RealPharma: Conversations with Pharma Pathfinders

Hiring Heat Check: What’s Hot in Biotech + Pharma Talent in Mid-2025

Episode Title: “Hiring Heat Check: What’s Hot in Biotech + Pharma Talent in Mid-2025”
🎙️ Hosts: Ian Wendt & Na-Ri Oh🎧 Guest: Kristiaan Rawlings, Executive Recruiter at EPM Scientific
 
Episode Overview:
This week, fan favorite Kristiaan Rawlings returns to RealPharma to give us the raw and real insights on pharma and biotech hiring trends as we hit the midpoint of 2025. From compensation curves and BD boom times to the rise of GLP-1s and the return of oncology, this episode is your ultimate pulse check on where hiring is headed—and how to stand out in a crowded field.
 
Key Topics Covered:
🔹 BD & Search/Eval Roles in OverdriveWhy demand is surging—and why having both scientific chops and business fluency makes you the unicorn every company wants.
 
🔹 Therapy Area Hot ListImmunology, inflammation, liver disease (MASH), GLP-1s, and yes—oncology is back, baby.
 
🔹 Career Advice for Every ArchetypeWhether you’re a lifer from Big Pharma or a job-hopper with a story to tell, Kristiaan offers smart, tactical advice on how to pitch your value.
 
🔹 Hiring Manager IntelFrom pre-reads to leave-behinds to storytelling frameworks like STAR, we cover tools that actually make you memorable in interviews.
 
🔹 Sales Teams = Prizefighters?Kristiaan breaks down why commercial ops teams are like a boxer’s entourage—and why the whole team needs to hit harder in 2025.
 
🔹 Show Me the MoneyReal talk on compensation ranges from Director to SVP (spoiler: the market’s healthy), plus trends in title inflation/deflation.
 
Mentioned in This Episode:
Sadhna Bokhiria's salary benchmark post: Kiria Research LinkedIn Post on Pharma Salary Trends
EPM Scientific (Kristiaan’s firm): https://www.epmscientific.com
 
Connect with Kristiaan Rawlings:
📩 Kristiaan on LinkedIn🧪 Check out openings at EPM Scientific: https://www.epmscientific.com/jobs
 
Episode Highlights:
“A 16-year tenure at one company? That’s a marriage. But now you’re dating again—and you need to know your story.”— Kristiaan Rawlings
 
📢 Subscribe to RealPharmaAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your dose of biopharma brilliance.
💬 Liked this episode? Let us know what roles or trends you'd like us to cover next time!

The Future of Biotech

🎙 Episode Title: The Future of Biotech
Guest: Andrew Craig, Founder of Plain English Finance | Author of Our Future is Biotech
 
 
📌 Episode Summary
In this bold and wide-ranging conversation, Ian Wendt and Na-Ri Oh sit down with Andrew Craig—British investor, entrepreneur, and author—to explore how biotechnology is poised to shape the next century in the same way physics and computing shaped the last.
Craig draws on his decades of experience as a London and New York investment banker and as a former partner at WG Partners, where he advised more than 60 biotech companies and worked on marquee deals like the $7.6B sale of Nordia Bank and IPOs for brands like EasyJet and Burberry.
But his latest passion lies at the intersection of finance and innovation: making the case that our future is biotech—without a question mark.
🔍 Topics Covered
Why biology will define the 21st century: Andrew outlines the structural and technological reasons biotech is primed for exponential impact.
CRISPR, AI, and the "exponential stack": How data storage, ML, and sequencing speed make today's breakthroughs possible.
Fixing Europe's biotech lag: The cultural, capital, and regulatory headwinds slowing biotech innovation in the UK and EU.
Rebuilding trust in pharma: Why good actors in drug development don’t get headlines—and how that hurts innovation.
From Oxford Biomedica to DNA-based storage: Vivid examples of tech cost reductions and where we're headed next.
The case for optimism: How to resist the press's negative bias and invest in human progress—literally.
📚 Resources & Links
📘 Andrew’s latest book: Our Future is Biotech on Amazon
📕 His first bestseller: How to Own the World on Amazon
🌐 Plain English Finance: www.plainenglishfinance.com
🔗 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewcraigpef
🧠 Memorable Quotes
“The last century was about physics and tech. The next one will be about biology—and by extension, biotech.”
“If success begets success, then a crop of billion-dollar biotech companies in Europe can kickstart a self-sustaining cycle of innovation and investment.”
“People forget that the smartphone they hold was a $100 million science project in the 1990s. Biotech is heading the same direction.”
“We need to fight the narrative that pharma is inherently bad. There are good actors, and we must do a better job telling those stories.”
📈 Key Takeaway
Biotech isn't just a sector—it's a structural solution to some of humanity’s greatest problems. From disease treatment to environmental restoration, the converging forces of AI, genetics, and biological engineering make this the most consequential time in science since the industrial revolution.
 

