Sandeepkumar Balabbigari, US Medical Affairs - Merck

Education history

Pharm.D.

Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; Class of 2016

Current role/ brief description of your position

Merck - US Medical Affairs

Fellows in US Medical Affairs rotate through the various functions of the organization including: operations, content development, medical strategy, scientific engagement, and advocacy/professional affairs.

What are some of the obstacles of your position?

As the first ever fellow in my organization, the biggest obstacle I face (as I am sure most other fellows face) is demonstrating the value I can provide to my team/organization when there is no previous precedence. While I have begun to make progress, I realize there are still opportunities to continue establishing the level of responsibilities RPIF Fellows can handle and proving how impactful they can be.

In your opinion, what is the greatest impact of an industry pharmacist in the pharmaceutical industry? OR What or how can pharmacists demonstrate their value within the industry?

My belief is that pharmacists play a key role in upholding the patient perspective within the industry. Many pharmacists in the industry have spent time working in community practice and probably spent time speaking directly to patients specifically about their concerns over drug therapies, prescription pricing, and their outlook on the industry as a whole. Bringing that perspective that into the industry, I believe, helps us develop products that are more aligned with our patients needs and, ultimately, more accessible to them.

Tips and advice for anyone seeking the same position and how one can succeed in the industry. OR What can students do to develop professionally?

My biggest advice to succeeding as a fellow is to say, “Yes”. After entering into the fellowship directly after graduation, these next two years are more of an extension of pharmacy school and I want to use it as a chance to continue learning and developing professionally. If you are asked to take on more responsibility or become more involved within the organization, take it as a sign that you are doing something right. The workload may be overwhelming at times, but do not deny any opportunity to make the most of this experience.