TRANSITIONING INTO A CAREER IN THE BUSINESS OF SCIENCE

Maribelis Ruiz, PhD

Maribelis.ruiz@bms.com

May 13, 2011

OUTLINE

Introduction – my career track

Successful Transitions: Lessons

learned

Managing your career

MY CAREER TRACK

MEDICAL SCIENCE LIAISON

Medical Affairs Representative in the field, disease area and product expert Deliver complex scientific and clinical

information to diverse audience Engage thought leaders with the company

(speakers, investigators, advisors) Internal consultant for R&D, sales, and marketing Competitive intelligence (congress, symposia) Internal training

Life cycle of the product dictates the amount of time spent on different activities

VENTURE CAPITAL Venture firm invests in private companies (do

not trade in stock market) in exchange for an ownership stake. Actively assist in growth and obtain return on investment.

Associate in a Venture Firms Evaluate business plans Provide recommendations to the investment

committee on the risks and potential rewards of the investment

Negotiate terms of investment Follow up portfolio companies on reaching their

milestones Track the competitive landscape of the portfolio

companies Identify exit opportunities

Education

Postdoctoral Research Baylor College of Medicine, 2003

Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences- Cancer Biology, University of Texas Houston- MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2003

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus, 1997 Magna Cum Laude

ReferencesAvailable upon request

Publications

Maribelis Ruiz, Curtis Pettaway, Renduo Song, Oliver Stoeltzing, Lee Ellis, and Menashe Bar-Eli. Activator protein-2a inhibits tumorigenicity and represses VEGF transcription in prostate cancer cells. Cancer Research 2004 January; 64(2):631-8.

Maribelis Ruiz, Patricia Troncoso, Christiana Bruns, and Menashe Bar-Eli. AP-2a Transcription Factor Expression is Associated with Normal Luminal Differentiation and Lost in Prostate Cancer. Clinical Cancer Research 2001 December; 7(12):4086-95.

Dina Lev Chelouche, Maribelis Ruiz, Lisa Mills, Eric McGary, Janet E.Price, and Manashe Bar-Eli. Dacarbazine (DTIC) Causes Transcriptional Upregulation of Interlukin-8 (IL-8) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Melanoma Cells. A Possible Escape of Mechanism from Chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2003 Aug;2(8):753-63.

Carmen Tellez, Marya McCarty, Maribelis Ruiz and Menashe Bar-Eli. Loss of AP-2 results in overexpression of the thrombin receptor (PAR-1) and correlates with the malignant phenotype of human melanoma. J Biol Chem 2003 Nov 21;278(47):46632-42.

Dina Chelouche Lev, Lee Su Kim, Vladislava Melnikova, Maribelis Ruiz, Honnavara N. Ananthaswamy, and Janet Price. Dual Blockade of EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation potentiates growth inhibition of breast cancer cells. Br J Cancer 2004 Aug 16; 91(4):795-802.

Dina Chelouche Lev, Amir Onn, Vladislava O. Melinkova, Claudia Miller, Valerie Stone, Maribelis Ruiz, Eric C. McGary, Honnavara N. Ananthaswamy, Janet E. Price, and Menashe Bar-Eli. Exposure of Melanoma Cells to Dacarbazine Results in Enhanced Tumor Growth and Metastasis In Vivo. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004 June; 22(11): 2092-2100.

3M PHARMACEUTICALS, HOUSTON, TX 2004 – 2005Immunology Medical Science Liaison: Lectured on the mechanism of action of Immune Response Modifiers used for the treatment of precancerous lesions of the skin at diverse venues from Lunch and Learn, advisory board meetings, speaker trainings, and sales force training. Developed training modules and provide custom-made Lunch and Learn presentations to Dermatology Residency Programs on subjects of their interest to strengthen the relationship and credibility of the Company. Participated in symposia to maintain clinical and scientific expertise in Oncology, Immunology, and Dermatology. Established peer-to-peer relationships with Dermatology key opinion leaders within the US South-East region (10 states, from New Mexito to Florida). Provided information on competitive market trends and conveyed all customer feedback to the corporate office.

BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, HOUSTON, TX 2003 Postdoctoral Research Associate: Designed transgenic animal models to study prostate cancer. Collaborated with other Oncology scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in the design of research methodologies and interpretation of research findings. Successful submissions of DOD and CaP Cure grants.

MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, HOUSTON, TX 1997-2003 Graduate Research Assistant: PhD dissertation project on the Role of a Transcription Factor Activator Protein-2 in the initial stages of prostate cancer progression. Collaborated with other scientists and clinicians at MD Anderson Cancer Center on various research projects. Presented research findings at National and International scientific meetings. Planned the first CB program student-faculty retreat; including preparation of a proposal and negotiation of funding sources. .

ADVENT MORRO EQUITY PARTNERS, SAN JUAN, PR 2007 - 2010Principal: Advent Morro is the largest private equity firm in Puerto Rico, owner of Medical Card Systems (MCS), the second largest private insurance plan in Puerto Rico. Responsible for the Biotech and Healthcare portfolio. Responsible to maintain relationships with key opinion leaders in Puerto Rico, as well as government and private industry stakeholders from the healthcare industry to engage them in the identification and evaluation of business opportunities and threats in the healthcare industry. Participated in medical symposia such as ASCO, ASTRO, Bio International, among others to identify current trends in the industry. Evaluated investments opportunities for their technical risk of a new product or technology, market adoption, regulatory and reimbursement changes and management execution risks, among others. Monitor trends in an industry by reading SEC filings, press releases and scientific literature related to portfolio companies or competitors, developed financial models, operational performance metrics, and budgets for portfolio companies. Participated in the Board of Directors of companies providing Healthcare Services, and oversaw the execution of the goals by management as defined at the Board meetings.

ABBOTT LABORATORIES, SAN JUAN, PR 2006 - 2007Oncology and Virology Medical Science Liaison: Assisted Business Unit Managers to develop marketing plans for Abbott’s products. Assess the individual training needs of the sales force, managed care, and marketing personnel and provide ways to help them understand the scientific and clinical information critical to defending their market, designing impactful messaging, and appropriately presenting the clinical benefits and cost effectiveness to payers. Cultivated relations with key opinion leaders and developed advocates for company’s products. Responded Medical Information Requests and helped to develop pharmacovigilance reports. Maintained a high level of expertise in Oncology and Virology by attending seminar and symposia. ABBOTT LABORATORIES, HOUSTON, TX 2005 - 2006Oncology Medical Science Liaison: Designed a strategic plan for South-Central region that includes pre-and post-launch initiatives for Xinlay, a Phase III drug for prostate cancer. Identified and developed relationships with key opinion leaders in the US South-Central region (3 states). Disseminated results from pivotal clinical trials with Xinlay. Served as angiogenesis pipeline lead among the Medical Liaison Team. Identified and coordinated initiatives to support clinical development of Abbott’s Oncology pipeline. Attended NCI-funded Cooperative Group Meetings to identify opportunities for Abbott’s Oncology compounds. Attended scientific and clinical meetings to maintain scientific expertise in Oncology research. Shared competitive intelligence with the Oncology clinical team. Mediated proposal submissions for preclinical collaborations and monitored research progress.

Maribelis Ruiz, PhD

1500 Ave. Los Romeros Apt #304 Phone: 787-505-2130San Juan, PR 00926 maribelisr@yahoo.com

ObjectivesLeverage knowledge in Biomedical Research combined with professional experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Private Equity to accelerate adoption of new drugs or technologies, identify and pursue business opportunities on behalf of the company.

