Joana Duarte
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Biosketch
I did an internship in malária at IGC, before I started my PhD in immunology, at Luis Graça ‘s lab at IMM. During my PhD, I developed an extensive experience in therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune system, using monoclonal antibodies to target T cells and reprogram the response in immune-mediated diseases, such as allergy and autoimmunity. This work produced many papers, fruit of different national and international collaborations. Given my passion for academia and research, I did a post-Doc at faculdade de farmácia working on a new anti-HIV vaccine approach, while teaching immunology at ISCSEM.
Later then and due to the lack foi opportunities in academia, and the instability of fellowships, i decided to search opportunities in pharma industry, as it would allow me still to work with scientific innovation, and in parallel i would feel the direct Impact in patients’ lives. It was not easy but I finally was able to find a stable opportunity in Pharmaceutical industry, by integrating Novartis as a MSL and, where i had the opportunity to work in the field of rheumatology, one of the areas i worked during my PhD and that i am passionate about. Recently i started working in a completely different disease area – working as a medical advisor at MSD in gram negative bacteria and CMV infection. Stepping out of my comfort zone has allowed me to grow and feel intellectually stimulated again. Change brings evolution, and I love to have this opportunity to learn more everyday, and in parallel Impact the lives of so many patients!
Testimony
My academic background allowed me to reach personal achievements at many levels. It made me grow autonomously, learn to overcome problems, face tight schedules and date limits, be able to work in parallel projects, and adapt to different projects and areas. In addition having a PhD provided me with technical skills such as the ability to search for credible bibliography, read and interpret scientific data and statistics.
Also when discussing scientific data with physicians in my role in Pharma industry, I feel that there is a recognition and respect for our workshop as we communicate data in a scientifically balanced. Moreover, the Bench/ basic science research gave me the capacity and awareness to understand the clinical scientific needs and develop projects/ studies in partnership that will help Meeting this scientific data gaps/Clinical needs.
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