3 Career Tips for PhDs to Break into Industry
And Opportunities & Challenges in Patient Research Industry
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In conversation with Jen’s Horonjeff, CEO of Savvy
Recently, I interviewed Jen Horonjeff, the founder and CEO of Savvy Co-op. We discuss her inspiring journey from environmental medicine PhD to founding Savvy Co-op and explore trends, challenges and opportunities in the patient engagement space. Jen's insights and expertise are invaluable for PhDs, healthcare professionals, digital health entrepreneurs, and patients alike.
Jen's path to her PhD was influenced by her experiences growing up as a patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and her desire to improve the accessibility and equity of the healthcare system for those with different abilities and challenges. She studied biomedical engineering, dance(!), human factors, ergonomics, biomechanics and ultimately receiving her PhD in environmental medicine, which examined the various factors that impact an individual's health beyond clinical factors.
Jen started Savvy Cooperative, a patient-owned public benefit co-op, to empower patients to have a greater role in shaping the healthcare industry by allowing them to provide input and feedback on research, product development, and other initiatives. I extracted three key lessons and my learnings about opportunities in Patient Research industry below.
3 Career Tips for PhDs to Break into Industry
1. Build a strong network:
Throughout her career, Jen has cultivated a strong network of colleagues, mentors, and collaborators which has led her to various opportunities.
“So that's what my biggest advice to folks and I give it frequently, is, say yes and try to see how you can network and do other projects outside of your current work so that you just get to meet people and get exposed to new areas… I did not think I would start a business, but here we are, because I started to just slowly be introduced to new things.”
Jen Horonjeff
As academics, we tend to dig deep in our field of expertise and sometimes to the detriment of exploring opportunities in other areas. PhDs and early-career researchers should prioritize building their own networks by attending conferences, reaching out to colleagues/contacts in and outside their fields, seeking out mentorship opportunities and reaching out to alumni from their program.
2. Embrace uncertainty:
Jen didn’t go into academia planning for a future academia nor did she have an elaborate plan post PhD. She consistency followed her passions, networked and pursued opportunities organically as they came along her way.
“…that was enough of a plan; oh, I have my foot over here [consulting] and a foot in there [academia]…. I didn't do a postdoc, I didn't do a separate full-time job, so I just pieced together and that was sufficient [plan] for me”
Jen Horonjeff
Many a times, we want to have an elaborate long term plan and that sometimes limits us from the wide array of possibilities. One should embrace the uncertainty of the future which may lead to unexpected avenues!
3. Embrace interdisciplinary work:
Jen's research has spanned multiple fields, from environmental medicine to human factors to biomechanics. Additionally, she also was very well versed in other aspects like dance and pilates! I believe one of reasons for her success if how she embraces multiple interdisciplinary and diverse range of work and activities.
“I was actually a Pilates instructor… What perhaps is not in my prominently displayed on like my LinkedIn is as actually I also studied dance. ”
Jen Horonjeff
PhDs and early-career researchers should consider exploring interdisciplinary work, as it can lead to new insights and opportunities for collaboration.
Industry Deep Dive: Patient Research
Patient research, advocacy, and engagement are important fields within the healthcare industry. Here is high level summary of each:
Patient research - individuals work to study and analyze patient data to identify trends and patterns, develop treatments, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Patient advocacy - individuals work to represent the needs and interests of patients in various settings, such as in healthcare policy and decision-making.
Patient engagement - involves actively involving patients in their own healthcare, through education, communication, and involvement in decision-making.
PhDs, postdocs, and early career researchers interested in pursuing a career in these fields can explore opportunities in a variety of organizations, including pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and healthcare systems, research institutions, patient advocacy groups, and government agencies. Some roles that individuals can pursue include patient research scientist, patient advocate, patient engagement coordinator, research analyst, and data scientist.
To be successful in these fields, individuals should possess strong analytical and research skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should also have a strong understanding of patient-centered care and be passionate about improving patient outcomes. Those pursuing a career in patient advocacy should have a deep understanding of healthcare policy and the ability to advocate for patients in various settings. Overall, individuals in these fields should be committed to making a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.