The Pharma Medic Podcast is your go-to source for insights, stories, and expert advice in the dynamic field of medical affairs. Hosted by Philip Cruz, a seasoned medical affairs professional with 20 yrs experience and a passion for healthcare innovation, emotional intelligence, personal growth and development , each episode delves into the critical aspects of medical affairs, from navigating ethical dilemmas and leveraging digital health technologies to embracing patient-centric approaches and climbing the career ladder. Designed for healthcare professionals, aspiring medical affairs experts, and industry veterans alike, or just anyone who is curious of what we do, this podcast offers practical tips, real-world examples, and thought-provoking discussions to help you thrive in your career and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of medical affairs and uncover the strategies and skills needed to excel in this vital field.
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Season 4 Episode 3 : AI at Work Shouldn’t Mean Outsourcing Your Judgement
Season 4 · Episode 3
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 22:49
What happens when AI can give you a polished answer in seconds, but you still have to decide whether it deserves to be trusted?
In Episode 3 of Season 4, “AI at Work Shouldn’t Mean Outsourcing Your Judgement”, I explore what the rapid rise of AI means for Medical Affairs, healthcare and, more broadly, any profession built around expertise and judgement.
AI can already summarise papers, draft scientific content, synthesise information, generate first drafts and help us work faster. That is useful. But speed creates a new challenge: when the output looks convincing, sounds authoritative and arrives almost instantly, how do we know when to trust it, when to challenge it, and when to go back to the source?
The real issue is not whether AI can do the task. Increasingly, it can. The more important question is what happens if it gets the task wrong.
In this episode, I reflect on why fluency is not the same as accuracy, why removing friction from work should not mean removing the thinking, and why professional value may increasingly lie in judgement rather than simply producing the first draft.
I also introduce a simple way of checking AI-supported work: SAFER which stands for Source it, Audit it, Fit it, Explain it, and Remain responsible.
Because ultimately, AI may help us draft, analyse and accelerate. But it cannot take accountability for the decisions we make with its output.
And perhaps that is the real test of the AI era: not whether we become faster, but whether we become better at deciding what deserves our trust.
AI should reduce friction. It shouldn’t reduce standards.
Be curious. Stay credible. Be useful.
Season 4 Episode 2 : Truth Lives In The Uncertainty
Season 4
Monday, August 24, 2026 • Duration 23:46
How comfortable are you saying, “I don’t know”?
It sounds simple, but I think it is one of the harder things to say at work, particularly when people expect you to be the expert in the room.
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that expertise isn’t about always having the answer. In fact, sometimes the more experienced you become, the more comfortable you need to be recognising where your knowledge ends, where the evidence becomes less certain and where judgement has to take over.
That is what I explore in this episode of The Pharma Medic.
Uncertainty is everywhere in our working lives. It comes up in conversations about clinical evidence, project deadlines, strategy, recruitment, budgets, career decisions and leadership. Someone asks you a question and, quite often, they would really like a simple yes or no.
But life, science and business rarely work like that.
So how do you give an answer that is useful without pretending to know more than you do? How do you avoid drowning people in caveats while still being honest about what you don’t know? And how do you make a decision when you know you may never have all the information you would ideally like?
I share a simple way I’ve started thinking about this. I call it FOG.
Find the facts. Own the gaps. Go with judgement.
What do I genuinely know?
Where does my confidence start to drop?
What am I assuming?
What information am I missing?
And, perhaps most importantly, does what I don’t know actually change what I should do next?
I also talk about something I think becomes increasingly important as our careers develop. The ability to say, “I don’t know that accurately enough from memory. Let me check.”
There can be a temptation, particularly earlier in our careers, to feel that credibility comes from having an immediate answer. I’ve learned that the opposite can often be true. People remember when confidence gets ahead of the evidence. Saying you will check and then actually coming back with the answer can build far more trust than trying to bluff your way through the moment.
This feels particularly relevant today because we are surrounded by answers. Search engines give us answers. Social media gives us answers. Artificial intelligence can now produce incredibly polished and confident answers in seconds.
The question is increasingly not just, “What is the answer?”
It is, “How confident should I be in this answer?”
For me, that is becoming an important part of modern professional judgement.
As we continue this season’s theme of moving from expert to architect, perhaps our role isn’t always to remove uncertainty for other people. Sometimes it is simply to help them navigate through it.
You may not be able to see the whole road ahead.
You just need enough visibility to make the next good decision.
