Tell us about your current position and what you find most rewarding about it.
After 17 years in critical care—2.5 years of those spent in a COVID intensive care unit—my transition into my current role as field medical director at Pfizer Vaccines was deeply influenced by witnessing firsthand how fragile and unpredictable life can be. That period taught me the value of stepping back to see the bigger picture. It ultimately led me to seek a role where I could make a broader impact.
What I find most rewarding now is the ability to influence patient outcomes at a larger scale. Rather than caring for one patient at a time in a hospital setting, I’m contributing to solutions that can improve access, equity and efficiency across populations. That shift in scope has been both meaningful and motivating.
How did USC prepare you for what you do today?
My time at USC was truly foundational. It prepared me to match into a highly competitive residency program and gave me the opportunity to return as a teacher at USC—an experience that deepened my commitment to mentorship and lifelong learning. USC instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and the confidence to set high expectations for myself and my career.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my USC experience has been the enduring mentorship, friendship and support from faculty and fellow Trojans. In fact, it was through the Trojan network that I found my first role at Pfizer. Jorge Farias, PharmD ’13, MS Healthcare Decision Analysis ’16, MBA, helped elevate my application from a stack of hundreds of CVs and played a key role in helping me land my first position at Pfizer. That kind of community and advocacy is something I’ll always be grateful for.
What new roles do you see emerging in pharmacy and healthcare?
AI is undeniably shaping the future of healthcare. To assume it won’t impact our field is a serious oversight. We’re already seeing its potential to transform everything from drug development and diagnostics to administrative workflows.
Looking ahead, I believe the most valuable roles will be those that bridge clinical expertise with technological innovation. There’s a growing need for healthcare professionals who can serve as subject matter experts—people who not only understand the clinical landscape but can also guide the ethical and practical integration of AI tools.
It’s critical that we start thinking proactively about how AI can solve real problems in healthcare and biopharma, while also recognizing its limitations and ensuring we build systems that are equitable, transparent and patient-centered. That mindset is exactly what led me to pursue a graduate certificate in AI at Stevens Institute of Technology—to deepen my understanding and be part of shaping responsible, impactful innovation in this space.
What qualities are essential for our graduates to succeed in these environments?
Resilience is absolutely essential. The healthcare and biopharma landscape is constantly evolving—whether due to emerging technologies or global health challenges. Graduates need to be adaptable, maintain a positive outlook and be prepared to pivot when circumstances change. Flexibility, combined with a growth mindset, will allow them to thrive in dynamic and often unpredictable environments.
Any advice for current students in your field?
First, stay open-minded when selecting internships and Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations. In hindsight, I wasn’t as flexible in my own choices—and that limited my exposure to opportunities I didn’t even know existed at the time. Exploring a broad range of experiences can open unexpected doors and help you discover what truly drives you.
Second, never underestimate the power of your network. The relationships you build can open doors that your résumé alone may not. As the saying goes, your network is your net worth.
Most importantly, take the time to find your “why.” Understanding what drives you—what gives your work meaning—will help guide your decisions, keep you grounded during challenges, and ensure that your career aligns with your values and passions.