Physician-Scientist at Johnson & Johnson

Feb 14, 2024

Olayinka Adebayo practices evidence-based medicine by integrating pharmacology, exposure, epidemiology, and clinical data to drive drug development decisions with a patient-centric focus at Johnson & Johnson.

What is the highest degree you have earned and what can you tell us about your academic path?

MD, Ph.D., MSCR. I did a postdoctoral physician fellowship at Rutgers University in collaboration with J&J on Clinical Development and Medical safety.

Where do you work now and what is your company about?

I work at Johnson & Johnson. J&J is a pharmaceutical company focused on making prescription drugs and medical devices. Their goal is to improve health for humanity by making medicines and therapies safer and more effective. They are committed to advancing science and medicine and improving access to affordable medicines.

How did you first learn about the company?

Through the SMDP program. Although I know about consumer products like baby cream, bathing soap, etc., through the SMDP program, I gained an understanding of the research aspect of JNJ.

What do you like most about the company?

Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare leader, offers innovative products and services for complex diseases and conditions. It's committed to improving the safety and efficacy of medicines and therapies for patients and advancing the science of medicine. The company values caring, collaboration, and courage and aims to change health for humanity.

What skills make you successful in your role and why did you choose this role?

As a clinical pharmacologist, you need a combination of technical and soft skills to perform your job effectively. Some of the most important skills are: Data analysis: You need to be able to collect, process, and interpret various types of data from clinical trials, pharmacokinetic studies, biomarker assays, and other sources. You must also use statistical methods and software tools to analyze data and generate reports and presentations. Clinical development: You need to be familiar with the drug development process and the regulatory requirements for clinical pharmacology. You also need to design and conduct clinical studies, evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs, and provide pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic support for development programs. Communication: You need to communicate effectively with other health professionals, researchers, and stakeholders, both verbally and in writing. You must also write and review scientific documents, such as protocols, study reports, regulatory submissions, and publications. Management: You must manage your time, resources, and projects efficiently and independently. You must also supervise and mentor other staff, such as technicians, students, and junior pharmacologists. Problem-solving: You need to be able to identify and solve problems that may arise during clinical pharmacology work, such as data discrepancies, technical issues, protocol deviations, or adverse events. You must also be creative and innovative in finding solutions and improving methods and processes. I chose the clinical pharmacology role because I am interested in how drugs interact with the human body and affect its functions. I also wanted to apply my knowledge and skills to improve the safety and efficacy of medicines and therapies for patients.

How do you define success?

Success means achieving your goals, feeling fulfilled, making a positive impact, and contributing to the world. It's not about material wealth or social status but about your values.

What's the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

As a clinical pharmacologist, the most fulfilling aspect of my job is to apply my knowledge and skills to improve the safety and efficacy of medicines and therapies for patients. I enjoy designing and conducting clinical trials, analyzing and interpreting data, and providing evidence-based recommendations for drug development and regulation. I also like collaborating with other health professionals and researchers and contributing to advancing science and medicine.

What advice do you have for students and job seekers?

Pursue your passion. The most satisfying careers are those that match your values, goals, and personality. Think about what you really want to do and what makes you happy. Then, look for opportunities that allow you to pursue your passion and make a positive impact on the world. Seek internship opportunities. Internships are a great way to gain valuable, hands-on experience in your field and network with potential employers. You can find internships through your school’s career center and the SMPD program.

What book did you read last?

The last book I read was “Contagious: Why Things Catch On” by Jonah Berger. It’s a fascinating book that explores the science behind why some ideas, products, or behaviors go viral and spread like wildfire. The author uses a lot of real-world examples and case studies to illustrate his points, such as how a video of a blender destroying an iPhone became a sensation or how a restaurant made a $100 cheesesteak a must-have item. I enjoyed this book because it taught me a lot about the psychology of consumers and the power of word-of-mouth marketing. I think this book is relevant to the job position because it shows how to create and deliver effective and engaging messages that capture the target audience's attention and interest.