4 minute read
Grad Gallery: Dr Babalwa Jongihlati
LinkedIn: bit.ly/3grrNrR
Current position:
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Director of Vaccine Clinical Research and Development at Pfizer South Africa
Past three positions:
Medical Director at Adcock Ingram
Medical Advisor/ Manager at Sanofi-Aventis
Medical Advisor at Adcock Ingram
Academic history:
2013 Master of Business Administration at Gordon Institute of Business Science
2006 Diploma in HIV Management at College of Medicine of South Africa
2002 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at UCT
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How did you obtain your position?
I’ve always had an interest in the research and development (R&D) of new medicines, dating back to high school. After completing my medical degree, I practiced as a Medical Officer. I particularly enjoyed and focused most of my clinical practice time in Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I was introduced to the world of Clinical R&D during my time working as a Senior Medical Officer at Coronation Hospital. The maternal unit I was working in at the time was involved in an international clinical research study sponsored by one of the pharmaceutical companies and my curiosity about the research study led me to investigate and learn more about the R&D field and pharmaceuticals within healthcare. My passion about medicine development was reignited. I always knew I wanted to be involved in solving healthcare problems from a macro perspective.
I decided I would focus on Medical Affairs and R&D within the pharmaceutical industry. I started as a Research Investigator/ Physician at the Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit (RMPRU). This role offered me my first opportunity to contribute to solving healthcare problems whilst also being providing one-on-one patient care.
After my experience at RMPRU, Adcock Ingram was looking for a Medical doctor with clinical research and HIV expertise to oversee their Medical Affairs and Clinical Research to support their HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs) development. I started at Adcock Ingram (local pharmaceutical company) but always wanted to play at the global stage and participate in global innovative research. I stayed three years at Adcock, and later returned as a Medical Director.
When the opportunity came to join an international pharmaceutical company (Sanofi) and gain experience in a leading global innovative pharmaceutical space, I was ready in terms of R&D experience, local medical knowledge and R&D investigator expertise. My three years at Sanofi cemented my skills in global clinical trials oversight.
What do your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
My role at Pfizer is looking after vaccine clinical studies conduct, medical and clinical compliance, and ensuring medical health and safety of participants enrolled in our clinical studies. My days are never the same. I am responsible for the medical management, safety oversight and conduct of assigned Pfizer vaccine studies conducted within the African continent and globally where applicable. I provide medical and scientific expertise and oversight for the clinical trials assigned to me. I am also accountable for the design, execution, monitoring, delivery and reporting of Pfizer vaccine studies assigned to me and to ensure patient safety. I am accountable for patient safety throughout the course of the study and support the study team to achieve the study objectives. As a team, we review data from ongoing and clinical studies and make strategic decisions on dose/formulation selection based on study data. I also interact with Regulatory Authorities, Key Opinion Leaders and Principal Investigators as needed.
What value do your qualifications add to your work?
My MBChB, MBA and HIV Management specialist qualifications are key contributions to my work. My role within Pfizer is clinical and highly technical, based on my medical and infectious disease qualifications, industry and clinical trial expertise and of course enriched by my joyful positive character. My MBA has sharpened my overall leadership and time prioritisation skills.
What are the key skills that have contributed to your success so far?
Patience and having the desire to learn. The capacity to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment is key in my role. Communication skills (excellent written and oral communication) have contributed to my success. Reading about topics and areas one isn’t familiar with is key.
What advice would you give to graduates currently entering your industry?
Listen to your true calling and be passionate and intentional about it! Do not be scared to venture into unknown territories. You must be open to learn and adapt to the ever-changing environment.
What impact has COVID-19 had on your role?
COVID-19 has impacted me, personally, profoundly in countless ways. I have had to rise to live up to my commitment to serve and offer effective healthcare solutions. COVID-19 has demanded us to be innovative in how we engage internally and externally. We had to remain connected virtually and actively train our investigators and research staff on the use of our vaccine. I also had to rely on virtually connecting with my colleagues, both local and global. At the same time, COVID-19 has demonstrated our strength as individuals and communities.
How do you see the pharmaceutical and clinical research industry changing in the near future?
DIGITAL. I think the biggest change will be in the industry adopting and accepting more digital work and newer platforms of medicines such as mRNA. The R&D and regulatory approval process for new medicines will probably shorten, thereby enabling earlier access to new medicines and vaccines for healthcare workers and patients.