And perhaps that is the thought I would like to leave you with:
The mark of expertise is not certainty. It’s knowing where certainty ends.
And then having the judgement to decide what to do next.
The Pharma Medic. Be curious. Stay credible. Be useful.
The Expert Trap : Why Being Right Is No Longer Enough
Season 4 · Episode 1
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 20:52
What happens when being the expert is no longer enough?
In the first episode of Season 4 of The Pharma Medic, I explore a shift that happens in many careers: the point where your value is no longer defined simply by how much you know, but by what happens because of what you know.
We spend years building expertise, gaining qualifications, learning the evidence and becoming the person others come to for answers. But as our careers progress, something changes. Judgement matters more. Communication matters more. Context matters more. And increasingly, our impact depends on whether we can help other people make sense of complexity and make better decisions.
I call this the expert trap: the belief that if we provide enough accurate information, the right conclusion will naturally follow.
In this episode, I reflect on why technically excellent presentations sometimes lead to no real decision, why completeness can occasionally become a form of self-protection, and why there is an important difference between being correct and being useful.
I also introduce a simple framework for important conversations: Data. Meaning. Decision. What do we genuinely know? Why does it matter in this context? And what should happen next?
Although the conversation comes from my experience in Medical Affairs and healthcare, the ideas apply much more broadly to anyone whose career is built around expertise—whether in medicine, science, law, engineering, academia, consulting, business or leadership.
As our careers develop, perhaps the more interesting question is no longer simply:
“What do I know?”
It becomes:
“What happens because I’m here?”
Welcome to Season 4: From Expert to Architect.
Be curious. Stay credible. Be useful.
Season 3 Ep.6: Breaking into Medical affairs roles: Why its harder today and what you can do about it. Part 2
Season 3 · Episode 6
Sunday, May 11, 2025 • Duration 12:52
In Part 2 of this two-part series, we shift from insight to action—focusing on practical strategies for medics looking to break into medical affairs roles in 2025.
Building on Part 1, which explored why it has become increasingly difficult to enter the field, this episode is all about helping you move forward with clarity, intention, and confidence. Whether you’re a doctor, pharmacist, or scientist feeling stuck after multiple job applications, this episode offers real-world advice and guidance to help you build your way in.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
How to skill up for the modern medical affairs role by bridging gaps in business acumen, regulatory knowledge, digital fluency, and strategic thinking.
Creative ways to gain relevant experience—such as starting in adjacent roles, participating in academic-industry collaborations, taking on contract positions, or reframing your clinical and research background in industry language.
Networking tips that actually work, including how to connect authentically on platforms, build your professional presence, and find mentors who have already made the transition.
How to make your application stand out by tailoring your CV, using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate impact, and presenting transferable skills in a compelling way.
Why mindset is crucial—especially in a competitive landscape where rejection is often more about positioning than ability. We explore the importance of patience, persistence, and staying connected to your bigger purpose.
If you’ve been wondering what to do next—or how to reposition yourself after hitting repeated roadblocks—this episode is for you. It’s not about having the perfect profile; it’s about taking consistent, intentional steps that bring you closer to your first break in medical affairs.
As we say in the episode:
You’re not unqualified. You’re unpositioned.
It’s not rejection. It’s redirection.
And you don’t need to be perfect. You need to be intentional.
Whether you’re early in your journey or already applying, this episode is designed to give you renewed focus, energy, and encouragement to keep going.
Season 3 Ep. 5: Breaking into Medical affairs roles: Why its harder today and what you can do about it.
Season 3 · Episode 5
Monday, May 5, 2025 • Duration 11:26
In this first part of a two-part series, we take a deep and honest look at why it’s become significantly harder for medics to break into medical affairs roles in 2025.
This episode explores the major shifts that have taken place in the industry over the past two decades, including how medical affairs has evolved from a back-office support function to a critical strategic pillar within pharmaceutical companies. We unpack why today's hiring criteria have become increasingly stringent, bespoke, and competitive, and why even highly qualified clinicians and scientists are struggling to gain their first foothold in the field.
