The IPhO Podcast

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 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.