In this episode, we’re diving deep into the heart of landing a job in Medical Affairs. Whether you're transitioning from clinical practice, academia, or another scientific field, we’ve got you covered! Join me, Dr. Philip Cruz, as we kick off Season 2 of The Pharma Medic Podcast, where we’ll walk you through the mental and practical strategies to help you succeed in this highly competitive industry.

We’ll begin by tackling the critical step of mental preparation—a game-changer for anyone trying to break into Medical Affairs. How do you build the confidence, resilience, and focus needed to ace interviews and stand out from the crowd? I’ll share valuable insights, including how you can apply the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai to find your purpose and align your passions, strengths, and career goals.

Next, we’ll explore practical strategies to handle tough interview questions, like communicating complex scientific data to non-experts. I’ll introduce you to the STAR method for answering questions with clarity and impact, ensuring that your responses are structured and memorable.

We’ll also touch on the concept of Zanshin, another Japanese philosophy, which teaches you to stay present and maintain composure under pressure. Zanshin helps you handle the unexpected during interviews, adapt to feedback, and remain mentally sharp even after the interview is over. These philosophies provide a solid foundation for navigating the challenging yet rewarding path into Medical Affairs.

Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or aiming for a leadership role, this episode has something for you. Tune in and get ready to land that Medical Affairs dream job!