October 2024
From molecular biology to medical affairs: my transition to the pharmaceutical industry
My name is Mario Fernández de Frutos and I am a Master’s student in Medical Affairs, Medical Advisor and Medical Scientific Liaison de Talento-EPHOS class 2023-2024. After 5 years of studying for a PhD in molecular biology, I decided it was time to advance my career and explore the pharmaceutical industry. But let me tell you how I got here:
During my doctoral studies, I always had a desire to bring my work closer to patients. Basic research is exciting and essential, but my ultimate goal has always been to see how scientific discoveries can be translated into direct benefits for human health. I wanted to make the leap from theory to practice, from laboratories to clinics. I have been very fortunate to be involved in various research projects that have allowed me to develop a solid scientific foundation. However, as I progressed through the training, I felt that something was missing. Although I contributed to scientific knowledge, I did not have direct contact with patients or see how my discoveries directly affected their lives.
That’s when I started thinking seriously about working in the pharmaceutical industry. I realized that the sector not only deeply values scientific expertise and basic research training, but also offers unique opportunities to engage in the clinical application of science. I was particularly attracted to the idea of joining a medical department in a pharmaceutical company where I could use my scientific experience to support the development and implementation of new treatments.
My path to the pharmaceutical industry took shape when I met Talento-EPHOS. Through them, I had the opportunity to learn more about how the industry works and the different ways scientists can contribute. Talento-EPHOS offers training and mentoring programs to help researchers understand the business environment and develop the skills necessary to succeed outside academia. These experiences not only broadened my knowledge of the industry, but also gave me the confidence to make the transition.
During my courses and internships at MSD, I have had the opportunity to interact with many professionals who have already transitioned from academia to industry. These interactions allowed me to make meaningful connections, gain invaluable advice, and learn from their experiences. The networking created in this environment was essential to better understand the challenges and opportunities that await me in my new professional career.
Additionally, thanks to these internships, I can confidently say that the transition was one of the best decisions of my career. Not only do I continue to use my scientific education, but I also get the satisfaction of seeing my work directly contribute to improving the lives of patients. I participate in the development of new treatments, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and participate in various projects that have a real impact on public health. It was a real revelation to see how my training and experience could be so valuable in a context other than academia.
My experience is a clear example of how to make the leap from basic to clinical research and find a rewarding path in the pharmaceutical industry with the right support and an open mind.