Key themes covered in this episode include:
The transformation of medical affairs into a strategic leadership function
The growing demand for professionals who can integrate scientific knowledge with business acumen, compliance, and digital fluency
Why many roles now receive 200+ applicants and favor those with specific therapeutic experience
The rise of digital expectations — from omnichannel communication to data-driven engagement
The importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional collaboration
Regional challenges in Europe and Asia, including regulatory constraints and cultural preferences for local experience
We also explore the emotional toll of rejection, the systemic barriers that make it feel impossible to even get an interview, and the awareness gap many candidates have about what the role actually entails. Importantly, we challenge the myth of the “perfect fit” and introduce the idea of reframing your clinical and academic experience through the lens of transferable skills.
This episode is a blend of realism and encouragement—grounded in industry insight but focused on empowering listeners with a new perspective. It sets the stage for Part 2, which will offer practical strategies, networking approaches, CV positioning tips, and mindset shifts to help you actively build your way into medical affairs.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just unsure how to reposition yourself for a future in pharma, this episode provides the clarity, context, and encouragement you need to take your next step.
Season 3 Ep.4: Job Hunting, Ghosting, and LinkedIn Wisdom You Didn’t Know You Needed
Season 3 · Episode 4
Sunday, March 23, 2025 • Duration 12:06
In this episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, we dive into the rollercoaster that is the modern job search—especially for those navigating careers in Medical Affairs and the broader pharma world. Inspired by a recent panel discussion at King’s College London, I reflect on the honest, sometimes frustrating realities of trying to land the right role in today’s hyper-competitive market.
From being ghosted after applications, to investing hours crafting tailored cover letters only to never hear back, many of us have experienced the emotional toll that comes with trying to get noticed—and hired. This episode is a candid and comforting guide for anyone who's ever felt stuck, overlooked, or just plain exhausted by the job hunt.
But we don’t stop at the frustration—we explore strategy too. One of the key takeaways from the panel discussion was this: it’s not just about your resume or your LinkedIn profile. It’s about how you show up. It’s about your presence—the value you bring in how you engage, comment, and contribute to the conversations that matter in your field.
We talk about how engagement on LinkedIn—insightful comments, thoughtful questions, and adding perspective to industry posts—can do more for your visibility than polishing your summary line for the 15th time. Your profile matters, of course. But the way you think and show up? That’s what people remember.
I also unpack a lesser-discussed reality: sometimes, roles are posted publicly because of policy or regulatory requirements, but the hiring team already has an internal candidate in mind. It’s not personal. It’s procedural. And yes, it stings. I’ve been there, and in this episode, I share what to do when it happens—and how to still use your application to stand out by offering the unique value of an “outsider’s” perspective.
We’ll also dig into the framework hiring managers often use to evaluate resumes in those first 15 to 20 seconds. Spoiler alert: they’re not reading your life story. They’re asking four key questions:
What role are you targeting?
What results have you delivered?
What skills and strengths do you bring?
Can you repeat your success in this role?
And all of that? Needs to be clear in the top third of your resume.
I’ll walk you through how to structure your resume to make an immediate impact—starting with a target job title, top three skills, a short personal branding statement, a showcase of key achievements, and a strengths section tailored to the role.
Finally, I reflect on the value of not internalizing rejection. If a role asks for specific experience—say, affiliate experience in a certain region or regulatory submission exposure—and you don’t have that, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It just means the fit wasn’t quite there. That’s not a measure of your potential. That’s alignment, not inadequacy.
This episode is a reminder that your journey is unfolding, even if it doesn’t look like it today. Whether you’re rewriting your resume for the third time, considering a bold pivot, or just trying to stay hopeful—this one’s for you.
Tune in to hear stories, strategies, and the mindset shifts that will help you not just survive the job search, but find your way through it—one conversation, one comment, one brave next step at a time.
Season 3 Ep 3: The 7 Questions That Turn Followers Into Leaders
Season 3 · Episode 3
Monday, February 17, 2025 • Duration 16:00
In this episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, the focus is on how great leaders aren’t those with all the answers but those who ask the right questions. Inspired by David Marquet, a former U.S. Navy submarine commander featured on Coaching for Leaders, the discussion breaks down seven transformational questions that help shift teams from passive followers to proactive leaders.
Leadership Isn’t Instant—It’s Built Through Smart Followership
There’s a common misconception that leadership is about taking charge, making decisions, and giving orders. In reality, the best leaders first learn how to be great followers—those who challenge ideas, think critically, and take ownership.
David Marquet’s leadership transformation on the USS Santa Fe wasn’t about commanding his crew—it was about changing the way they communicated. He didn’t rely on authority; he created an environment where everyone took responsibility for their decisions.
