Nonclinical careers: What it’s like working at the FDA

As you complete your medical training and advance in your career as a physician, do you ever wonder about career options outside the exam room? In this new mini-series, we’re getting a glimpse of the jobs some physicians take on to support health care in the United States through nonclinical means. Here’s a look into the work of John Whyte, MD, director of professional affairs and stakeholder engagement at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Whyte completed his medical training in internal medicine and also holds a Master of Public Health. What are your main responsibilities in your current role? My main responsibilities include improving our stakeholders’ drug regulatory insight and understanding to: Enrich the experience of patients, advocacy groups, health care professionals and agencies in engaging with the FDA Provide a focal point for advocacy and two-way engagement on drug development, review and safety Enhance safe use of medications and reduce preventable harm from medication misuse, abuse and errors How did you get into this position? I actually was recruited to the position. It’s a new office at FDA, and they knew of my work communicating health messages at the Discovery Channel. At the Discovery Channel, I was responsible for health documentaries and medical education programs, both on television and online. This experience made me learn how to distill complicated information into a few salient points. I also apprecia...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news