Webinar Overview
There is no consistency in how continuing medical education is regulated around the world. Even in Europe, the rules are different from country to country – in some nations mandatory, in others voluntary. In some nations, the government regulates CME, in others, the profession. In some countries web-based CME is eligible for credit, in others not. And the rules on commercial support differ as well. In this hour, we will review significant regulations – and proposed changes – in Europe. We will also give a brief overview of CME regulation in the rest of the world.

Highlights Include:
* How mandatory CME is enforced in European countries
* The interaction between the European Accreditation Commission for CME and the National Authorities
* Where eCME is acceptable for credit
* What the rules are for commercial support
* 2 countries where pharmaceutical promotion is permitted in the midst of accredited CME!

The Center for Business Intelligence has been reviewed and approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

For more information, please visit the CBI website.

The 4th Annual Forum provides industry professionals with an opportunity to discuss the changing environment for publication planning in 2008/2009.  The forum addresses the future impacts and challenges of day-to-day operations through extensive panel discussions, in-depth case studies and interactive sessions.

Confirmed Elite Speakers Include:
-Jon Druhan, Ph.D., Associate Director, Clinical Publications, AstraZeneca -Stan Heimberger, Ph.D., MPhil, MBA, Senior Vice President, Publisher, Current Medical Research and Opinion -Amy Van Note, Account Director, Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc.
-Mina Patel, Senior Director, Medical Communications, Cephalon -Chris Graf, Publisher, International Journal of Clinical Practice, Wiley-Blackwell -Charon Pierson, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the American Academy for Nurse Practitioners.

For more information, please visit the CBI website.

“One of my most successful job hunting clients explained his success this way: “I create relationships…the relationships create the jobs.”
 

The hardest job search is the one that begins with no network or no personal good will. Job hunters who’ve neglected or damaged their personal relationships tend to stay unemployed longer.
 

How can you develop a strong support network? Congratulate friends in writing when they accomplish something noteworthy, take new jobs, or appear in the media. They’ll appreciate and remember you for it.
 

When you see an article by or about someone you know, clip the item and send it to them along with a note of congratulations. Even if they’ve saved it themselves, they’ll appreciate the extra copy to share.
 

From time to time, send small gifts to friends, recruiters, and business acquaintances to remind them you’re still around. Inexpensive books work nicely. A newspaper, magazine, or journal article counts as a gift, and unexpected gifts are especially welcome. A warm letter sets the tone.
 

If you write or publish something, if you’re featured in a news article, if you present a professional program or appear in the media, copy the articles and programs and mail them to your network, along with a note, “Thinking of you.”
 

In marketing personal services (job-hunting), relationships are everything. Seek opportunities to build good will for yourself in the community. You’ll never be sorry.”

To read examples of congratulations letters and to find additional helpful information, please visit the cover-letters website.

Responsible for, but not limited to the following:
* Contribute to the drug development process by serving a leadership role.
* Explore/Validate biomarkers to support effective and efficient proof-of-concept decision making in early development.
* Develop and implement value-based strategic plans supporting early stage development decision making.
* Develop and implement clinical pharmacology plans supporting full development leading to global registration and value-added labeling.

Qualifications:
MD/PhD or MD with a minimum of 7 years in translational medicine or clinical pharmacology.  A proven record or experience supporting early development and full development projects. 
Must have experience with biomarkers and translational medicine.

Highly competitive base salary plus benefits and incentives.

If you are interested in this position, please email a cover letter and CV to info at prnresource.com, and we will provide them to the search firm looking to fill this position.

BR 7-12

Responsibilities:
* Ensure effective, scientifically sound, medically appropriate and consistent design and conduct of Phase 1 studies especially for compounds with novel or unknown mechanism of action.
* Collaborate with preclinical research during IND-enabling phase of drug development to facilitate effective translation of compounds into the clinic and timely filing of high quality IND/CTA dossiers.
* Provide feedback to preclinical research on the clinical outcomes of Translational Medicine Phase 1 studies.
* Represent the Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology Department on Global Product Development.
* Oversee study protocol writing, clinical conduct and medical monitoring of these studies.
* Oversee the collaboration of Experimental Medicine with supporting functions such as Study Logistics, Data Management and Biostatistics to ensure timely data base lock, analysis and reporting of Translational Medicine Phase 1 studies within the project timelines.
* Collaborate with Global Product Development Teams during the IND-enabling phase of drug development to ensure timely submission of high quality IND/CTA dossiers for compounds entering the clinic.
* Guide the development of standardized working practices for clinical design and conduct of Translational Medicine Phase 1 studies across all projects to ensure integrity of clinical outcomes used in the decision process.
* Collaborate with TMCP functions on identification of Phase 1 units and other CROs involved with conduct and analysis of Translational Medicine Phase 1 studies.
* Ensure that biomarkers, pharmacogenomic and clinical technology endpoints are correctly incorporated in Translational Medicine Phase 1 studies.

Qualifications:
MD and or MD/ PhD.  5+ years of academic or pharmaceutical industry experience (preferably in clinical pharmacology) with 3+ years in a role having responsibility for design and conduct of Phase 1 study protocols. Experience across multiple therapeutic areas is very desirable.
Must have experience in issues around design and conduct of Phase 1 studies, and in regulatory and preclinical issues. Familiarity with ICH, FDA and GCP guidelines governing clinical trial design and conduct, biomarkers, pharmacogenomics and clinical technologies. 20% travel.

Highly competitive remuneration including base salary, benefits, bonus and incentives.

If you are interested in this position, please email a cover letter and CV to info at prnresource.com, and we will provide them to the search firm looking to fill this position.

BR 7-12

Responsibilities:
* Assume (Global) leadership for one or more Oncology area programs.
* Define Oncology/project vision and strategy. 
* Achieve vision and strategy by engaging and motivating teams and execute strategy through clear and persuasive communication skills.
* Provide technical insight to ensure progress towards goals.
* Contribute innovative thinking and bring an external market perspective to tasks within and outside area of direct accountability.
* Motivate exceptional performance.
* Act as an informal mentor and coach for team members.

Qualifications:
MD with specialty training in Oncology.  At least 5-7 years additional related experience including industry experience.  Medical and technical development expertise in tandem with strong working knowledge of other functional areas (e.g., clinical operations, regulatory, pre-clinical and marketing).  Sound knowledge of regulatory process on a global basis. Experience with regulatory filing highly desirable.  Established reputation within the Oncology area.  Expertise in managing groups preferably across geographic regions.

Highly competitive remuneration including base salary + benefits + incentives.

If you are interested in this position, please email a cover letter and CV to info at prnresource.com, and we will provide them to the search firm looking to fill this position.

BR 7-12

Senior Director – Medical Communications

Director/Sr. Director – Medical Affairs

Associate Director – Cooperative Group Liaison (relocation not required)

Remuneration is highly competitive: Salary + Bonus + Benefits

The position descriptions are as follows:
Senior Director – Medical Communications

1. Responsible for all Medical Communications activities including publication, educational programs and Key Opinion Leaders management.
2. Responsible for publication planning/implementation (e.g. meeting abstracts, journal reviews, product materials, and review of all communications)
3. Responsible for the development and review of slide sets for external and internal use
4. Oversees the development and implementation of educational programs
5. Identify and screen appropriate vendors, solicit, evaluate and approve proposals
6. Manage all financial and contractual aspects of assigned projects, including vendor relationships
7. Establish strong working relationships with key stakeholders internally (product teams, legal, clinical , medical writing) and externally (e.g., consultants, advisors, medical thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, professional societies, partners)
8. Create a comprehensive scientific communication/publication strategies/plans for the pipeline products
9. Ensure awareness of key published data / articles from compounds & competitors
10.Maintains technical proficiency and professional skills via independent study and continuing education (e.g. conferences, seminars)
11.Follows departmental policies, procedures, and SOPs

Essential:

1. Advanced scientific degree (PhD,PharmD,or MD); with a minimum of 5 years oncology experience.
2. Proficient level of understanding in drug development processess and pharmaceutical business.
3. Experience in driving the development of communication strategies / key scientific message platforms.
4. Significant experience in leading teams.
5. Broad experience in planning and executing advisory boards, symposia, medical education materials and scientific posters/abstracts.
6. Ability to provide strategic insight into scientific expert development activities, publication planning plus developing medical education materials and programs that support product launches in oncology.
7. Ability to write / edit scientific articles, posters and abstracts.
8. Ability to align key messages with clinical studies and publications.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills.
10.Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
11.Ability to travel within the US.
 

Director/Senior Director – Medical Affairs

1. Clinical interface with Company internal departments including pre-clinical, regulatory and commercial in support of Company portfolio products.

2. Develop and provide scientific presentations for Product and Company pipeline products to US Health Care Professionals with a strategic focus on peer-to-peer interactions, including advisory boards, investigator meetings and various scientific forums 
In collaboration with Alliance partners and internal stakeholders, develop strategic research program with a focus on Product and Company pipeline.

3. Provide medical support to the commercial organization of Company and its partners
Maintain knowledge of FDA, ICH and GCP guidelines.

Essential:

1. Relevant oncology experience in academic or clinic practice and/or 2-5 years of industry experience in oncology Medical Affairs or Medical Marketing
2. Excellent interpersonal communications, organizational and presentation skills
Ability to travel (approximately 30%-50%)

Associate Director – Cooperative Group Liaison

1. Interface with physician leaders of cooperative group subsections and research based physicians submitting protocols to the NCI’s Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program. 
2. Advocate for Company’s representation in research studies.
3. Keep the Clinical and Medical Affairs teams apprised of clinical trials being proposed or considered at Coop group meetings
4. Be capable of addressing strategic research issues at cooperative group meetings on behalf of the Company.
5. Develop medical communications and materials that can be used by Cooperative Group participants.
6. Provide written reports outlining the activities and future plans of the cooperative groups with regard to Company products and those of potential competitors.
7. Provide internal support for initiatives on Medical Communications, Publication, and strategic planning.
8. Plan on being in Branchburg home office at least 2 days every two weeks.

Required:

1. PharmD, PhD, or MD
2. Relevant oncology experience in academic or clinic practice and/or  5-7 years of industry experience in oncology Medical Affairs or Medical Marketing
3. Excellent interpersonal communications, organizational and presentation skills
4. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence key stakeholders
5. Ability to travel (approximately 50%-70%)
6. Previous cooperative group experience preferred

If you are interested in one of these positions, please send a cover letter and CV by email to info at prnresource.com, and we will provide the information to the search firm looking to fill the positions.

AS 7-21

The meeting, “Expanding Practice Horizons: Enhancing the Profession,” is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, 2008, from 8:30AM-2:00PM at the Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis, Maryland.

What is it?
* A one-day conference for MSA members, non-members, and physician colleagues!
* A day to explore opportunities to enrich your practice experience!
* A day to learn how physicians can make the most of their medical training!

Program
* Make plans to attend all 3 sessions!
* At the end of this program participants will be able to:

-Interpret the impact the state of the current health care system has on their profession.
-Identify and Discuss other practice opportunities that can benefit their current practice and profession.
-Identify how they can maximize their education and experience as a physician.
-Describe the roles a physician can play clinically and non-clinically to the benefit of patient care.

* Afterwards join the MSA for a special CHOCOLATE TASTING event to network with your colleagues and the vendors supporting the day’s events.

