Medical Affairs Careers | Clinical Research Physician

Medical Affairs is an integral department within pharmaceutical and biotech companies. This department takes care of medical aspects of clinical development including clinical trials, adverse event monitoring and scrutiny of promotional material i.e. of medico-marketing. Medical Affairs careers are exciting as this function plays a vital role in the licensing and marketing of medicinal drugs and therapies. Medical Affairs department is responsible for providing medical and clinical expertise to internal and external groups and provides significant input in designing, conducting and reporting clinical trials. The primary goals of this department are to connect research, product development, and scientific publications. Medical Affairs function enhances an organization’s scientific reputation and promotes the work of Research and Development (R&D) to inform about the proper use of the organization’s products, therapies and diagnostics. Medical Affairs Professionals are involved in training of sales representatives and marketing staff and contribute towards interpretation of scientific data for the company.

Following are some of the common roles available within drug companies in the Medical Affairs department:

– Clinical Research Physician
– Medical / Scientific Advisor
– Medical Monitor
– Medical Science Liaison
– Medical Affairs Director

CLINICAL RESEARCH PHYSICIAN (CRP)

In the pharmaceutical industry, qualified medical doctors (physicians) can explore a wide range of career paths. Clinical Research Physician (CRP) is a qualified doctor who works in this rapidly changing and challenging environment of clinical research. The role of a CRP provides opportunities to produce proposals for the management of a set of diverse roles and allows for fast professional development opportunities with a clear career path. Strong clinical and academic education are required to become a Clinical Research Physician. A CRP plays a number of roles and some of them are:

– To work as a principal investigator for Bioavailability & Bioequivalence clinical studies
– To support sales and marketing teams
– To advise on development of clinical trial designs, protocols and study reports
– To conduct safety medical reviews and surveillance activities for organizations products
– To contribute towards the development of pharmaceutical regulatory documents and dossiers
– To contribute to medico-marketing
– To build relationships with key opinion leaders in the pharmaceutical industry
– To organize and participate in new product launch events

Skills and Competencies:

– Good communication skills
– Strong organizational skills
– Good public speaking skills
– Ability to multitask
– Leadership skills

Educational Background:

– Medical Degree with Registration Certificate
– Diploma or Degree in Pharmaceutical Medicine / Translational Medicine or Clinical Research is recommended

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM

For a career as a Clinical Research Physician we suggest you consider the following online program(s):

Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine
Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Translational Medicine
Professional Diploma in Medico-Marketing