The IPhO Podcast

This episode of the IPhO Podcast highlights the important role of Scientific Communications and Publications at Incyte, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and delivering innovative medicines for patients.

We are joined by Rakhee Shah, Executive Director, Scientific Communications & Publications; Jennica Lewis, Senior Director, Scientific Communications & Publications; and Ana Kirillov, Global Publications Fellow.

Rakhee, Jennica, and Ana discuss Incyte as a company, the Global Publications Fellowship in hematology and oncology, and the role of Scientific Communications and Publications. They explain how clinical trial findings are shared with the scientific community, the importance of teamwork, and the skills and experiences that can help fellowship candidates succeed.

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about Incyte and its Global Publications Fellowship in partnership with Saint Joseph’s University.

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we are highlighting how the IPhO Annual Meeting can help students prepare for the industry fellowship process.

We are joined by Jenna Brady, PharmD, a first-year Medical Affairs Fellow at GSK in affiliation with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jenna shares her experience attending the IPhO Annual Meeting last year and how it helped prepare her for fellowship applications. She discusses how the Annual Meeting provides students with opportunities to connect with current fellows and industry professionals, learn more about various fellowship programs, and gain valuable insights ahead of the application process.

The IPhO Annual Meeting will take place September 17–20, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry professionals, expand your network, and prepare yourself for the upcoming fellowship season!

On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we’re featuring the winner of our 2025-2026 VIP Case Competition, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)!

We’re joined by Kat Gallison, third-year PharmD student; Maggie Khoury, third-year PharmD student; and Demi Anastasiadis, Lead, US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy at Sanofi.

Kat, Maggie, and Demi discuss the role of patient advocacy in the pharmaceutical industry, including how collaboration with patients and key stakeholders can help address barriers to care and improve patient outcomes. Kat and Maggie also share their experiences in the VIP Case Competition, how it expanded their understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and their perspectives on patient advocacy as a new functional area in the competition.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the VIP Case Competition, sharing insider information about Sanofi’s sponsorship, the UCSF team’s in-person presentation and visit to Sanofi’s offices, and their approach to identifying and addressing unmet patient needs. Listen now!

On this podcast episode, we spotlight our IPhO Annual Meeting Premier Sponsor, the USC Mann Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program.

We are joined by Michael Lim, USC Fellowship Director; along with former fellows Keya Patel, who transitioned from Gilead's Global Medical Affairs HIV Prevention Fellowship to a Global Medical Affairs strategy role in HIV Treatment; and Trey Graham, who transitioned from AbbVie's Medical Affairs Evidence Planning and Execution Fellowship to a Dermatology Medical Science Liaison role.

Michael, Keya, and Trey discuss the USC fellowship experience, highlighting the program's supportive structure, professional development opportunities, and resources that help fellows successfully transition into full-time roles.

They also share practical advice on taking initiative, setting expectations with preceptors, building meaningful professional relationships, and maximizing the fellowship experience. 

Whether you're just starting pharmacy school, finishing your fellowship, or preparing to launch your career, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

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.