-traditional pharmacy roles. Whether it's advice on networking effectively, choosing a functional area, planning for fellowship interviews, or sending out fellowship applications—Brian's got you covered.    A Special thank you to our episode sponsors, Northeastern University, and Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.   Northeastern University: https://bouve.northeastern.edu/pharmacy/fellowships/   SJU: https://www.sju.edu/departments/pharmacy-practice/postgraduate-programs/fellowships

John M. O'Brien, President and CEO of the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), joins us for episode 27 of the IPhO Podcast! John has quite the resume, having worked in pharma, academia, health policy, and government—just to name a few—throughout his career. Growing up, he wanted to be a sports broadcaster. But watching how much of an impact medicine made on his own mother's life changed his career plans entirely. Since then, he's gone on to establish himself as a leader in Healthcare Policy, influencing decisions that have positively impacted access to medications for millions of patients. We can't wait for you to listen and meet John, learn a bit about the NPC Fellowship Program, and gain a better understanding of what it means to work in this important realm of industry. A special thank you to our episode sponsors, Eli Lilly and Company, UCB, and UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy!   Eli Lilly and Company: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/70f55464042425ad7ff4d0442279d7fc.pdf   UCB: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/3880d166c5aba7c0772ffb6966a64e7b.pdf   UNC: https://pharmacy.unc.edu/education/fellowships/

I'm overwhelmed with my pharmacy school loans; I know I need to save for my future, but I don't know where to begin; I thought I was making a great income until I realized how expensive life out of school really is; the list goes on. These were just some of the comments that Tim Ulbrich, CEO and Co-Founder of Your Financial Pharmacist, heard over and over again. They inspired him to take action and help others navigate their financial well-being.  Building his business from the ground up was no easy feat. He grew his idea into a hobby, and then turned his hobby into a side hustle. His side hustle took off and evolved into his current business—and Tim reached all these milestones while simultaneously pursuing his academic career. Whether you are a current student, recent graduate, Industry Fellow, or experienced Industry Pharmacist, you don't want to miss this insightful podcast episode. Tim shares his advice for how to set yourself up for financial success, some of his go-to reads on the topic of financial well-being, and so much more.

Sabrina Michelle Hayden, PharmD, MBAhc⁠—a current Industry Fellow with Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, BeiGene and the FDA Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology⁠—joins us for episode 25 of the IPhO Podcast. Though she did not have pharmaceutical industry internship experience, Sabrina made sure she could stand out in other ways as a prospective fellowship applicant. Her involvement with her IPhO chapter—in particular, the networking opportunities it provided her and the connections she made with industry Fellows—helped her position herself as the best candidate for her current fellowship role. Sabrina spent hours reading through fellowship position/functional area descriptions, and that process opened her eyes to many new opportunities that she had never considered to be the right fit for her initially based on title alone. Keeping an open mind and doing her research were critical to her success. Listen in as Sabrina shares an honest reflection on her application experience, an overview of her fellowship role and how it offers a 360 degree view of patient safety, and much more.   A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)! https://www.kgi.edu/academics/schools/school-of-pharmacy-and-health-sciences/

Holly grew up in eastern Pennsylvania, just a stone's throw from Merck where she now works as a Clinical Safety and Risk Management Fellow. Her admiration for the employees there—and how hard they worked to make life better for patients—sparked her interest in pharmacy when she was in high school. And then, during pharmacy school, things started to come full circle for her when she landed an internship at the place that inspired her career—Merck. Today, Holly is working in her dream position and making the most of every moment.  In this episode, Holly shares what helped her choose her fellowship program, what experiences to highlight in a fellowship interview (hint: you don't have to have industry experience to succeed!), and much more. Listen now! A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)! https://www.kgi.edu/academics/schools/school-of-pharmacy-and-health-sciences/

During pharmacy school, the husband of one of Elaine's professors was a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). She jumped at the opportunity to meet him and asked questions about his role, fellowships, and industry in general—and that important conversation solidified her decision to pursue an industry career. One of the greatest pieces of advice that Elaine offers listeners is to always "raise your hand." She launched her career working for a small company, and as long as she was meeting her goals, she would often volunteer for new projects and opportunities that helped her grow personally and professionally. Tune in to learn how to develop industry "soft skills" not taught in pharmacy school, an overview of field medical, how to decide between a small or large company, and much more. A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)! https://www.kgi.edu/academics/schools/school-of-pharmacy-and-health-sciences/