Highlights of qualificationsExecutive with 6 years of experience in Biomedical Research, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Private Equity. Strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills that make her particularly effective in leading complex projects. Fluency in written and verbal Spanish and English facilitates working relations among people with diverse backgrounds. Effective in constantly changing environments. Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Awards and HonorsDepartment of Defense Postdoctoral Fellowship (2003); Prostate Cancer Foundation (CaP Cure) Award (Co-principal investigator, 2003); Ruth L. Kirshstein National Research Service Award (2003); Sylvan Rodriguez/ Cancer Answers Award (2002); AACR Minority Scholar Award (2000, 2001, and 2002); Minority Faculty Association Scholarship (2000); Predoctoral Training Program in Cancer Immunobiology (1998-2000)

Professional Experience

BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB, SAN JUAN, PR 2010 - presentMedical Science Liaison: Responsible for part of the Oncology portfolio including marketed products such as Ixempra (breast cancer), Sprycel (chronic myeloid leukemia), and Yervoy (malignant melanoma) as well as the pipeline in breast, hematologic malignancies, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Main responsibilities include establishing peer to peer relations with key opinion leaders in Puerto Rico, speaker training, sales and marketing personnel training. Participate in scientific symposia such as ASCO, ASH, and other CME events to maintain expertise in Oncology and gain important insight regarding BMS Oncology products and current treatment landscape. Support Access Group by providing scientific presentations to key decision makers within managed care organization.

MY RESUME IN 2003

MARIBELIS RUIZ

2120 El Paseo #1206                        Houston, TX  77054                    (713) 798-4544 (work, 9:00am-6:00pm)    (832) 978-5834 (cellular)maribelisr@yahoo.com

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

•Research skills in cancer pathology, gene expression, and molecular biology and relating basic science research to clinical application•Speaking and teaching skills in both small and large groups with ease •Clinical interpretation skills•Leadership skills for scientifically-related purpose•Cost analysis skills•Adaptive skills to frequent change•Motivational skills to accomplish group goals•Mediation skills•Problem-solving skills•Cultural accommodation skills•Communication skills with fluency in written and verbal Spanish and English

AREAS OF EXPERTISE   

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY    Research involved analysis of gene expression through reverse transcriptase PCR, Western and Northern blot analysis, and zymography.  Performed gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and Southern blot analysis.  Assayed DNA content and cell surface protein expression by FACS analysis. 

MODEL SYSTEMS    Design of tissue-specific transgenic animal models employing targeted-recombination, internal ribosomal entry sites, and reporter genes to control and monitor tissue-specific expression.  Genetic manipulation of cell lines in culture.  Tissue transplantation of human and mouse cells into mice. 

CELL CULTURE    Maintained cancer cells, immortalized and normal cells grown in culture.  Performed transient and stable transfection of cells in culture, and migration assays.MICROSCOPY    Evaluation of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining; digital image capture and manipulation.

EDUCATION

2003            Postdoctoral Research             Baylor College of Medicine2003            Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences- Cancer Biology

University of Texas Houston- MD Anderson Cancer Center1997            Bachelor of Science in Industrial Microbiology University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

2003    Baylor College of Medicine    Postdoctoral Research    “Prostate cancer models of genomic instability”    “Identification of novel androgen receptor targets using chromatin immunoprecipitation” 1997-2002    University of Texas Houston – Health Science Center    Ph.D. Dissertation Project “Role of AP-2 transcription factor in prostate cancer progression”1996-1997    University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus     Undergraduate Research “Screening, cloning and characterization of a mouse immunoglobulin

gene library for binding activity against dinoflagellate toxin”        1996            University of California San Francisco- San Francisco, CA            UCSF Summer Research Training Program “Correction of the DF508 mutation of the cystic fibrosis gene by small fragment homologous replacement”

PUBLICATIONSMaribelis Ruiz, Patricia Troncoso, Christiana Bruns, and Menashe Bar-Eli.  AP-2a Transcription Factor Expression is Associated with Normal Luminal Differentiation and Lost in Prostate Cancer. Clinical Cancer Research 2001 December; 7(12):4086-95.

