Archie Yellow-Duke, US Medical Affairs - Pfizer Inc
Education
I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and obtained my Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) at California Northstate University College of Pharmacy.
Current Role
I am currently the US Medical Affairs Fellow at Pfizer through the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF). The fellowship provides a comprehensive foundation of medical affairs; the strategies that connect clinical research and development to marketing through communication of scientific data. The role enables the fellow to engage as a scientific expert with internal stakeholders cross functionally and with external stakeholders such as health care providers (HCPs) and key opinion leaders (KOLs).
What do you enjoy most about your fellowship?
I take pride in the fact that our work can have such a huge impact on others. We can have a positive impact globally on the lives we help in our therapeutic area. My fellowship provides me the opportunity to work in different therapeutic areas thus enhancing my experience and allowing me to stay abreast on my clinical knowledge
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What are some of the obstacles of your position?
The fellowship position offers valuable experiences through both Pfizer and Rutgers University. This can be difficult for someone like me who likes to get involved in a lot of different things. Fortunately, the program is filled with great preceptors, colleagues, mentors and co-fellows to guide you. My preceptor has provided me with the most valuable experiences to help meet my professional goals while encouraging a good work-life balance.
What is the greatest impact of an industry pharmacist in the pharmaceutical industry?
Pharmacists are among the most trusted HCPs, so the value that pharmacists provide not only in a dispensary role but also in a consultative role with patients is very valuable to the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmacists know what kind of information consumers need to know about medications; they listen to their concerns, and are able to bring fresh insights into unmet medical needs. Pharmacist can bring clinical and scientific knowledge that leads to effective use of drugs and better health outcomes.
What are some of the issues industry pharmacists currently face?
Due to the misconceptions of a pharmacist’s educational training and clinical background some companies may see them fit for only certain functional roles like Medical Information or Safety. This can also lead to deserving pharmacists not acquiring leadership positions. Pharmacists can prevent this by being proactive and educating employers on their educational and clinical backgrounds, valuable skillsets, knowledge base and capabilities. In addition, many pharmacists seek extra degrees to supplement their Pharm.Ds, such as an M.S or MBA. The RPIF Program emphasizes continual professional development which is helpful in overcoming this issue. Professional development may consist of a fellowship, attending conferences, scholarly activities, certifications and more.
Tips and advice to students seeking an industry fellowship
It is very important to know the role and position you are seeking. Having a good understanding of the functional area will make it that much easier for you to highlight your personal skillsets and traits that would align to the position/role you seek. Take advantage of all the resources available to you in order to again valuable insight about the industry. Possible resources may include a professor, program director, preceptor, current or past fellow and an industry website/blog.