Overview
The Pharma Challenges and Opportunities Certificate offers a dynamic exploration of the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry, driven by scientific progress, regulatory shifts, market forces, and changing healthcare needs. Through four interactive modules led by industry experts and U of T faculty, this program offers insights identified as crucial by pharma CEOs.
Program Details
Format
- Online
- 1 day / month
Duration/Timing
- 4 months
- Thursdays
- 9 am – 3:30 pm (EST)
Next Offering
Fall 2025
Program Fee
$2,000 + HST
Participant Profile
- Professionals already in pharma and interested in broadening industry knowledge to improve their cross-functional contribution
- International pharma professionals new to Canada
- Recent graduates interested in entering the pharma industry
Ready to take the next step in your pharma career? Fill out the form and we'll notify you when registrations open!
The Pharma Journey: Lab to Launch
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the medicine lifecycle: from drug discovery and development to regulatory approval, medical affairs, market access, drug review, reimbursement processes, and effective product launch strategies.
What You'll Learn
- The full journey of medicine development.
- Key aspects of Canadian life sciences including generics, biologics, vaccines and emerging trends
- How to navigate the industry with key soft skills including communication, negotiation, and teamwork
How You'll Learn
- Expert Insights: Attend sessions led by seasoned industry leaders and U of T faculty
- Real-World Application: Analyze real-world issues that reflect current industry challenges and opportunities
- Collaborative Learning:
Participate in peer discussions and interactive activities for a deeper understanding
- Industry Overview
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Medical Affairs
- Communication Excellence
- Regulatory Affairs
- Market Access
- Drug Review and Reimbursement
- Negotiation and Stakeholder Management
- Launch Excellence
- Marketing and Selling Best Practice
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Generics
- Vaccines
- Biologics
- Life Sciences in Canada
- Navigating a Career in Pharma
Fall 2024 Program Instructors Included:
- Rav Kumar - Chief Strategy Officer, Dalriada Drug Discovery, Visiting Professor, U of T, Mississauga
- Vince Lamanna -Senior Vice President, President Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.
- Amyn Sayani - Director, Medical Evidence, AstraZeneca Canada
- Shurjeel Choudhri - Senior Vice President and Head, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Bayer HealthCare
- Rafael Chiuzi - Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour & HR Management, Department of Management, U of T, Mississauga
- Leslie Madden - Head of Regulatory Affairs, Canada, Moderna
- Christine Mossa - Vice President, Global Value & Access, Neuroscience, Ipsen Canada
- Ajay Bhatia - Global Director of Marketing, Oncology Astellas Pharma
- Dorothy Czylyski - President & Partner, No Fixed Address Health (NFA Health)
- Rohita Sharma - Senior Director, Global Patient Insights and Solutions, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Jeff Connell- Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA)
- Bruce Seet - Head of Medical Affairs (Canada) at Novavax
- Maura Campbell - President and CEO, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
- Jeffery Launay - Vice President and Chief of Staff, Human Resources, Apotex Inc.
Having worked for an industry association for several years, I found this program to be an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector. It provided a comprehensive overview of the entire industry, from drug discovery to market launch, as well as the broader life sciences landscape in Canada. The industry experts leading the program were exceptional, offering valuable insights that were clear and digestible for someone like me who doesn't have a science background. While I initially enrolled to expand my understanding of the pharma sector, the inclusion of soft skills training truly enhanced the experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the pharma field.
Brian Craig
Vice President, Operations
Life Sciences Ontario
FAQs
All of our programs are offered entirely online using Zoom (a free basic account is required). There is no in-person component.
The program fee includes all modules and all necessary course materials, including any licensed content. There are no additional costs, Software access or online tools (if applicable) are also fully covered by the fee.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all participants who meet all program requirements, including attending at least 90% of the sessions. Certificates are mailed to participants, and a digital copy can also be provided via email upon request.
For programs that include an assessment component, the certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the required assessment activities. Assessments may include assignments, reflection essays, or a project, and are typically graded on a pass/fail basis.
Programs that include an assessment:
- Canadian Income Tax Practice
- Data Analytics
- Effective Healthcare Management
- Strategy & Critical Thinking
Programs that do not include an assessment:
- Effective Leadership for Senior Managers
- Pharma Challenges and Opportunities
- Governance & Ethics
- Effective Management of People
You may be eligible for a discount if you are;
- A U of T or IMIx alum
- Eligible for a special offer (e.g., Early Bird Discount, Team Discount, etc.)
- A team of 2 or more individuals from the same organization
- A group of 2 or more individuals enrolling together (e.g., friends or family)
Visit our Funding and Financial Support page for more information.
Cancellation Policy
If you are no longer able to attend a program, requests must be sent via email to imi.executiveprograms@utoronto.ca. The following options will apply:
- 21+ days notice: You will be eligible for a 100% refund
- 10+ days notice: You will be eligible for a 50% refund
- Less than 10 days notice: you will not be eligible for any refund
In any of the above cases, you will have the option to take a credit or transfer registration to another person.
Questions about our Pharma program?