Navigating Industry: What You Won’t Learn in Residency

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Theo Alkousakis, MD, to discuss an important topic not covered in dermatology training: how residents can navigate opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. They explore career pathways in industry, from medical affairs to R&D, and why some dermatologists make the transition. They also share practical ways to get involved, including advisory boards, speaker programs, and clinical trials, while offering guidance on building credibility, networking at conferences, and finding mentors, even in programs with industry restrictions. Additionally, they highlight how to align industry opportunities with personal values and clinical practice to make ethical career decisions. Finally, they break down what industry looks for when selecting dermatologists to work with and share strategies for positioning yourself for future opportunities. Tune in to the full episode to learn how to start engaging with industry now—so you're ready to take advantage of opportunities post-residency!