Okot Nyormoi, Zhi Wang, Dao Doan, Maribelis Ruiz, David McConkey, Menashe Bar-Eli.   Transcription Factor AP-2 is Cleaved and Inactivated Preferentially by Caspase-6 during TNF-a Induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells.   Molecular and Cellular Biology 2001; 21: 4856-4867.

Chang Hun Rhee, Kenneth Hess, James Jabbur, Maribelis Ruiz, Yu Yang, Stephen Chen, Alex Chenchik, Gregory N. Fuller, and Wei Zhang. cDNA Expression Array Reveals Heterogeneous Gene Expression Profiles in Three Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Oncogene 1999; 18: 2711-2717.

Maribelis Ruiz, Curtis Pettaway, Renduo Song, Oliver Stoeltzing, Lee Ellis, and Menashe Bar-Eli.   Activator protein-2a inhibits tumorigenicity and represses VEGF transcription in prostate cancer cells.  JNCI, submitted. 

Dina Lev Chelouche*, Maribelis Ruiz*, Lisa Mills, Eric McGary, Janet E. Price, and Manashe Bar-Eli.   Dacarbazine (DTIC) Causes Transcriptional Upregulation of Interlukin-8 (IL-8) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Melanoma Cells.  A Possible Escape of Mechanism from Chemotherapy.  Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 2003, 2.

Dina Chelouche Lev, Lee Su Kim, Vladislava Melnikova, Maribelis Ruiz, Honnavara N. Ananthaswamy, and Janet Price.   Dual Blockade of EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation potentiates growth inhibition of breast cancer cells.   Clinical Cancer Research, submitted.

Eric C. McGary, Amy B. Heimberger, Maribelis Ruiz, Huamin Wang, Gregory N. Fuller, Lisa Mills, Dima Suki, Gary Thomas, Mikhail Shtivelband, and Menashe Bar-Eli.  Loss of the AP-2a Transcription Factor is Associated with the Grade of Human Gliomas. Journal of Clinical Oncology, submitted.

Carmen Tellez, Marya McCarty, Maribelis Ruiz and Menashe Bar-Eli. Loss of AP-2 results in overexpression of the thrombin receptor (PAR-1) and correlates with the malignant phenotype of human melanoma.   PNAS, submitted.

* First and second author contributed equally

 

ABSTRACTSMaribelis Ruiz, Curtis Pettaway, Renduo Song, Oliver Stoeltzing, Lee M. Ellis, and Menashe Bar-Eli.   AP-2 Transcription Factor Inhibits Tumor Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells by Downregulating VEGF Expression.   Oral presentation Molecular Targets for Cancer Therapy Biannual Meeting, 2002. 

Maribelis Ruiz, Curtis A. Pettaway, Renduo Song, Patricia Troncoso, and Menashe Bar-Eli.   AP-2 Transcription Factor is a Tumor Suppressor Gene in Prostate Cancer. Minisymposium- 2002 American Association for Cancer Research 93rd Annual Meeting, and 2002 Trainee Recognition Day. 

Maribelis Ruiz, Curtis A. Pettaway, Patricia Troncoso, and Menashe Bar-Eli.   AP-2a Transcription Factor Expression is Associated with Normal Luminal Differentiation and Lost in Prostate Cancer.   Poster presentation 2001 American Association for Cancer Research 92st Annual Meeting, and 2001 MD Anderson Trainee Recognition Day.  

Maribelis Ruiz, Curtis A. Pettaway, Patricia Troncoso, and Menashe Bar-Eli.   Regulation of Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer by AP-2 Transcription Factor.  Poster discussion 2000 American Association for Cancer Research 91st Annual Meeting, and Pathobiology of Cancer Workshop. 

