2022 marks a milestone year for the ’82, ’92, ’02, and ’12 classes. Throughout the year, we will spotlight alumni of each of these classes as they provide a look back at life at CU Pharmacy and their career success. ’02 alumna, Elisha DeLong Sieg kicks off the first alumni spotlight of 2022.
What are you currently doing as a pharmacy assistant and how did you get to where you are now?
Elisha DeLong Sieg, PharmD ’02 |
I am currently Executive Director Medical Affairs at Genentech. In this multi-portfolio role, I am responsible for co-creating and driving an overarching medical strategy for multiple national accounts with the aim of providing clinical information to improve patient outcomes and customer experience. Since graduating with my PharmD in 2002, I have been fortunate to experience many different opportunities in clinical pharmacy at Kaiser Permanente, Drug Information at Micromedex, Medical Communications at PPD, and Industry Field Medical positions at Takeda and Genentech.
What has been a defining moment for you as an experienced professional?
When I think about my passions for my career in pharmacy of communication, collaborations and science, some defining moments come to mind. Within my field medical roles at Genentech, I have had the opportunity to collaborate and participate in outcome research studies with managed care clients, eventually co-authoring five separate publications in Asthma and Hematology Oncology. In addition, I was honored to be selected to present at the 12th Partnering Accountable Care Organization/Integrated Delivery Network (ACO/IDN) conference to communicate how manufacturers can use current and future trends and technology to be a successful partner and stay ahead of healthcare. curve.
What inspired you to participate in the CU Pharmacy program and what was your experience during the program?
I was inspired to become a pharmacist after following a family friend who was a hospital pharmacist at the Swedish hospital in 8th grade. I was driven by this and completed my pre-pharmacy requirements at the University of Colorado at Boulder (Go Buffs!). I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the CU Pharmacy program and was lucky enough to earn both my Bachelor of Science – Pharmacy and PharmD degrees. I am truly grateful for my education, the excellent professors and the lifelong friendships I have been able to make.
What is your proudest moment and the best thing about working in the pharmacy profession?
One of my proudest moments was when I was invited back to CU Pharmacy School to speak at the AMCP (Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy) Student Chapter meeting to share my journey and answer questions about my career path. This lecture allowed me to convey my passion behind my pharmacy profession, it has enabled me to fulfill my motivations of communication, collaboration and science throughout my career. Over the past five years I have really enjoyed the opportunity to mentor and interact with the CU Pharmacy school students.
What wise advice would you give to current and future students that was helpful to you in preparing for the job market?
The profession of pharmacist offers a plethora of opportunities to use the knowledge gained to make a lasting critical impact in healthcare. Define your motivations, be open to other options and recognize the power of networking and mentorship as the world of pharmacy is so small!