Jeff credits his small hometown as the place that sparked his interest in pharmacy. He learned firsthand the important role that pharmacists played in his community and was fascinated by medications and their impact on patients. He went on to serve as Vice President of his IPhO Chapter in pharmacy school and built important connections and professional relationships that helped solidify his decision to pursue an industry career. Even during challenging times, Jeff knew he was growing and that he was "in the right place." But one of the most pivotal moments in his career was a conversation with a preceptor who landed a direct-to-industry role, rather than a fellowship. Suddenly, a path he did not even realize was an option became the choice that felt like the perfect fit. Tune in this week to gain a unique perspective on how to establish yourself in industry without a fellowship, strategies to identify what position is right for you, and more! A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)! https://www.kgi.edu/academics/schools/school-of-pharmacy-and-health-sciences/

On this episode, we are joined by Mike DeLuca, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at EVERSANA. Mike brings more than twenty years of expertise to the table, as he candidly shares skills and strategies to help PharmDs identify the right industry role. Having started his career in retail pharmacy, Mike quickly rose to pharmacy manager, before deciding to pursue his MBA at Seton Hall, where he focused on pharmacy management and operations. Since then, Mike's extensive resume highlights his expertise and wide range of knowledge in many fields, including medical information, strategic marketing, regulatory and safety; as well as his experience building and developing strong teams. Tune in for career advice from a seasoned professional who knows what it takes to succeed in industry.

Growing up in a family of medical professionals inspired Georgia to focus her education—and ultimately her career—on health care. Though she always knew from a young age that she wanted to differentiate herself in some way. During pharmacy school, she joined her IPhO chapter and it exposed her to a whole new side of pharmacy that she hadn't known much about. And that's where her path to industry began. Today, Georgia is in a dynamic patient safety and regulatory role with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. She discusses how she prepared for and secured her fellowship, her experience at Ironwood so far, and important advice for students about how to make sure their prospective fellowship company is the right fit for them—not just the other way around!

Tania Thomas joins us for episode 19 of the IPhO Podcast! She currently serves as the VP of Global Regulatory & Medical Affairs at Opiant Pharmaceuticals, and was a former Assessor at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom. Tania—an exemplary leader and authority on all things medical and regulatory affairs—offers some key advice for being a successful and dependable leader, shares the difficulties of relocating for a position, discusses her experience maintaining work-life harmony, and much more. You'll get an insider's perspective on what it looks like to be a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Tania has been intimately involved and engaged in the pharmacy industry for over 20 years, and her knowledge and expertise shine as she and our podcast team discuss moving up the ladder, and the challenges that come with it. 

At a young age, Dimple discovered her passion for makeup, started her own business as a freelance makeup artist and genuinely believed that was the career path she wanted to follow. But after tapping into her talent for science and interest in medicine, she found herself in pharmacy school. An internship introduced her to the pharmaceutical industry, and it was that experience that changed her career trajectory. Hear from Dimple in podcast episode 18, where she shares her career journey thus far, tips for preparing for a similar role, and some of the lessons she learned along the way.

We are kicking off the new year with a special podcast episode. Hosts Sergio, Alex, and Aleksey are joined by Anum Saqib, a current pharmacy student who has been a critical member of the podcast team working "behind the scenes" since the start. The team reflects on their favorite episodes and what they enjoy most about hosting the podcast. Plus, they have a candid discussion about how the pandemic has changed the way they (and their colleagues) work and live. Ultimately, this episode was created to thank you. Our listeners have been incredibly supportive since the very first episode, and we can't wait to release new content this year. We wish you a new year filled with good health, happiness, and personal and professional growth. We are thrilled to be just a small part of your career journey.   SURVEY   We'd love your feedback.   Our hope is that the IPhO Podcast shares topics that you find relevant, meaningful, and helpful as you navigate your industry career—no matter what stage you're in. Please take a moment to share your thoughts in a brief survey. It won't take long, we promise!   LINK

