In this episode of *The PharmaMedic Podcast*, titled "Reflections: Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned, and Pearls of Wisdom from My Career Journey," I take a reflective look at my career in Medical Affairs. As someone with over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This episode is a chance for me to share some of those moments, the mistakes I’ve made along the way, and the lessons that have shaped me into the professional I am today.

We kick things off by rewinding to the early days of my career. Fresh out of my pediatrics residency, I was full of ambition and ready to take on the world of clinical medicine. But life had other plans, and I found myself drawn to clinical trials and eventually Medical Affairs. Looking back, it’s clear that this shift was one of the best things that happened to me, even though it didn’t always feel like it at the time.

One of the main themes I explore in this episode is the power of vulnerability. I share a few of my early blunders—those “what was I thinking?” moments—and explain how those mistakes became my greatest teachers. Vulnerability in leadership isn’t about showing weakness; it’s about being open to learning, to failing, and then getting back up stronger. And I hope that by sharing some of my own experiences, others might feel more comfortable embracing the inevitable bumps on their career path.

I also spend time talking about relationships and trust. Medical Affairs is all about collaboration—working across teams, building bridges between stakeholders, and ultimately creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. I’ve learned that leadership is not about being the one in charge; it’s about empowering others to do their best work, trusting them, and knowing that you don’t always have to have all the answers.

A big part of my journey has been knowing when to pivot. Throughout my career, I’ve faced moments where I had to shift direction, whether that meant taking on a new role or approaching a project from a different angle. One example I share is my involvement in the EMSTAR project—an initiative I’m really proud of, but one that also taught me the importance of staying adaptable. Success is wonderful, but it’s often short-lived. What’s more important is staying open to the next opportunity and continuing to grow.

Towards the end of the episode, I share what might be one of the most important lessons I’ve learned: taking care of your well-being. Over the years, I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to slow down sometimes and focus on staying healthy—mentally and physically. I haven’t experienced anything major, but I have learned the importance of finding balance so that I can show up as my best self, both professionally and personally.

This episode is packed with stories, reflections, and insights that I hope will resonate with anyone on their own Medical Affairs journey. If there’s one takeaway I hope to leave you with, it’s this: Don’t be afraid of mistakes—they’re some of the best teachers you’ll ever have. And above all, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all learning, growing, and figuring it out as we go. [email protected].