This shift from a leader-follower model to a leader-leader model is crucial in any industry, including Medical Affairs, where decisions affect not just business outcomes but also scientific accuracy and patient care. The ability to ask better, more empowering questions can completely transform team dynamics and decision-making.
Why Questions Matter More Than Answers
Hesitation can be one of the biggest blockers to progress. Many have been in meetings where a bad idea is floating around, but no one speaks up. Or, on the other side, where someone sees a potential issue but doesn’t feel confident enough to challenge it.
Great teams don’t function on blind agreement—they thrive on critical thinking, discussion, and shared leadership. That’s why the right questions are often more important than the right answers.
This episode explores seven powerful questions that turn passive followers into proactive leaders.
1. Ask one question at a time—avoid overwhelming people with question stacking.
2. Use questions to learn, not to teach—invite new perspectives instead of reinforcing personal beliefs.
3. Make sure your questions are neutral—don’t lead people toward a preferred answer.
4. Instead of yes/no questions, start with “what” or “how”—this encourages deeper discussions.
5. Swap out “why” for “tell me more”—this creates trust instead of defensiveness.
6. Avoid self-affirming questions—seek real insights rather than just validation.
7. Base discussions on what is known—use past experiences to inform future decisions.
Instead of striving to have all the answers, focus on creating an environment where the best answers can emerge. That’s what real leadership is about.
As always, keep learning, keep leading, and stay curious.
Season 3 Ep.2: 8 Steps to Mastering Communication in Medical Affairs with the art of “Tongue Fu”
Season 3 · Episode 2
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 • Duration 20:51
Effective communication is more than just choosing the right words—it’s about creating meaningful connections, building trust, and navigating challenging conversations with confidence and clarity. In this episode of The Pharma Medic, we dive into Sam Horn’s insightful book, Tongue Fu!®: How to Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Any Verbal Conflict, and explore how its principles can be applied to the dynamic world of medical affairs.
Whether you're engaging with healthcare providers (HCPs), collaborating with cross-functional teams, or presenting complex scientific data, the way you communicate can either foster collaboration or create barriers. Medical affairs professionals are often tasked with translating complex information into digestible insights, managing cross-functional expectations, and addressing challenging questions—all of which require finesse in communication.
In this episode, we explore:
👉 The Power of Language: How small changes in phrasing can shift conversations from confrontational to collaborative, and why choosing words wisely is crucial in medical affairs. Learn how replacing defensive statements with curiosity-driven responses can open up constructive dialogue and build trust with stakeholders.
👉 Handling Criticism with Grace: Discover how to deflect rather than defend when faced with criticism, whether it’s from internal stakeholders or external partners. We’ll discuss strategies to acknowledge concerns while steering conversations toward solutions and maintaining professionalism.
👉 Framing Requests Positively: Instead of focusing on what not to do, learn how to reframe your requests to highlight desired outcomes. This approach encourages cooperation and prevents resistance in situations like compliance reviews, stakeholder meetings, and cross-functional collaborations.
👉 The Art of Asking 'How' and 'What' Questions: Redirect unproductive conversations by using powerful questions that encourage problem-solving and collaboration, rather than placing blame. This technique is especially useful when addressing concerns raised during regulatory discussions or medical strategy meetings.
👉 Responding to Complaints with Empathy: Learn how to acknowledge frustrations and concerns from healthcare providers or colleagues without escalating tensions. A simple shift in response can transform complaints into opportunities for improvement and collaboration.
👉 Managing Emotional Responses: In high-stakes environments like medical affairs, staying composed under pressure is critical. Discover techniques to pause, reframe, and respond thoughtfully—even when conversations become heated or challenging.
👉 Encouraging Open Dialogue: Foster a culture of transparency and collaboration by inviting feedback in a way that feels safe and productive. Whether it's a team meeting or a one-on-one discussion, asking the right questions can unlock valuable insights and strengthen relationships.
👉 Continuous Improvement in Communication: Communication is a skill that requires constant reflection and refinement. We’ll share practical ways to evaluate your conversations, learn from past interactions, and continuously enhance your communication style for greater impact.
This episode is packed with real-world examples and coaching-style insights that will empower you to become a more effective communicator in the complex and highly collaborative world of medical affairs. Whether you're an experienced leader or just starting out in the field, these principles will help you navigate tough conversations with confidence and poise.
Season 3 Ep.1 : Breaking Down Barriers – Tackling the 5 Dysfunctions of a Medical Affairs Team. Survival Tips!
