On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, Alena introduces our newest podcast hosts: Daniel Ghattas, U.S. and Global Medical Strategy Fellow at Pfizer Oncology, and Una Mehmedović, Marketing and Content Strategy Fellow at Medical Leverage!

Daniel and Una share their unique journeys pursuing careers in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting how APPE rotations, internships, retail and hospital pharmacy experience, student organization involvement, and more helped shape their interest in the industry.

They discuss how these experiences helped them develop transferable skills essential to the pharmaceutical industry, while also sharing valuable advice for those seeking a career in the industry.

Daniel and Una also share their vision for the IPhO Podcast as incoming co-hosts and what they hope to accomplish in the year ahead.

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we are joined by Raj Shah, Associate Principal Scientist and Regulatory Affairs Liaison in Neuroscience at Merck, and Timothy Haji, Associate Director in U.S. Regulatory Affairs at Merck and former Rutgers RPIF Regulatory Affairs Fellow.

Raj and Tim share how their careers in the pharmaceutical industry began, one through direct entry and the other through a regulatory affairs fellowship, and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and mentorship that helped shape their paths.

They explore key topics for students and early-career professionals, including the differences between fellowship and direct entry roles, how to build credibility early in your career, and the importance of networking, communication, and presentation skills in industry.

They also touch on the growing role of artificial intelligence in regulatory work, along with practical advice on mentorship, professional development, and making the most of opportunities throughout pharmacy school and beyond. Listen in now!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Earl Ettienne, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Industrial Partnerships at Howard University, and a nationally respected pharmacy leader, researcher, educator, and mentor.

As a child, Dr. Ettienne did not see the remedy prepared, but he witnessed its impact. After his godfather suffered severe burns, a pharmacist’s custom mixture helped save his life, inspiring Dr. Ettienne to pursue pharmacy and help others.

Dr. Ettienne recalls and recounts the name of everyone who impacted his life. He remembers every opportunity he was given, and every challenge he overcame. He places an incredible amount of importance on trust, integrity, and resiliency. And he shares his best advice and most personal, meaningful experiences with us on this podcast episode. This is one you don't want to miss!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we’re spotlighting the inspiring journey of Dalila Masic, PharmD, Regional Medical Director - T1D Immunology at Sanofi.

In this special episode of the IPhO Podcast, Waleed Elsweesy, Current National Student Officer for Marketing & Partnerships, sits down with Melissa Rodenbach, IPhO Vice President, Marketing and Communications; and Daniel Ghattas, Former National Student Officer for Marketing & Partnerships and current first-year Fellow at Pfizer in U.S. & Global Medical Affairs, Hematology/Oncology; to talk all things IPhO Annual Meeting!

On this exciting episode of the IPhO Podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on the unique experiences of fellows working in one of the most critical phases of drug development: late-stage clinical development!

In this conversation with their co-fellow and host, Alena Abraham, PharmD, they share their personal journeys into clinical development, what guided them toward their specific therapeutic areas, and how they’ve tackled common challenges, such as steep learning curves and navigating collaboration difficulties.

On this exciting episode of the IPhO Podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on the unique experiences of fellows working in one of the most critical phases of drug development: late-stage clinical development!

In this conversation with their co-fellow and host, Alena Abraham, PharmD, they share their personal journeys into clinical development, what guided them toward their specific therapeutic areas, and how they’ve tackled common challenges, such as steep learning curves and navigating collaboration difficulties.

On this special episode of the IPhO Podcast, we’re doing something a little different!

Instead of featuring pharmaceutical industry leaders or fellows, we’re spotlighting our incredible pharmacy students—specifically, the top two winning teams from the 2024-25 VIP Case Competition: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (SJU)!

Join us as we sit down with Anna Liu, team lead from VCU, and Christ Do, team lead from SJU, to hear what set their teams apart. They’ll break down the key elements that led to their success, including their team strategy and timeline, how they leveraged their networks to gain insight from fellows, and the leadership styles and team dynamics that helped them stand out.

If your chapter is planning to participate in the next competition and you want to know what it takes to win, you won’t want to miss this episode!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we’re joined by Bolu Oladini, PharmD, BCMAS, Director, Generative AI Medical Content Lead at Pfizer.

Bolu walks us through his career journey, from starting in medical communications, where he mastered the art of storytelling, to his transition into medical affairs and his current leadership role.

He shares how his passion for innovation led him to explore the intersection of AI and medical affairs, and offers insights on how to thoughtfully leverage AI in the pharmaceutical industry.

Beyond his work in pharma, Bolu opens up about his new book, which focuses on resilience and finding strength through hardship.

This episode is packed with inspiration, forward-thinking perspectives, and practical advice for navigating both career and personal growth. We hope you enjoy it!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, you'll meet Ajith Varghese, PharmD, Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant.

Ajith takes us along on his career journey, which began in retail pharmacy and has culminated in a successful transition to the pharmaceutical industry.

He shares his advice on how to craft a standout resume that captures your unique skills and experiences, strategies for effective interview preparation, and the key skills and mindset needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

Whether you're a pharmacy student, a recent graduate, or a professional considering a career shift, this episode has plenty of practical advice and inspiration to help you take the next step in your career journey. Enjoy!