"Ten years later, I decided to go to pharmacy school," Ornesha laughs as she opens her interview with Sergio and Alex. She jokes that she took the "scenic route," but her impressive accomplishments while on that route led her to where she is today. An honest and insightful episode, Ornesha covers everything from her (indirect) path to her fellowship, raising a young child while completing her fellowship, how important company commitment to diversity was in her evaluation, and so much more. For those who didn't secure a fellowship right out of pharmacy school, Ornesha's story will shine a bright light on how to continue developing your skills to be a prime industry candidate.   RevHealth: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/638a3c1ecf36ea329f33ebd23890cf45.pdf Boehringer-Ingelheim: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/careers/academic-programs/medicine-post-doctoral-and-post-pharmd-fellowships  Northeastern University: https://bouve.northeastern.edu/pharmacy/fellowships/ University of the Pacific: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/0fc35b2551e97b954c21eb76053e420a.pdf

Sure, it would be nice to secure a fellowship early in the recruitment season. And we understand why! It can be a stressful time. And even more stressful is reading other students' fellowship acceptance posts on LinkedIn and still waiting for your offer to come through. But if you don't secure your fellowship during the traditional recruitment cycle, remember that it isn't game over! On this episode, Aleksey is joined by Austin Murphy, PharmD. Austin is a first-year Global Safety Strategy & Risk Management Fellow at Janssen. Austin tells his story of how he initially went through the process without any offers, but still managed to get a fellowship in the end. It's always a good idea to be prepared for every situation, and this episode will help you do just that.   Novo Nordisk https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/a6a585162b1b2a4048b40e1b39092cfd.pdf University of North Carolina https://pharmacydpetfellowships.web.unc.edu/applications/ University of Southern California AbbVie: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/0cf4416bd9b6dc398284ed8efbf127a9.pdf Gilead: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/bf533185f02a7baa67053a8bfcbbb07c.pdf Kite: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/ada43d369ca28f7fce8994c0aa20461a.pdf MannKind: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/ed81e0e89f5c7073f75eacb5efc1ca2c.pdf Neurocrine: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/95870cdce0c6961e3468620e78c22583.pdf Adaptive Therapeutics: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/f8f6929abbf39218dff9f4c914803053.pdf University of the Sciences https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/8ee0b3f4f8cedcf5f24fbddf22cfc245.pdf

On this episode, Sergio and Alex are joined by Iram Hasan, who currently heads up the UCB Fellowship Program while also working in Regulatory Affairs. For Iram, a fellowship was nowhere on her radar when she was graduating pharmacy school. She stumbled upon her fellowship program and spent time evaluating industry against residency. Ultimately, though, she made a choice that changed the entire trajectory of her career. Iram shares her advice about applying to multiple functional areas, the most important traits to highlight in an interview, the unique way the UCB Fellowship Program recruits, the "intangibles" recruiters look for in candidates, and more. AbbVie https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/515a14a2320d5aa5ac12c89252ae51f6.pdf Lilly https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/6553db877502dc8c0f995c58309c1f42.pdf Pfizer https://www.mcphs.edu/academics/postgraduate-opportunities/biopharmaceutical-fellowships/pfizer-fellowships https://cppr.pharmacy.uic.edu/fellowships/ https://pharmacy.ucsd.edu/research/uc-san-diego-pfizer-post-doctoral-research-fellowship-clinical-pharmacology-oncology https://pharmafellows.rutgers.edu/partner-companies/ https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/a6a585162b1b2a4048b40e1b39092cfd.pdf Northeastern https://bouve.northeastern.edu/pharmacy/fellowships/

Worried about applying to fellowships with no prior industry experience? Don't be! Many fellowship candidates are in the same situation. And many secure positions by highlighting other transferable and relevant skills. On this episode, Aleksey is joined by Liz Wilks, PharmD, RPh, a First-Year Pfizer/Rutgers University Post-Doctoral Fellow working in Global Medical Affairs. Liz talks about her experiences applying for fellowships without having any prior direct experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and provides advice on how to best navigate the process by utilizing other life experiences.   RevHealth: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/638a3c1ecf36ea329f33ebd23890cf45.pdf   Boehringer Ingelheim: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/careers/academic-programs/medicine-post-doctoral-and-post-pharmd-fellowships   University of the Pacific: https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources/0fc35b2551e97b954c21eb76053e420a.pdf

"Coincidence or Serendipity?" Next up in our Midyear Marathon series, Veronica joins us to share her career journey and how a sequence of serendipitous events led her to pursue fellowship training. Inspired by her brother's love for research and with her strong belief in the scientific method, Veronica has always had a logical and calculated approach to life, until chance and destiny stepped in to take care of the rest. Listen in as Veronica shares her candid philosophies on navigating Midyear and her fellowship experiences. Her guiding principles? Have positive influences, come over-prepared, stay true to your values, and trust your instincts. Plus, hear how she is navigating fellowship interviews on the other side and her advice for students going through the recruitment process. The brochures mentioned in the episode can be found HERE.

