Class of 2007: Monica Gangal
MBiotech Class of 2007: Monica Gangal
Director, Clinical Operations, Anthera Pharmaceuticals
Since graduating from the MBiotech program in May 2007, Monica has had experiences with working at “Big Pharma” as well as at a Clinical Research Organization (CRO). Currently, she is working with a small start up in the Silicon Valley, California. This exposure to a variety of very different environments has enabled Monica to see the full range of the drug development process. Specifically, she has been able to progress into a role that has allowed her to lead the planning and development activities as well as direct the strategic and operational drivers behind the execution of large global clinical trials.
Monica considers herself very fortunate to have stumbled into the area of Clinical Operations through her internship experience while she was in the MBiotech program. She says she is grateful for this experience as it provided her with a strong and clear direction of the career path she wished to pursue.
In her current role (Director, Clinical Operations) at Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Monica has the opportunity to lead and manage a team of individuals working on the company’s Systemic Lupus Erethymatosus clinical program. This role has provided her with the opportunity to firmly grasp and understand the "bigger picture" of drug development, especially in a small company environment which has a set of challenges which differ greatly from that of a big pharma setting. The position has been a challenging one with a steep learning curve, however it is a role which she says she truly enjoys waking up to every morning. "It was a chance meeting in the customs line up at YYZ that led me to meet my future CEO. As they always remind us in the MBiotech program; you never know who you will meet!"
Monica says she is extremely grateful for the many rich experiences that the MBiotech Program has provided her. The focus on the drug development process from all aspects (clinical, regulatory, marketing, sales, and R & D) was key to allowing her to understand the fast pace of the various organizations with which she has worked for. She also found the emphasis on the business aspects of the biotech industry to be invaluable for her in her current role in a small start up. The continuous team building provided her with the tools and skills needed to contribute and work in an effective manner when working with various teams across multiple projects in the workplace . The emphasis on teamwork also allowed her to make some great friendships and develop some great networks. "It is amazing to see so many former classmates succeeding in all areas of the industry," she says.