Season 3 · Episode 2
Saturday, January 4, 2025 • Duration 17:39
Season 3 Ep.1 : Breaking Down Barriers – Tackling the 5 Dysfunctions of a Medical Affairs Team. Survival Tips!
Welcome to Season 3 of The Pharma Medic! In this kickoff episode, we dive into one of the most transformative frameworks for team success: Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Whether you’re leading a team in medical affairs or collaborating across departments, this episode is packed with insights, reflections, and actionable coaching to help you build trust, foster collaboration, and drive results.
We begin with a personal story about transitioning into European corporate culture, highlighting how team dynamics can vary widely across different environments. From hierarchy-driven systems to more egalitarian workplaces, the nuances of teamwork set the stage for understanding why Lencioni’s model is so impactful.
Then, we explore the five dysfunctions that can derail any team:
Absence of Trust – Learn how vulnerability is the foundation of trust and how to create a safe space for openness in your team.
Fear of Conflict – Discover how healthy, respectful debate drives better decision-making and why avoiding conflict can hinder innovation.
Lack of Commitment – Understand how clarity and alignment are essential for genuine buy-in and how to prevent ambiguity in team decisions.
Avoidance of Accountability – Explore why peer-to-peer accountability is key to maintaining high standards and how to foster a feedback-friendly culture.
Inattention to Results – Refocus your team on shared goals and collective success by aligning personal contributions with organizational objectives.
Through real-world examples, coaching prompts, and practical advice, this episode serves as your guide to recognizing and addressing these dysfunctions in your own teams. Each dysfunction is paired with actionable strategies to help you build a cohesive, high-performing team, whether you’re navigating the complexities of medical affairs or any collaborative work environment.
Coaching Highlights:
Reflect on your team’s dynamics with targeted questions and prompts.
Embrace vulnerability and accountability as tools for growth.
Transform tension into alignment and shared purpose.
This episode isn’t just about theory—it’s about transformation. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools to identify where your team stands and the first steps to take toward greater cohesion and success.
Join me on this journey of discovery and growth as we break down the barriers to effective teamwork and uncover the potential of working together toward a common goal. Have thoughts, questions, or your own team experiences to share? Email me at thepharmamedic@gmail.com.
Tune in now and take the first step toward building stronger, more collaborative teams in medical affairs and beyond!
Season 2: Top 10 Questions in Medical Affairs. Part 2
Monday, December 30, 2024 • Duration 15:43
In Part 2 of our special year-end Q&A, The Pharma Medic continues the journey of reflection and discovery, answering more of your thought-provoking questions and sharing actionable insights to inspire growth and success in the world of medical affairs and beyond.
We kick things off with a listener’s brilliant suggestion: crafting a tagline for the podcast. Drawing from a phrase I coined during my time in the emerging markets division, we explore the wisdom and humor behind “To do more with less, because less is more…more or less.” It’s not just a tagline—it’s a mindset that champions resourcefulness, creativity, and adaptability, values that resonate deeply in both professional and personal realms.
Next, we tackle a big question: What traits do we need to see more of in leaders today? The answer? Emotional intelligence. We discuss how this powerful skill—rooted in empathy, self-awareness, and genuine connection—can transform teams, elevate leadership, and create cultures of trust and collaboration. As Daniel Goleman said, “Emotional intelligence is the differentiator between good and great leaders.” I share personal stories of leaders who’ve exemplified this trait and the lessons they’ve left behind.
From there, we dive into resilience—what it truly means and how it’s become my compass in navigating challenges. Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s words, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again,” we explore the art of bouncing forward from setbacks and how adversity can become a platform for growth.
Conflict resolution is another key theme. We explore how to approach workplace disagreements with empathy, professionalism, and a focus on collaboration. I share practical tips for managing conflict effectively, ensuring that challenges become opportunities for stronger relationships rather than sources of division.
Finally, we wrap up with a reflection on what makes a career in medical affairs so fulfilling. For me, it’s the unique opportunity to bridge science with impact, supporting better patient outcomes while mentoring and uplifting the next generation of leaders. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Part 2 is a mix of light heartedness, wisdom, and heartfelt advice—perfect for anyone looking to end the year with inspiration and actionable takeaways.
Listen to Part 2 now and let’s continue this journey together. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, reflections, and questions at thepharmamedic@gmail.com. Thank you for being part of this incredible community, and here’s to stepping into the new year with purpose and passion!