In what feels like a universe full of fellowship positions, it can feel daunting to know how to narrow down options and select "the one." Should you choose a program affiliated with a university? One with a partner organization like IPhO? A one-year position or a two-year position? There are many factors to consider when determining which program is the best fit for you. On episode 11, Aleksey is joined by Jessie Kim, PharmD, MS, first-year Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow at UCB; and Richard Cale, PharmD, first-year Marketing Fellow at Becton Dickinson (BD). Aleksey, Jessie, and Richard chose fellowship positions affiliated with IPhO, and they share their thoughts on how and why they made the choices that they did when applying for fellowships.

Jim joins us for the second time on the IPhO podcast—and the timing couldn't be better. Listen in as he shares information about the important resources on the IPhO website that will help fellowship candidates and employers navigate the ever-changing fall recruitment period. Students get advice on how best to prepare for their interviews and what to do to stay organized and confident. Plus, he shares valuable tips for those conducting interviews. The key? Resist the urge to find a clone of yourself, as tempting as it might be.

Going through the fellowship interview process at Midyear poses many challenges: keeping track of timelines, preparing for interviews, staying calm under pressure, feeling confident in your responses and decisions - the list goes on and on. Thankfully, IPhO Podcast episode 9 offers some important guidance to help you prepare. On this episode, Aleksey is joined by Preston Skersick, a current US Medical Affairs Fellow at GSK/UNC. They both share tips and tricks that helped them navigate the fellowship interview process and land the positions they really wanted.

For episode eight, we are joined by Rolee Das, PharmD, who has built a successful career at Bristol Myers Squibb. Rolee dives deep into her career journey, which she says took many unexpected twists and turns. From clinical, to academia as a professor at Rutgers, to industry—she has worn many hats and shares her thoughts on each one. What advice does she have for pharmacists being told that working in industry is "selling out?" What does she enjoy most about her work? And what traits separated her top students from the rest (hint: it's not the grades)? Get answers to these questions (and so much more) in episode eight!

We are excited to release the first podcast episode hosted by our newest member of the team, Aleksey. Aleksey is joined by Corey Rantz, a current Bristol Myers Squibb fellow.   It's no surprise how important it is to find mentors throughout your career—individuals who can help guide you, answer your questions, and look out for you as you navigate industry.   But finding the right mentor can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this episode, Corey and Aleksey share personal stories about how they found and built relationships with their mentors and what other students can do to get started searching for their own. 

Aleksey, an incoming UCB/IPhO fellow and Class of 2021 graduate of Wilkes University, joins us for IPhO Podcast episode six.   As a student, Aleksey was looking for more information about Midyear, fellowship recruitment, and general advice on starting out in industry as a pharmacist. He reached out to our IPhO podcast team with the goal of creating a second monthly episode offering tips and advice for students—and the rest is history in the making!    Aleksey will join as our newest podcast host later this summer with his very first episode. And in the meantime, tune in to episode six to learn more about what's to come from Aleksey, hot topics in industry today, and more!

Nick and Sona are natural-born leaders. Not only are they excelling in their respective fellowship programs—Nick is the UCB/IPhO Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow and Sona is the RevHealth/IPhO Pharmaceutical Advertising Fellow—but they also served as co-chiefs for the National Fellows Council (NFC) during the 2020-2021 term.   Sona got her start with an industry internship by applying to nearly 100 (yes, really!) companies to find her best fit. Nick took an active role in his school's IPhO chapter and established long-lasting industry connections with mentors. Their determination and willingness to put in the work required to stand out have not gone unnoticed.     All that said: one of their key takeaways is simple. Don't feel like you need to stretch yourself too thin. Find what you're passionate about and make it better. Make a change and an impact on whatever you choose to spend your time doing, and you will be better for it.