Don’t Fear the Change, Embrace It

In this article, Luai Al Nassir, an Oncology Medical Science Liaison at Bayer Medical Affairs in Saudi Arabia, shares his transformative professional journey from a pharmacist in a governmental hospital to a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical industry. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and inspired by Saudi Arabia's ambitious 2030 vision for healthcare, Luai navigates through various roles within Bayer, transitioning from ophthalmology to cardiology and eventually to oncology.?

Having graduated from pharmacy school with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University in the US in 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 era, I returned to Saudi Arabia to embark on my professional journey. Commencing as an inpatient pharmacist in a governmental hospital during the pandemic presented unique circumstances, fueling my growing interest in the pharmaceutical industry. The global expansion and revolutionary advancements within the industry, particularly in Saudi Arabia with the ambitious Saudi 2030 vision, sparked my enthusiasm to contribute to its transformative landscape. The prospect of investing in pharmaceutical companies, drug manufacturing, and healthcare research under the Saudi 2030 initiative motivated me to become part of this progressive industry and play a role in its successful implementation.?

Embracing Change: Discovering the Hidden Advantages of the Unfamiliar?

?Before shifting my career path, I researched various companies and found Bayer to stand out due to its remarkable legacy in pipeline development and medications. In August 2021, I joined Bayer as an ophthalmology product specialist, focusing on the Eastern Zone of Saudi Arabia. I felt grateful for the opportunity to convey the key benefits and distinctive features of our ophthalmology products to healthcare providers. Additionally, I supported the team in implementing the SaudiSight project, which aimed to educate patients about intravitreal injections. We also organized workshops for ophthalmology doctors to enhance their skills in administering intravitreal injections, ultimately contributing to the improved retinal health of patients across Saudi Arabia.?

Navigating Career Transitions: A Journey from?Commercial to?Medical?

In November 2022, my passion for scientific knowledge led me to transition to the medical affairs field, where I took the role of a cardiovascular Medical Science Liaison (MSL) within the Saudi Medical Affairs team. This shift from a commercial to a medical role presented a challenge, requiring me to redirect my focus from quantitative sales metrics to fostering qualitative scientific engagements with cardiology thought leaders, and building a trustful partnership with physicians. Six months later, I had to switch gear, and provide a full support in the launch journey of one Bayer’s Oncology products in Saudi Arabia. However, as flexibility is a pillar of the LIFE values of Bayer, I was aiming to grow my skillset of adaptation to any change. Being flexible at work fosters a culture of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. It empowers Bayer employees to embrace change, take initiative, and contribute to the overall success and adaptability of the organization.?

In March 2023 I finished my medical certification in Prostate Cancer and started the initial brand planning for the Launch. I am thrilled to take responsibility in medically supporting the oncology cross-functional team in this launching journey in KSA as well as maintaining the legacy of other products in the same line.?

Empowering Excellence: Nurturing Success in Bayer's Saudi Medical Affairs?

Throughout my unique journey in Bayer, I've consistently found my motivation as an MSL rooted in two primary factors. Firstly, the significant impact my work has on patients' lives, given our role as the primary source of information for many physicians. Secondly, the unwavering support and trust I receive from both my manager and team have been instrumental in driving my dedication to the role.??

Working within the Saudi Medical Affairs department, I've been fortunate to work with a great team, that is led by an exceptional leader like Dr. Hisham Abbas. His commitment to our team's continuous improvement and growth mindset has been truly inspiring. It's this collective mindset that led to our team's success in winning the Middle East (ME) Life Awards in 2023. The supportive work environment fostered within Bayer, especially within Saudi Medical Affairs Team, is invaluable. We don't merely view each other as colleagues, but rather as family. This familial bond encourages us to support, teach, and celebrate one another's accomplishments, creating an ideal work environment conducive to success and fulfillment.?

The Transformative Power of Embracing Change?

Over the past five years of my professional journey, I've learned the importance of embracing change. As humans, we often default to fearing change and gravitate towards maintaining the status quo and staying within our comfort zones. However, I've come to realize that it is through change that we experience growth, develop new skills, and encounter opportunities in diverse areas.?

Throughout my career, I've navigated through numerous changes, transitioning from the hospital setting to the pharmaceutical industry, and shifting between commercial and medical roles. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to work across three distinct therapy areas: ophthalmology, cardiology, and oncology. Embracing this flexibility, both in terms of functions and therapeutic areas, has allowed me to provide comprehensive cross-functional support to patients and healthcare providers. This journey has been invaluable for my development, as it has enabled me to collaborate with a diverse range of individuals, both internally and externally, and to acquire new approaches to working within different therapeutic domains.?

Embracing change is not just about facing the unknown; it's about seizing the opportunity to cultivate resilience and adaptability, fostering personal and professional growth along the way.?