Eric C. McGary, Amy Heimberger, Maribelis Ruiz, Gregory Fuller, Lisa Mills, and Menashe Bar-Eli. Loss of the AP-2a transcription factor is associated with progression of human gliomas.   2003 American Association for Cancer Research 94st Annual Meeting. 

Dina Chelouche Lev, Maribelis Ruiz, Lisa Mills, Eric McGary, Janet E. Price, Menashe Bar-Eli Dacarbazine (DTIC) induces transciptional upregulation of IL-8 and VEGF in melanoma cells. A possible mechanism for resistance to chemotherapy.   2003 American Association for Cancer Research 94st Annual Meeting.  

Carlos E. Bermejo, Colin PN Dinney, Ashish Kamat, Daniel Kedar, Maribelis Ruiz, David McConkey, Menashe Bar-EliDownstream Signaling Pathways and Antiangiogenic Effects of the Pan-ErbB Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor CI1033 in a Human Bladder Cancer Cell Line.  2002 American Urology Association Meeting and 2003 American Association for Cancer Research 94st Annual Meeting.   

Gregory N. Fuller, Armineh Babaian, Sanbao Ruan,  Maribelis Ruiz, Chang Hun Rhee, Ian E. McCutcheon, Wei Zhang.   Elevated expression of p21/WAF1/Cip1 in hormonally-active pituitary adenomas. 1998 Spring Meeting American Society of Clinical Pathologists. 

Anyone in the audience currently attempting the same transition?

SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS: LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY EXPERIENCE

UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WANT TO MAKE A TRANSITION

MY REASONS The most fun parts for ME about being a scientist:

Research literature Define a hypothesis and plan the research Analyze results (potential biases, implications, next

steps) Communicate research findings to my peers Teaching

The least favorite parts for ME about being a scientist: Troubleshooting (patience is not one of my virtues) Microscopic vision of a subject Repeating experiments over and over

30%

70%

CAUTION: BEFORE CONSIDERING A TRANSITION

Describe with details the BEST DAY AT WORK

and WORST DAY AT WORK

Analyze YOURSELF (biases, skills, interests)

Understand YOUR reasons for wanting a

transition

Project yourself in 10 years

Consider personal lifeDo not skip this process, spend MONTHS analyzing these points … talk to people

HOW TO GET YOUR FEET IN THE DOOR?

Medical Science Liaisons - Dallas, TX

About the JobOur firm has been retained by several leading Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies that have an immediate need for Medical Science Liaisons (MSL).  As our clients expand globally, we are searching for talented, motivated, dedicated people who are passionate about what they do.  We are recruiting nationally for (MSL's) with a successful track record.  We have openings in various therapeutic areas including but not limited to Cardiology, CNS, Respiratory, Oncology, Dermatology, and Nephrology.  Candidates will also have a thorough understanding of the current regulatory landscape.  

MY TARGET JOB

Source: Monster.com Search April 30, 2011

Responsibilities  •Build professional relationships with local/ regional/ national opinion leaders in therapeutic areas of commercial and research interest. •Function as a key clinical/ scientific resource to KOLs •Maintain thorough and up-to-date knowledge of disease state, clinical information, and product data within assigned therapeutic area. •Identify opportunities to partner with KOLs on disease state or therapeutic initiatives. •Develop strategies and tactics to effectively communicate complex scientific education. •Effectively communicate disease state and product knowledge, either formally or informally. •Present clinical/ scientific presentations to KOLs •Physician speaker training, by individual or by group •Managed Care formulary advisory board clinical presentations •Presentations to allied healthcare provider groups (pharmacists, NP, PA, etc.) •Respond to physician consultations initiated by Sales •Provide scientific education to Sales & Marketing Personnel •Collaboration with internal colleagues •Collection, analysis, and interpretation of disease state and technical product information at medical congresses

