Careers in Medical Affairs: Analyze, Coordinate, Communicate
Monday, May 3rd, 5:30 – 6 :30 PM CST
Medical affairs professionals sit at the intersection of research data, business strategy, market analysis, and science communication, providing a bridge between the drug development stage and commercialization of that treatment or methodology. They are scientists who analyze and interpret data produced through clinical trials and coordinate the representation of a product to both the public and to the company itself. They are responsible for accurately communicating scientific data and explaining the value of a drug or methodology to potential users. Join our panelists to learn about what drew them to the field, the competencies that are required to be successful in these types of careers, and their advice for how to use your scientific training to support your entry into this career path.
Cathleen Dohrn
VP, Scientific Affairs, Continuum Clinical
Dr. Dohrn is an accomplished business executive with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. Dr. Dohrn received her BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Chicago, focusing on Behavioral Science and Pharmacology. After completing a Post-doctoral Fellowship in Neuroanatomy at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St. Paul, she joined the pharmaceutical industry. In Medical and Scientific Affairs, she has led the development of global scientific strategy across multiple therapeutic areas at Abbott, Takeda, TAP, and Baxter, including pediatric diseases. She led the technical review of acquisition opportunities at TAP and Takeda, identifying risks and upsides based on the preclinical and clinical data that informed the forecast. She has also held US & global marketing, as well as sales training roles, which brings a unique perspective to clinical development and scientific affairs. After consulting for 4 years with IMS and independently, she joined Continuum Clinical in 2016. Over the years, she has used her business experience to mentor new scientists—from her alma mater and within the industry—who are interested in moving their careers beyond the bench.
Michelle Kujawski
Associate Scientific Director, AbbVie
Michelle Kujawski is from a small town west of Chicago. Michelle has a PhD in Pharmacology from Loyola University Medical Center, where her focus was on anticoagulation. She has been working in the pharmaceutical industry since 2007. Michelle started off as a Medical Writer; she transitioned into the role of Publications Manager, eventually becoming a Scientific Director. Michelle has worked in the cardiovascular metabolic space as well as gastroenterology. Michelle lives in Sandwich, IL with her son and daughter. She enjoys waterskiing, reading and running having completed two Dopy Challenges at Disney.
Caitlyn Yeykal
Director, Global Medical Affairs
Caitlyn Yeykal (’12 PhD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of Chicago in 2012 before moving onto a Mount Sinai research team for an early-phase clinical trial investigating Drosophila as a high-throughput screening tool for personalized combination treatments in colorectal and thyroid cancer patients. She subsequently joined Merck as a Global Project Manager supporting an oncology development team in the research division of Merck and led the development of a number of study concepts into late development plans in collaboration with key stakeholders, as well as facilitating global regulatory submissions for a key Phase III trial in lung cancer. Caitlyn then matriculated within Merck to Global Medical Affairs focusing on Women’s Cancers and the company alliances with Astra-Zeneca and Eisai. She is currently a Global Director of Medical Affairs supporting the cervical and endometrial cancer research programs. Caitlyn lives in New Jersey with her husband, two human puppies, and one actual dog. She enjoys baking, gardening, and pretending to like serious literature more than YA fantasy novels.