Rooted in Results: The Future of Functional Medicine with Dr. Erica Armstrong

 
🎙 Episode Title: Rooted in Results: The Future of Functional Medicine with Dr. Erica Armstrong 
 
🧬 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt sit down with Dr. Erica Armstrong, board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Root Functional Medicine, to explore the promise, challenges, and evolution of functional medicine. Dr. Armstrong discusses how Root’s systems-based, data-driven approach is helping patients uncover the root causes of chronic disease, improve outcomes, and reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals—all while scaling care with smart tech and telehealth.
Whether you're in biotech, med affairs, or digital health, this conversation offers an eye-opening look into how patient-centric, preventative medicine could transform our approach to chronic disease—and what pharma can learn from it.
🧪 What You'll Learn:
Why traditional medicine may be great at managing symptoms—but not always solving problems
How functional medicine complements pharmaceuticals and improves adherence
The biomarkers we’re missing (hello, fasting insulin!)
Why nutrition might be the most under-prescribed medicine
How Root Functional Medicine is scaling personalized care without sacrificing quality
The role of AI, telehealth, and tech platforms in building the future of functional medicine
🧵 Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔹 Guest Bio & Links
Dr. Erica Armstrong, MD, IFMCPFounder, Root Functional MedicineLinkedIn: Dr. Erica ArmstrongWebsite: rootfunctionalmedicine.comInstagram: @rootfunctionalmedicine
📘 Publications & Tools
The PCOS Thyroid Connection by Dr. Erica ArmstrongAvailable on Amazon
Root’s Blog & White Papers➤ rootfunctionalmedicine.com/blog➤ White paper on Autoimmune Conditions: Read here
💊 Related Guests Mentioned
Dr. Grace Magedman — Leadership & functional medicine coachLinkedIn: Dr. Grace Magedman
💡 Topics Mentioned
Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) training: functionalmedicine.org
GLP-1s and functional complements to pharmaceutical therapies
Personalized lab testing and the Root Cause Panel
📱 Follow the Hosts
Nari Oh – LinkedIn
Ian Wendt – LinkedIn
🧠 Favorite Quotes🗣 "Functional medicine is not more expensive than missed work, missed vacations, or endless procedures with no answers." – Dr. Erica Armstrong
🧪 "We start with conventionally trained MDs and pair them with dietitians to make the magic happen."
🧠 "Balanced blood sugar—protein, fat, and fiber—is the one thing I tell everyone to start with."
 

Cracking the Code on Patient Engagement: Conversational AI with Dan Fox

🎙️ RealPharma Podcast
Episode Title: Cracking the Code on Patient Engagement: Conversational AI with Dan Fox
🗓️ Release Date: May 5, 2025🎧 Hosts: Dr. Na-Ri Oh & Ian Wendt🎤 Guest: Dan Fox, Managing Director of Healthcare at Drips
Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening episode, we welcome Dan Fox, a trailblazer in AI-powered patient communication, to explore how proactive outreach and conversational AI are reshaping healthcare engagement. As the Managing Director of Healthcare at Drips, Dan shares how his team is using SMS-based AI to boost patient adherence, improve outcomes, and build trust—even in the face of complex compliance and tech fluency challenges.
From personalized text reminders that get 60–80% response rates to thoughtful strategies for integrating AI without sacrificing patient experience, Dan takes us deep into what’s working (and what’s not) in healthcare communication today. Plus, he shares what excites him most about the future—including AI therapists, ambient scribes, and closing the tech adoption gap in health systems.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
Why “attention” is the biggest communication challenge in healthcare
How AI-driven SMS is outperforming traditional channels like email and mail
Real-world outcomes: 4.1% improvement in national medication adherence rates
Navigating regulatory complexity with Drips' proprietary “rules engine”
Why many healthcare orgs use “compliance” as a crutch against innovation
Texting seniors? Yes—it works (and they even say “thank you, sweetie” ❤️)
The future of AI in healthcare: from virtual triage to AI therapists
🧠 Notable Quotes:
“We’re not using generative AI in our consumer outreach—because every single word needs to be approved. But we use AI to scale natural conversations.” – Dan Fox
“Trust is everything. We use personalization and omnichannel context to build it—one message at a time.” – Dan Fox
“We don’t want PHI. We just want to start the right conversation.” – Dan Fox
📘 Resources Mentioned:
Drips.com – Learn more about their AI-powered engagement solutions
CMS Star Ratings: Why medication adherence matters
Companies like RxAnte mentioned for rules-based healthcare targeting
📩 Connect with Dan Fox:
Website: drips.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsweeneyfox/
Role: Healthcare Strategy Lead
🎧 How to Listen:
Available wherever you get your podcasts—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.
 

