Advice From the Frontlines of Pharma: Holistic Healthcare, The Opioid Crisis & Remote-Work in Pharma
September 25, 2025
This episode of Pharma Sessions is much like a pharmacy - it has something for everyone. Tune in as we reflect on critical conversations hosted by Jonathan Kaskey, so far in the series. Whether it’s critical pathways into pharma careers, the opioid crisis, and work-life balance in the modern pharmaceutical industry, this recap explores it all. From transitioning into MSL roles to building diverse medical teams, guests share practical strategies for career advancement and cross-functional collaboration, offering valuable insights on medical affairs leadership, risk mitigation in pain management, and creating boundaries while working remotely.
Think of this as the playbook for pharmaceutical professionals looking to navigate industry challenges and advance their careers.
This episode of Pharma Sessions is much like a pharmacy - it has something for everyone. Tune in as we reflect on critical conversations hosted by Jonathan Kaskey so far in the series. Whether it’s critical pathways into pharma careers, the opioid crisis, and work-life balance in the modern pharmaceutical industry, this recap explores it all.
What You'll Learn:
- How to transition from clinical practice to pharma by effectively translating healthcare skills into industry requirements
- Strategies to build diverse medical field teams, bridging the gap between academia and industry
- Why understanding commercialization as "getting medicines to patients at scale" can improve cross-functional collaboration
- How to create impactful patient education programs in pain management while addressing opioid crisis challenges
- The framework for establishing work-life balance in remote pharmaceutical roles while maintaining productivity
- Why developing risk mitigation strategies and patient education platforms is crucial for responsible pain management
About the Guests:
Adam Laitman, MD transitioned from clinical practice to become a Medical Director in the pharmaceutical industry after serving as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). He currently serves as Director, Medical Affairs Gastroenterology and Pain Management, Salix Pharmaceuticals. His experience spans both field medical operations and internal medical strategy, providing unique insights into the evolution of medical affairs roles and the challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to industry.
Emet Anceaume, PharmD and Field Medical Leader, Spyre Therapeutics, successfully transitioned from medication therapy management to pharmaceutical industry roles, starting as a project manager before becoming an MSL. Her journey highlights the importance of identifying transferable skills and creating effective strategies for breaking into the pharmaceutical industry from clinical practice.
Paul Howe serves as a leader in the pain management space, and is currently the Chief Operations Officer at Protega Pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on addressing the opioid crisis through innovative technologies and patient education. His work combines abuse-deterrent drug development with digital health solutions to improve patient outcomes while reducing medication misuse risks.
Samin Saeed brings expertise in medical affairs leadership and cross-functional collaboration within pharmaceutical organizations. In her role of VP Early Medical Pipeline, Specialty Care, GSK, their insights focus on building effective partnerships between medical affairs and commercial teams, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and adding strategic value to drug commercialization efforts.
Jennifer Mohawk, Executive Director, Medical Affairs, Apogee Therapeutics, has spent nearly a decade in pharmaceutical industry roles, transitioning from field-based MSL work to in-house positions. She offers practical perspectives on maintaining work-life balance while working remotely in pharmaceutical industry roles, particularly for professionals balancing family responsibilities.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Pharma Sessions with Jonathan Kaskey
00:00 Welcome to Pharma Sessions with Jonathan Kaskey
01:33 Adam Laitman on Bridging the Gap: Medical School to Pharma Industry
07:02 Strategic Career Transitions & Mapping Healthcare Skills to Pharma
12:21 Understanding Opioid Addiction Through Pathways and Prevention
16:15 Technology Solutions in Pain Management Education
18:38 Building Cross-Functional Value in Medical Affairs
24:33 Creating Effective Work-Life Boundaries in Pharma Careers
25:58 Remote Work Success: Balancing Productivity and Family Life
29:10 Closing Thoughts & Resources
Episode Resources:
Episode Resources: