AstraZeneca
Medical Science Liaison, Immunology (Contract) April 2023 | Sep 2023
Engage in scientific exchange with experts, identify study investigators, and provide actionable information to enhance the use of AZ products. Respond to inquiries with balanced clinical and scientific information, support appropriate product use, and deliver clinical differentiation of AstraZeneca products through regional and national data presentations.
Northwestern Hospital Feinberg School of Medicine,
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Director Clinical Program / Senior Medical Science Liaison July 2014 | March 2023
I established professional relationships with KOLs in gastroenterology to support NIH studies, providing scientific and clinical information on Barrett’s Esophagus, IBD, and EOE. I conducted educational sessions, led NIH-funded research, and directed clinical trials. I generated insights from KOLs, collaborated with pharma companies, and actively participated in conferences. Ensuring compliance, I published research, spearheaded patient-centric initiatives, and coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to advance clinical research and support strategic alignment.
Anulex Technologies, Medical Device
Medical Science Liaison April 2011 | June 2014
I processed, reviewed, and organized patient data and records, managing clinical data forms from therapeutic groups and outside investigators. I oversaw operational aspects, including managing clinical research organizations requiring knowledge of drug and disease terminology. I gathered input from cross-functional teams, created plans for timely deliverables, and managed data, including preparation, validation, and writing specifications. I represented the Clinical Education Specialist team to align strategic plans and respond to scientific inquiries, integrating real-world evidence into clinical practice.
Silicon Valley Cloud IT LLC, Pleasanton, CA
Director, Healthcare Advisor March 2008 | March 2011
I provided expert consulting services and technical advice to designers and engineering management, delivering required functionalities for healthcare administration products. I assessed client revenue cycle management capabilities and created strategies to improve performance and efficiency. I assembled platform requirements for F4CP, enabling new revenue sources and securing grants. I researched clinical solution integration, performed software workflow assessments, and conducted market research to guide product direction.
Increased approach-acquisitions ratio from 10:2 to 10:8 by mitigating patient data security and cost concerns.
Secured a 5-year, $10M NIH grant by leveraging RO1 study success
Grew Biorepository Lab samples from 3,000 to 10,000 in one year and secured a $2M grant.
- Clinican Development Leadership
- Marketing
- Program Development
- Budget Oversight
- Operations Management
- Conducting Research
- Pharmaceutical Trials
- Data Management
- Policy Formulation
- Customer Engagement
- Healthcare Management
- Relationship Management
- Customer Focus
- Negotiation
- Procure Funding
- Risk Management
- Grants
- Performance Improvement
- Process Improvement
- Change Management
- Systems Development
- Recruiting
- Project Management
- Training
M.D.
Ph.D.
Healthcare Administration
Health Services
M.H.A.
Master of Healthcare Administration
Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci)
Why did you choose your profession?
I chose this profession because I believe that a combination of MD-PhD will help give quality patient care. Medical training is primarily about pattern recognition, integrating a large amount of information, and clinical skills (like a physical exam). On the other hand, a Ph.D. is excellent for critical thinking, learning to plan and execute complex research, adapting to new information, collaborating with others, and communicating work to groups. But a combination gives you a reasonable physician with a sense of independence, maturity, and perspective.
Who are your main influences?
Coming from a family with a medical background, I was always passionate about helping people when I was young. Since my grandfather was a prominent oncologist, he brought me an opportunity to volunteer at his hospital. The turning point for me was when my little brother got diagnosed with a severe blood disease. I wanted to help people like him and commit to researching the disease that affected them, so I became a physician-scientist. My grandfather didn’t give up despite the expectations and showed me the value of research to improve patient care. Allowing me to see what a doctor can do beyond his assigned responsibilities and taking care of my brother inspired my interest in researching diseases beyond what already exists as a solution. We could give up on him, but the outcome of those efforts now is a handsome great lawyer helping people in other ways.
What is your most significant accomplishment?
My most significant accomplishment as a physician-scientist was noticing a considerable gap between patient care and research. I accomplished the best strategy to fill the gap for quality patient care. With this strategy, I increased the approach – acquisitions ratio for recruiting from 10:2 to 10:8 in our studies.
What tools do you use?
As a physician-scientist, I have continuously demonstrated proficiency in coping with stress, mastering change propagation, efficient and practical communication, and staying on top of career and knowledge advancements.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in your profession?
As Physicians come under increasing pressure in an evolving healthcare delivery environment, first make sure to love this profession to become ready to dedicate your life to people. Continue to gather in-depth basic science knowledge and training throughout your career and resolve to master new methods and technologies to advance your work. Last, give your time abundantly as an engaged mentor and constructive critic and advocate for your colleagues locally and nationally.
Travel
Working Out
Reading
CONTACT ME
Melina Masihi, M.D., PH.D.
Director of Practice Operations
Director of Clinical Operations
Phone:
408-386-2515
Email:
melinamasihi@gmail.com