Healthcare Leadership and Resilience with Grace Magedman

In this powerful and deeply human episode of RealPharma, we’re joined by Grace Magedman, PharmD—former Chief Pharmacy Officer at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of The Magidman Group.Grace takes us inside her 20+ years of hospital pharmacy leadership, where she navigated high-stakes medication decisions, complex implementation of rare disease therapies, and the ethical strain of resource constraints. But her most transformative leadership moment came not in the boardroom—but in her own experience of burnout.Now a certified high-performance coach, Grace shares how she rebuilt from the inside out, creating the Functional Resilience Framework—a science-based system that blends neuroscience, functional medicine, and leadership development to help others sustain performance without sacrificing purpose.Whether you’re in pharma, hospital leadership, or simply navigating the demands of high-impact work, Grace’s insights offer a roadmap to lead with clarity, energy, and longevity.📌 Resources & Links:Learn more about Grace’s work: magedmangroup.comConnect with Grace on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/magedman/Interested in the Functional Resilience Framework? Contact Grace directly for coaching or workshops.

Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care Part 2: Dr. Yaming Wang on Innovation, Access, and the Power of Knowledge

In this second part of our deep dive into hematology and oncology, we welcome back Dr. Yaming Wang, founder of Alphabet Health LTD and an expert in molecular oncology, pharmaceutical strategy, and medical education. Building on our previous discussion, we explore cutting-edge advancements in cancer diagnostics and therapies, including the promise and limitations of liquid biopsies, the evolution of immunotherapy, and the expanding role of CAR-T and antibody-drug conjugates.But innovation alone isn’t enough—how do we ensure these breakthroughs reach the patients who need them most? We tackle the challenges of healthcare communication, provider education, and patient access, examining how AI, public health initiatives, and systemic change can bridge the gap between scientific progress and real-world impact.Join hosts Dr. Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that not only highlights the science behind cancer treatment but also the urgent need to make these life-saving therapies more widely accessible. Don't miss this critical discussion on the future of oncology!

Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care Part1: Dr. Yaming Wang on Innovation, Access, and the Power of Knowledge

🎙 RealPharma Podcast – Oncology Part 1: Understanding the Cancer Universe with Dr. Yaming WangCancer is one of the most complex and pressing challenges in modern medicine. But how much do we really understand about it? In this first episode of our two-part oncology deep dive, we sit down with Dr. Yaming Wang, founder of Alphabet Health, to break down the fundamentals of oncology and hematology.From the earliest discoveries in cancer research to today’s cutting-edge targeted therapies and immunotherapy, Dr. Wang shares his expertise on the science behind cancer, why it remains such a difficult disease to treat, and the role of communication in bridging the gap between innovation and patient care.🔬 Topics we cover in this episode:✔ The difference between solid tumors and blood cancers✔ Why cancer is like its own universe in medicine✔ How early detection and screening can make a difference✔ The evolution of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy✔ Why science alone isn’t enough—effective communication is keyWhether you're a biotech professional, healthcare communicator, or just curious about the latest in oncology, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Resources:Dr. Yaming Wang on LinkedInAlphabet Health LTDGeneral Cancer Information & Education:🔹 National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Comprehensive cancer research and education👉 https://www.cancer.gov🔹 American Cancer Society (ACS) – Trusted resource for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment👉 https://www.cancer.org🔹 World Health Organization (WHO) – Cancer Fact Sheet – Global insights on cancer trends and impact👉 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancerOncology Research & Innovations:🔹 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – Latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment and clinical trials👉 https://www.asco.org🔹 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) – Guidelines for cancer treatment and best practices👉 https://www.nccn.org🔹 ClinicalTrials.gov – Find ongoing cancer clinical trials worldwide👉 https://clinicaltrials.govCancer Screening & Prevention:🔹 CDC Cancer Prevention & Screening Guidelines – Know the recommended screening tests👉 https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/index.htm🔹 Prevent Cancer Foundation – Focus on early detection and prevention strategies👉 https://www.preventcancer.orgEmerging Technologies & Future of Cancer Care:🔹 Caris Life Sciences – Liquid Biopsy & Precision Oncology👉 https://www.carislifesciences.com🔹 National Cancer Institute – Immunotherapy Research👉 https://www.cancer.gov/research/areas/treatment/immunotherapy🔹 AI in Oncology: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Cancer Detection (Article from Nature)👉 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00847-2#RealPharmaPodcast #Oncology #CancerResearch #Biotech #Pharma #MedicalInnovation #Immunotherapy #Healthcare