MY TARGET JOB

Requirements  •Doctorate level scientific degree is required (PharmD, PhD, MD or equivalent) •Must be able to work independently and take initiative in setting goals, priorities, and work plans •3 to 5 years of clinical work experience in medical affairs/research •Two to three years  experience in the biotechnology and or pharmaceutical industry as an MSL •Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated effectiveness to work cross divisional as well as independently •Knowledge of the clinical trial design and protocol development •Knowledge of analysis of clinical data and pharmacology •Knowledge of principles of pharmacoeconomics •Evidence of scholarly activity through publications •Excellent organizational skills •Ability to develop and execute plans against objectives in an independent environment •Excellent written, oral and presentation skills

Source: Monster.com Search April 30, 2011

MY TARGET JOB

SUCCESSFULLY APPLYING TO YOUR DREAM JOB: LESSONS LEARNED

Make a resume SPECIFIC for the job position

AREAS OF EXPERTISE   

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY    Research involved analysis of gene expression through reverse transcriptase PCR, Western and Northern blot analysis, and zymography.  Performed gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and Southern blot analysis.  Assayed DNA content and cell surface protein expression by FACS analysis. 

MODEL SYSTEMS    Design of tissue-specific transgenic animal models employing targeted-recombination, internal ribosomal entry sites, and reporter genes to control and monitor tissue-specific expression.  Genetic manipulation of cell lines in culture.  Tissue transplantation of human and mouse cells into mice. 

CELL CULTURE    Maintained cancer cells, immortalized and normal cells grown in culture.  Performed transient and stable transfection of cells in culture, and migration assays.MICROSCOPY    Evaluation of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining; digital image capture and manipulation.

MY RESUME IN 2003

AREAS OF EXPERTISE   

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY    Research involved analysis of gene expression through reverse transcriptase PCR, Western and Northern blot analysis, and zymography.  Performed gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and Southern blot analysis.  Assayed DNA content and cell surface protein expression by FACS analysis. 

MODEL SYSTEMS    Design of tissue-specific transgenic animal models employing targeted-recombination, internal ribosomal entry sites, and reporter genes to control and monitor tissue-specific expression.  Genetic manipulation of cell lines in culture.  Tissue transplantation of human and mouse cells into mice. 

CELL CULTURE    Maintained cancer cells, immortalized and normal cells grown in culture.  Performed transient and stable transfection of cells in culture, and migration assays.MICROSCOPY    Evaluation of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining; digital image capture and manipulation.

MY RESUME IN 2003

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2003                Baylor College of Medicine                            Postdoctoral Research Associate

*  Communication Literature review and interpretation.  Analysis of scientific data.  Successful grant applications, poster presentation.   

*  Research        Design of tissue-specific transgenic animal models.  Gene  cloning and mutagenesis. Identification of transcription factor targets through chromatin immunoprecipitation. 

            1997-2003          University of Texas Houston - Health Science Center              Graduate Research Assistant

*  Teaching        Oral scientific presentations to small and large audiences of different educational backgrounds.  Lecturer at "Molecular Basis of Oncogenes" Graduate Course. 

*  Leadership    Mediation of student and faculty interests as student representative at Cancer Biology (CB) Executive Committee.  Planning of first CB program student-faculty retreat.  Proposal preparation and negotiation of funding sources. 

*  Communication Literature review and interpretation.  Preparation of research manuscripts, poster presentations, progress reports.  Assisted in grant writing. 

*  Research      Analysis of gene expression, analysis of protein function. Assayed DNA content, cell viability, and cell surface protein expression.  Maintainance and manipulation of cancer and normal cells grown in culture.  Evaluation of immunostaining through digital image capture and manipulation.

MY RESUME IN 2003 REVISED

SUCCESSFULLY APPLYING TO YOUR DREAM JOB

Make a resume SPECIFIC for the job position

Research the company that you are applying to Press releases Financial statements Stock prices Products and pipeline

Anticipate what the company is seeking and verbalize why you are good for the job

Maribelis Ruiz, PhD

1500 Ave. Los Romeros Apt #304 Phone: 787-505-2130San Juan, PR 00926 maribelisr@yahoo.com

ObjectiveLeverage knowledge in Biomedical Research combined with professional experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Private Equity to accelerate adoption of new drugs or technologies, identify and pursue business opportunities on behalf of the company.

