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FIELD NOTES

early pharmacist roles, she took the opportunity discovered that she loved it.

to give back to the community that raised her. TJ became even more excited by how much
She spent the first years of her career working good she could do in pharma and soon found
part-time in local inner city pharmacies, where her purpose—education and training. For anyone
she took the extra time to come out from behind who knew about TJ’s upbringing, it came as no

the counter, answer questions, and address surprise that her career brought her back to
the health concerns of customers from the education.
neighborhood—her neighborhood. TJ rapidly advanced through a series of varied
TJ loved her work as a community pharmacist, roles in research and development, eventually

but she also wanted to research, discover, and finding her home in world of Medical Affairs,
produce new medications for patients. Moving where she had the opportunity to do what she
into the world of pharmaceuticals, she had the loved—teach. She was quick to learn the Medical
chance to fulfill that desire. Science Liaison (MSL) role, even as she started it

However, in her early years in big pharma, with no experience. Her passion for education
TJ was an outsider. It was the 80s, and as the and building strong healthcare professional
only African American woman on the team, relationships shone through in everything she
she was not initially invited to the ‘good old boy’ did, and as she began to take on leadership

clubs or to the golfing and fishing outings where positions, her peers admired her authentic and
relationships were built and important decisions
about promotions and recognition were made.
“This was a different time,” says TJ. “Diversity

and Inclusion weren’t talked about the way
they are now. It’s also important to note that
not all challenges were external. Some of
the barriers were those I built in my own

mind. I had to learn the power of networking,
identifying mentors—both men and women—
who connected, encouraged, and supported me.
That awareness and mindset changed my path

and self-confidence immensely.”
TJ is grateful for leaders and colleagues over
the years who became her allies, understanding
the barriers she faced and working together to

come up with ideas to overcome them. They collaborative management style.
encouraged her to advocate for herself and took As National MSL Director, Global Medical
steps to ensure that she received recognition for Excellence Director, and most recently, Director,
her achievements. She even learned to golf and US Oncology Field Medical Strategic Operations,

VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2022 39