This episode of Pharma Sessions is much like a pharmacy - it has something for everyone. Tune in as we reflect on critical conversations hosted by Jonathan Kaskey so far in the series. Whether it’s critical pathways into pharma careers, the opioid crisis, and work-life balance in the modern pharmaceutical industry, this recap explores it all.

What You'll Learn:

• How to transition from clinical practice to pharma by effectively translating healthcare skills into industry requirements
• Strategies to build diverse medical field teams, bridging the gap between academia and industry
• Why understanding commercialization as "getting medicines to patients at scale" can improve cross-functional collaboration
• How to create impactful patient education programs in pain management while addressing opioid crisis challenges
• The framework for establishing work-life balance in remote pharmaceutical roles while maintaining productivity
• Why developing risk mitigation strategies and patient education platforms is crucial for responsible pain management

About the Guests:Adam Laitman, MD transitioned from clinical practice to become a Medical Director in the pharmaceutical industry after serving as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). He currently serves as Director, Medical Affairs Gastroenterology and Pain Management, Salix Pharmaceuticals. His experience spans both field medical operations and internal medical strategy, providing unique insights into the evolution of medical affairs roles and the challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to industry.
Emet Anceaume, PharmD and Field Medical Leader, Spyre Therapeutics, successfully transitioned from medication therapy management to pharmaceutical industry roles, starting as a project manager before becoming an MSL. Her journey highlights the importance of identifying transferable skills and creating effective strategies for breaking into the pharmaceutical industry from clinical practice.
Paul Howe serves as a leader in the pain management space, and is currently the Chief Operations Officer at Protega Pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on addressing the opioid crisis through innovative technologies and patient education. His work combines abuse-deterrent drug development with digital health solutions to improve patient outcomes while reducing medication misuse risks.
Samin Saeed brings expertise in medical affairs leadership and cross-functional collaboration within pharmaceutical organizations. In her role of VP Early Medical Pipeline, Specialty Care, GSK, their insights focus on building effective partnerships between medical affairs and commercial teams, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and adding strategic value to drug commercialization efforts.
Jennifer Mohawk, Executive Director, Medical Affairs, Apogee Therapeutics, has spent nearly a decade in pharmaceutical industry roles, transitioning from field-based MSL work to in-house positions. She offers practical perspectives on maintaining work-life balance while working remotely in pharmaceutical industry roles, particularly for professionals balancing family responsibilities.


Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Pharma Sessions with Jonathan Kaskey01:33 Adam Laitman on Bridging the Gap: Medical School to Pharma Industry07:02 Strategic Career Transitions & Mapping Healthcare Skills to Pharma12:21 Understanding Opioid Addiction Through Pathways and Prevention16:15 Technology Solutions in Pain Management Education18:38 Building Cross-Functional Value in Medical Affairs24:33 Creating Effective Work-Life Boundaries in Pharma Careers25:58 Remote Work Success: Balancing Productivity and Family Life29:10 Closing Thoughts & Resources


Episode Resources:

• Adam Laitman on LinkedIn
• Emet Anceaume on LinkedIn
• Paul Howe on LinkedIn
• Samin Saeed on LinkedIn
• Jennifer Mohawk on LinkedIn
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn

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