Advice from Dr. Younos Abdulsattar

Mona Shadded, Pharm.D. Candidate 2027

Dr. Younos Abdulsattar is the US Medical Affairs Lead in Rare Disease at Pfizer. With his rich background, Dr. Abdulsattar embraced us with his knowledge and advice alongside Dr. Rahul Bhambri at the IPhO PDP with IPhO president Armin Pasukanovic (pictured on the left). The event quickly shifted from informative to fascinating, especially for those aspiring for a career in pharma. Knowing this event’s impact, I decided to pick Dr. Abdulsattar’s brain about his career and his advice for students passionate or at least curious about pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Did you always want to pursue industry? 

There is no right path to industry. I did not immediately know that industry would be the avenue I would walk down on. It was a decision that gradually solidified over my six years at LIU Brooklyn. As I participated in different extracurricular events, like APhA and ASHP, I found myself organizing a society named Pharmaceutical Industry Student Association. This was only a stepping stone to the realization that industry provided all that I was seeking, from diversity in the various roles to maintaining the status of a lifelong learner. Industry quickly became the professional setting that I saw myself working in for the next 30 years. 

How did residency shape you into the industry leader you are today?

At the event, many found his choice to do residency surprising, as people often suggest that fellowship is the only way into industry. Needless to say, I had to hear straight from Dr. Abdulsattar on this unconventional, yet admirable decision to pursue the road less traveled.

Contrary to expectation, I actively chose to pursue residency instead of a fellowship. The residency allowed me to further my clinical knowledge. As advantageous as rotations are in increasing clinical expertise, they were simply not enough for me. Clinical expertise is extremely important to me. So even if it would have been difficult transition, I knew that I would find a way.

Who would you say is best suited for the functional area of medical affairs? 

There are a few key aspects one should keep in mind. A medical science liaison (MSL) requires a clinical background. As such, we see more pharmacists in MSL roles. It can also serve as an entry role into industry. So intuitively, this requires clinical skills. Medical affairs, on the other hand, involves medical strategy and data analytics. This area then demands a more strategic and analytical person. Like all skills, these can be acquired but a person must have the willingness to do so. 

What is one takeaway you want students to remember from this event?

Learn as much as you can beyond the curriculum. There’s only so much you can learn in the classroom. You have no idea how far these soft skills will take you in the real world.

What’s one piece of advice you have to offer a student aspiring for a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

Take things one day at a time. Hearing and reading everyone’s varying journeys and advice can feel overwhelming, but none of it happened overnight for anyone. Remember: one day at a time.