Speakers

Session I: (8:50–9:50 am) “Your Career: A Closer Look”

Michael J. McLaughlin, MD – Peloton Advantage
Dr. McLaughlin is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Peloton Advantage, a medical communications company based in Parsippany, NJ.  He received degrees from Harvard College and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. After four years in clinical practice as a plastic surgeon and hand specialist, he made a career change to medical communications. He attained the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer, at Cardinal Health, before leaving to start Peloton Advantage. 

Dr. McLaughlin founded Physician Renaissance Network (www.prnresource.com), a service for doctors with non-clinical careers and interests. He wrote Do You Feel Like You Wasted All That Training?: Questions from Doctors Considering a Career Change, advises physicians considering non-clinical careers, and speaks on this topic at events across the country.  A Senior Scholar in the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Health Policy, he lives in Pennington, NJ, with his family.

Session II: (10:00am – 10:30am) “Medicine Down Under - International Locum Tenens” 

Dena Sween – Global Medical Staffing, Ltd.
Dena is a Team Leader for GMS.  Global Medical is the original pioneer of international physician staffing and continues to be the largest group placing medical doctors into Australia and New Zealand. Since their inception in 1994 they have placed thousands of doctors into overseas assignments. Global Medical is privately owned and operated, financially sound and has a reputation amongst doctors for its attention to detail and excellent service.  Dena will share how international locums can be an alternative career or retirement option for physicians looking for a change of pace.

Session III: (10:35am – 12:05pm) “Enriching Your Practice Experience”

Thomas Wherry M.D. – Consulting Medical Director, Health Inventures, LLC
Thomas Wherry, M.D., has worked with Health Inventures, LLC (formerly Johnson and Johnson Health Care Services) since 1996.  In addition to his roles as Medical Director for the Surgery Center of Maryland and Consulting Medical Director for Health Inventures, he has collaborated with professionals in the United Kingdom and Japan to improve the delivery of ambulatory surgery.  He is currently serving as a board member for Mid-Atlantic Practice Management, the management arm for First Colonies Anesthesia Associates, a large anesthesia group that employs over 120 anesthesiologists.  More recently, he has joined forces with Delmarva Health Solutions, Inc. to assist hospitals and major health systems in developing innovative strategies to slow the emerging anesthesia service subsidy crisis.

Dr. Wherry, graduated from Ohio State University and earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Cincinnati.  He completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Wherry is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. 

Gebhard Wagener M.D.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières MSF is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 70 countries.  Dr. Wagner is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Columbia University (NY) and will share his experiences working overseas with MSF.

Jean Rinaldo MD MPH – Foreign Service Regional Medical Officer and Director of Occupational Health– US State Department
Dr. Rinaldo currently serves as Director of Occupational and Travel Medicine (M/MED/DASHO) US.  Department of State: currently supervising four travel medicine clinics, and addresses worldwide  deployment medical questions which arise from all of the health units at our overseas embassies. 

For more information, please visit the MSA website.
 

“If you’re a job seeker:
 

When appropriate, encourage your close friends to write to their key contacts on your behalf. They should send both a letter and a resume, and they should follow up within a few days to check for leads. If they find interest, they can ask their friends to telephone you, saving you the pressure of making a cold call.
 

Let’s take an example: Suppose you’re goal is to be Controller for a large printing company, and one of your close friends sells for International Paper. Since you know the salesperson well, it makes sense to ask them to mail a letter and resume to introduce you to their contacts in printing companies. (Draft a sample letter to show them what to say.)
 

If you have an unemployed friend or relative:

It’s difficult to know what to say or do when friends or family are unemployed, especially if they’re having a difficult time in the job market. But sometimes you can help them more than they can help themselves. You may be able to open some doors for them.
 

Think carefully about your own personal contacts. Do you know someone who has information or influence? Someone who can help? Someone who might want to interview the candidate? Can you provide a personal introduction? If so, don’t be afraid to volunteer assistance. Most job seekers welcome all the help they can get.”

To read example letters to help others in their job search, please visit the cover-letters.com website.