Highlights of qualificationsExecutive with 6 years of experience in Biomedical Research, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Private Equity. Strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills that make her particularly effective in leading complex projects. Fluency in written and verbal Spanish and English facilitates working relations among people with diverse backgrounds. Effective in constantly changing environments. Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Awards and HonorsDepartment of Defense Postdoctoral Fellowship (2003); Prostate Cancer Foundation (CaP Cure) Award (Co-principal investigator, 2003); Ruth L. Kirshstein National Research Service Award (2003); Sylvan Rodriguez/ Cancer Answers Award (2002); AACR Minority Scholar Award (2000, 2001, and 2002); Minority Faculty Association Scholarship (2000); Predoctoral Training Program in Cancer Immunobiology (1998-2000)

Professional Experience

BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB, SAN JUAN, PR 2010 - presentScientific Advisor: Responsible for part of the Oncology portfolio including marketed products such as Ixempra (breast cancer), Sprycel (chronic myeloid leukemia), and Yervoy (malignant melanoma) as well as the pipeline in breast, hematologic malignancies, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Main responsibilities include establishing peer to peer relations with key opinion leaders in Puerto Rico, speaker training, sales and marketing personnel training. Participate in scientific symposia such as ASCO, ASH, and other CME events to maintain expertise in Oncology and gain important insight regarding BMS Oncology products and current treatment landscape. Support Access Group by providing scientific presentations to key decision makers within managed care organization.

Modify Objective statement for each company

SUCCESSFULLY APPLYING TO YOUR DREAM JOB

Make a resume SPECIFIC for the job position

Research the company that you are applying to Press releases Financial statements Stock prices Products and pipeline

Anticipate what the company is seeking and verbalize why you are good for the job

Fill in gaps between your experience and the requirements

Requirements  •Doctorate level scientific degree is required (PharmD, PhD, MD or equivalent) •Must be able to work independently and take initiative in setting goals, priorities, and work plans •3 to 5 years of clinical work experience in medical affairs/research •Two to three years  experience in the biotechnology and or pharmaceutical industry as an MSL •Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated effectiveness to work cross divisional as well as independently •Knowledge of the clinical trial design and protocol development •Knowledge of analysis of clinical data and pharmacology •Knowledge of principles of pharmacoeconomics •Evidence of scholarly activity through publications •Excellent organizational skills •Ability to develop and execute plans against objectives in an independent environment •Excellent written, oral and presentation skills

Source: Monster.com Search April 30, 2011

FREQUENT GAPS FOR PHD’S TRANSITIONING TO BUSINESS

Medical Science Liaison PhRMA Code Clinical trials Legal framework of Pharmaceutical companies Clinical practice (academic vs. community) Managed care Competitive landscape FDA rules

Venture Capital Finance and accounting Business legal structures Deal making and transactions Market trends in Biotech/Pharma Valuation Human resources

Program Price: $1,575.00

Great Networking Opportunity

MANAGING YOUR CAREER

COMPROMISES IN CAREER MOVES

MSL 1 MSL 2 MSL 3 Private Equity

MSL 40%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

TeachingScientificLegalOperationsFinancialMature BrandsNew BrandsClinical TrialsDrug Dev

COMPROMISES IN CAREER MOVES

MSL 1 MSL 2 MSL 3 Private Equity

MSL 40%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Travel

Travel

FINAL WORDS OF TRANSITIONING INTO BUSINESS

Spend time researching yourself

Spend time researching your desired jobs and

companies… this is a long term commitment

Network as much as possible

Fill in gaps in your resume

Take risks early in your career

Embrace opportunities to develop new skills

QUESTIONS?