This summer, I am working in the intersection of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. A core part of the work that I am doing is analyzing how applying artificial intelligence can reduce burden on health care professionals, improve patient outcomes, and streamline the development of new treatments or technologies. Artificial intelligence can be used to accelerate testing, analyse large data sets, and run diagnostics, all while eliminating the risk of human error. This can help mitigate the global shortage of medical professionals, greatly increasing access to health care in traditionally resource low regions. Furthermore, Artificial intelligence can be used to develop new technologies quicker than previously imagined. Companies that understand the potential uses of AI and other emerging technologies are setting themselves up in a position where they can pioneer the changing global technological environments.
To work in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, one of the most important skills to have is data analysis. Being able to understand the statistical value of a specific medicine, treatment, or intervention is crucial in determining what the company should move forward with. If a company pours all of its resources into creating and manufacturing an expensive medication that is not proven to improve patient outcomes, the company may not succeed in the long term. Also, there must be data analysis done to see if there is a strong market for the drug that they look to bring into the market, or else all the spending that was put into research and development will not be able to become profitable. Along with this, to succeed, you must have a strong understanding of how trials and studies are run and managed. Knowing what type of study was used, and the specific methods of recruiting participants and collecting data is crucial because it decides what statistical inferences are able to be made. This is important because it can determine if regulatory agencies approve of the results found and if the intervention can be brought to the general population. It is important to have a basic understanding of various computer programs, especially understanding how to use artificial intelligence optimally. Not having an understanding of when and how to use AI can both increase time spent on a project and increase the chances of the AI model making a mistake. Current AI models can do almost any task faster than humans and more accurately as well, meaning that companies should be able to cut costs in research and development phases of production. As AI models become more commonly used in business environments, it is crucial to build a basic understanding to not be left behind.
Most importantly, empathy is a required trait to work in any health related field. Each time a new drug is brought to market or a new technology is developed, it can have an immeasurable impact on countless patients and their families around the world. Understanding that there is a human aspect that goes beyond the financial feasibility of the development of new technologies is crucial in valuing the work that you are adding to both the company and the lives of so many people. It can often be easy to be distracted by the business side of how the company is doing, so remaining grounded, and acknowledging the other positive aspects of the work that the company is doing can keep motivation high when facing challenges or burnout.
In South Korea specifically, being adaptable is crucial. The way that work is delegated and worked collaboratively is done completely differently than it is in the United States. There is less room for adding personal thoughts and choices to work, senior colleagues will delegate tasks to the people below them and expect the work to be done exactly as they asked, whereas in America, there is more group discourse on how a specific goal should be achieved. Beyond adaptability, being calm under pressure is just as important, South Korea’s workplace culture emphasises speed and accuracy, often creating high pressure environments. Being able to handle high expectations and understanding the criticism received will aid in integrating into a South Korean workplace. Along with this, a crucial skill is collaboration and being able to communicate cross-culturally. Many South Korean biotech companies work with international partners to widen the markets they can do business in or conduct research in different settings. Being able to communicate and connect with the partner companies can increase the value that you bring to the team. Lastly, you must have an understanding of the regulations on research and processes for filing for patents and medical use approval in Korea.