The IPhO Podcast

Celebrating 50 Episodes of the IPhO Podcast with David Epstein!

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!

Episode 49: A Career of Triumphs and Challenges with Irene Laurora, PharmD

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.

Episode 48: A Journey to Industry Pharmacy Coaching with Jerry Silverman, BS Pharm

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.

Episode 47: Uncovering Your Purpose with Libby Shelton, PharmD, RPh and Rachel Hawley, PharmD

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.

Episode 46: Telling Your Story with Farrell Simon, PharmD, MBA

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

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!

Episode 44: Reflections on the Path to Fellowship with Mohamed Elzokm

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

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

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.

 

Episode 41 - The World of PK Sciences with Keroles Nakhla

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.