It has been 35 long years, starting as a “Regional Scientific Manager”, as we called back then, and climbing the ladder amongst all the titles and ranks and what-have-you. At heart, I am still that field-based medical guy trying to get into see my next thought leader, and fending off sales reps trying to tag along. Nothing against commercial people, please! Just back then, had a very hardcore manager who was careful to keep us separate. I miss her every day—she was at my wedding and Godmother to my son.
Reading this board’s messages, I am both happy and sad. I am happy that so medical advances have been made. I am sad that so many bad managers and disgruntled people have made life difficult. When i graduated from pharmacy school and finished my residency and fellowship, I couldn’t wait to make a difference. Back then, pharmacy residencies were rare, and pharmacy fellowships practically non-existent. They were for pharmacists looking for academic careers. That sure has changed.
As for industry, too much has changed to even start. The Parke-Davis case was a big game-changer followed by the PhRMA Code and all of the FDA guidance. You all know that. Just reminiscing, and reminding everyone that the world in which I started in vastly different than the world that I am now leaving, professionally speaking.
The point is that I depart and I wish ALL of you the Very, Very Best. I have never seen job conditions in Medical Affairs this bad, and it is one thing that saddens me beyond belief. I have worked for over seven different employers over the years, and they all had one thing in common: constant reorganizations. My one word of advice to anyone entering: be flexible—but maintain your integrity. Your integrity is the only thing that is really yours, so guard it.
In the meantime, I have had my time in the sun. It is time for younger generations to have theirs. And again, I wish you all the Very Best.
Reading this board’s messages, I am both happy and sad. I am happy that so medical advances have been made. I am sad that so many bad managers and disgruntled people have made life difficult. When i graduated from pharmacy school and finished my residency and fellowship, I couldn’t wait to make a difference. Back then, pharmacy residencies were rare, and pharmacy fellowships practically non-existent. They were for pharmacists looking for academic careers. That sure has changed.
As for industry, too much has changed to even start. The Parke-Davis case was a big game-changer followed by the PhRMA Code and all of the FDA guidance. You all know that. Just reminiscing, and reminding everyone that the world in which I started in vastly different than the world that I am now leaving, professionally speaking.
The point is that I depart and I wish ALL of you the Very, Very Best. I have never seen job conditions in Medical Affairs this bad, and it is one thing that saddens me beyond belief. I have worked for over seven different employers over the years, and they all had one thing in common: constant reorganizations. My one word of advice to anyone entering: be flexible—but maintain your integrity. Your integrity is the only thing that is really yours, so guard it.
In the meantime, I have had my time in the sun. It is time for younger generations to have theirs. And again, I wish you all the Very Best.