The Future of Healing: Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine & What’s Next

In this episode of Real Pharma, hosts Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt engage with Joshua Kettner, co-founder of DreamBody Clinic, to explore the intricacies of stem cell therapy.They discuss the clinic's unique approach to regenerative medicine, the science behind mesenchymal stem cells, and the various applications and limitations of this therapy. The conversation also delves into the regulatory challenges faced in the US and how these impact the availability of such treatments. Kettner shares personal anecdotes and insights from his experience in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of stem cell therapy.In this conversation, Joshua Ketner discusses the complexities of stem cell therapy, including FDA regulations, economic challenges, and the importance of donor vetting. He highlights the risks and efficacy of treatments, the growing interest in longevity and anti-aging, and the vision behind his clinic's approach to regenerative medicine. The discussion emphasizes the need for better accessibility to these treatments for patients in need.Resources:Deam Body ClinicThe Ultimate Guide to Stem Cell TherapyStem Cell Research Learning CenterStem cells: What they are and what they do

Psychedelic Renaissance: Insights from Ethnopharmacologist Dennis McKenna

In this riveting episode of RealPharma, hosts Na-Ri Oh and Ian Wendt sit down with the renowned ethnopharmacologist, Dennis McKenna, to explore the profound intersection of nature, science, and healing. From Dennis’s storied journey into the world of plant medicines to the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapies, this conversation is as thought-provoking as it is inspiring.Key Topics Discussed: 🌿 Dennis’s Journey: How an early fascination with psychedelics and traditional practices shaped his career in ethnopharmacology. 🌌 Modern Psychedelic Science: The exciting potential of compounds like Ibogaine and psilocybin for treating addiction, PTSD, and neurodegenerative disorders. 🌍 Ethical Dimensions: The importance of honoring indigenous knowledge and the call for reciprocity in drug development. 🔬 Challenges in Biopharma: Why current regulatory frameworks struggle with psychedelics and how innovation can bridge the gap. 🎤 McKenna Academy's Mission: Insights into biodiversity preservation, education, and the Academy’s role in advancing plant medicine research.Notable Moments:Dennis recounts the inspiration behind his 50-year journey in ethnopharmacology.A deep dive into the “set and setting” principle and its importance for both traditional and modern psychedelic practices.Discussion on how biopharma can balance commercialization with ethical responsibilities toward indigenous communities.Insights into the upcoming COCA Summit and its aim to shift perceptions and regulations around this misunderstood plant.Resources:Dennis McKenna on LinkedInDennis McKenna on WikipediaMcKenna Academy of Natural PhilosophyWisdom of the Leaf Coca SummitDennis McKenna booksLykos path to MDMA approval

Unlocking Pharma Career Success in 2025: Insights from Kristiaan Rawlings

Year-End Wrap-Up with Kristiaan RawlingsIn this episode of the Real Pharma Podcast, hosts Ian Wendt and Na-Ri Oh welcome back frequent guest Kristiaan Rawlings, a seasoned commercial pharmaceutical recruiter, for a year-end reflection on the pharmaceutical job market in 2024 and a look ahead to 2025. The discussion highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities for candidates and employers alike.Key Highlights:Job Market TrendsExecutive PresenceHot Therapeutic AreasAdvice for CandidatesEmployer InsightsLooking to 2025Resources:Kristiaan Rawlings on LinkedInEPM ScientificBiospace: Top 12 Companies Hiring in Biopharma