Matthew, Medical Director
Lead a broad team of expert medical, pharmacist and scientifically qualified colleagues in medical affairs, clinical operations, drug safety, regulatory and quality departments to ensure the safe provision of specialist medicines.
MSC, BSc, BM, Dip Pharm Med & MRCPM
Every day is different! Early start (to avoid traffic); team meetings; travelling to meet scientific leaders / coach team members – flexible working pattern – work approximately 2 days a week from home.
I have owned my own career: 4 companies, 6 roles over 10 years in research, early clinical development, medical affairs and senior leadership.
08/2007: why: looking for something different! Trained as a pathologist; but realised this career didn't match my core strengths.
100% teamwork.
Fast, fun, challenging, every day is different.
Leading successful teams achieve significant outcomes often with very short timelines. Seeing my team(s) be recognised locally and globally – company awards.
Yes
Limitless to my own needs and desires (likely geography and work / life balance for international roles).
Negotiating, communicating, decision making, leading teams to success rather to individually succeeding. Credible medical / technical expertise.
Academia is often measured by publication outcomes; working in the pharmaceutical industry is not publication driven and metrics of success vary from company to company depending on their size / structure / portfolio.
Don't give up (I joined at a time when no-one wanted to recruit a pathologist)