The PHARMA MEDIC Podcast
by Philip Cruz, MD
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.
Episodes
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Season 4 Episode 4 : The Courage to Say "I Don't Know"
What happens when everyone in the room agrees? Sometimes that means the decision is sound. Sometimes it means nobody wants to be the first person to challenge it. In this episode of The Pharma Medic, I explore the courage it takes to say, “I don’t know,” “I don’t understand,” or even, “I think we...
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Season 4 Episode 3 : AI at Work Shouldn’t Mean Outsourcing Your Judgement
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...
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Season 4 Episode 2 : Truth Lives In The Uncertainty
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…
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The Expert Trap : Why Being Right Is No Longer Enough
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...
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Season 3 Ep.6: Breaking into Medical affairs roles: Why its harder today and what you can do about it. Part 2
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...
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Season 3 Ep. 5: Breaking into Medical affairs roles: Why its harder today and what you can do about it.
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...
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Season 3 Ep.4: Job Hunting, Ghosting, and LinkedIn Wisdom You Didn’t Know You Needed
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...
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Season 3 Ep 3: The 7 Questions That Turn Followers Into Leaders
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...
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Season 3 Ep.2: 8 Steps to Mastering Communication in Medical Affairs with the art of “Tongue Fu”
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...
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Season 3 Ep.1 : Breaking Down Barriers – Tackling the 5 Dysfunctions of a Medical Affairs Team. Survival Tips!
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...
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Season 2: Top 10 Questions in Medical Affairs. Part 2
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...
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Season 2: Top 10 Questions in Medical Affairs. Part 1
As the year draws to a close, The Pharma Medic takes a heartfelt moment to reflect, celebrate, and share the wisdom gained over a year of insightful conversations. In this first part of the special year-end Q&A, we delve into your most compelling questions about thriving in the dynamic world of...
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Season 2 Ep.8 : Mastering Focus: Becoming a Productivity Ninja in Medical Affairs
This episode explores the art of productivity in a high-stakes, fast-paced industry. Starting with a quote from Steve Jobs—“Focus is about saying no”—listeners are invited to think about productivity beyond task completion, inspired by Graham Alcott’s book , "How to Be a Productivity Ninja". The...
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Season 2 Ep.7 - Inside the Role of a Medical Advisor: Where Science Meets Strategy in Pharma
In this episode of *The Pharma Medic*, titled "Inside the Role of a Medical Advisor: Where Science Meets Strategy in Pharma," Dr Philip Cruz delves into how Medical Advisors navigate the complexities of Medical Affairs. Acting as interpreters of data, they balance scientific insights with...
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Season 2 Ep.6 - MSL Role Insights : Bridging Science & Strategy in Medical Affairs
The role of a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in the pharmaceutical industry is both complex and impactful. MSLs act as vital links between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals (HCPs), bridging the gap between clinical practice and internal research. Their responsibilities include...
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Season 2, Ep. 5 - Reflections: Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned, and Pearls of Wisdom from My Career Journey
In this episode of *The PharmaMedic Podcast*, titled "Reflections: Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned, and Pearls of Wisdom from My Career Journey," I take a reflective look at my career in Medical Affairs. As someone with over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, I’ve experienced the highs, the...
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Season 2, Ep. 4 – Decoding the Job Description: Finding the Right Fit in Medical Affairs
In this episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, we tackle a challenge that nearly every Medical Affairs professional has encountered—decoding job descriptions. Whether you're just starting your career or have years of experience, job descriptions can often be more confusing than clarifying. Filled...
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Season 2 Ep. 3: Mastering the Medical Affairs Interview: Insider Tips for Success!
In this episode of the Pharma Medic Podcast, Dr. Philip Cruz shares key insights into nailing your next Medical Affairs interview. With over 20 years of experience in pharma and medical affairs, Dr. Cruz brings you actionable strategies to help you stand out from the competition. Whether you’re...
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Season 2 Ep. 2 : Crafting the Perfect Medical Affairs CV: Tips to Stand Out in a Digital Age
In this episode, we tackle a critical topic for anyone looking to break into or advance in Medical Affairs: crafting the perfect CV or resume. Your CV is more than just a list of your accomplishments—it's your ticket to the next big opportunity. This episode covers the essential differences…
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Season 2 Ep. 1: Finding Your Path : Mental Preparation & Strategies to Land Your Medical Affairs Dream Job
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the heart of landing a job in Medical Affairs. Whether you're transitioning from clinical practice, academia, or another scientific field, we’ve got you covered! Join me, Dr. Philip Cruz, as we kick off Season 2 of The Pharma Medic Podcast, where we’ll walk...
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Ep.8 : Navigating Cultural Differences in the Workplace
In this milestone final episode of the inaugural season of thepharmamedic, Dr. Philip Cruz dives into a topic that can make or break your day at work: cultural differences in the workplace. From the nuances of high-context versus low-context communication to the complexities of power distance,...
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Ep.7 : Navigating Stress in a Medical Affairs Career
In this episode, the discussion focuses on "Navigating Stress in a Medical Affairs Career". The key points include the importance of resilience, nurturing relationships, and staying true to one's mission. Stress in medical affairs arises from high responsibility, regulatory compliance, and…
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Ep.6 : 10 Steps to a Fulfilling Medical Affairs Career
Choosing a career in medical affairs isn't just about the work you do; it's about the lives you touch and the legacy you leave. Lead with passion, embrace vulnerability, and let your integrity be your guiding star. In Episode 6, I’m pivoting to a new format to help you understand, plan, and...
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Ep.5 : Navigating Ethical Challenges in Medical Affairs
In this episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, host Dr. Philip Cruz dives into the complexities of navigating ethical challenges in medical affairs. With over 20 years of experience, Philip shares real-life examples and insights on maintaining integrity, transparency, and patient-centricity in...
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Ep. 4 : Stop! Reflect! and Listen! : A Feedback Session
In this special episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, Dr. Philip Cruz explores the transformative power of feedback and its pivotal role in career progression. Reflecting on his own experiences, Dr. Cruz shares how embracing constructive feedback significantly improved his presentation skills and...
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Ep.3 - Healthcare Resilience: Stories from the Frontlines
In this episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, host Dr. Philip Cruz explores the critical importance of resilience in healthcare. Drawing from his extensive experience in medical affairs and overcoming challenges in local, regional and global functions, Philip shares practical insights and…
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Ep.2 - Redefining Pharma : The Dynamic Role of Medical Affairs
In the dynamic world of the pharmaceutical industry, medical affairs serves as the bridge between clinical innovation and patient-centric care, redefining how we approach science and health. Join Dr. Philip Cruz in this episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast as he explores the evolving role of…
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Ep. 1 - From The Clinic to the Boardroom: My Medical Affairs Journey
In the inaugural episode of The Pharma Medic Podcast, host Philip Cruz shares his inspiring journey from a paediatrician in the Philippines to a successful career in medical affairs. This episode is crafted for those considering or beginning their path in this dynamic field. Philip recounts his...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Philip Cruz, MD