60 years MSD Belgium

20 Years at MSD – From Representative to Marketing, A Journey of Impact

August 8, 2025

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Reflecting on 20 years at MSD

I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years since I joined MSD. Time has truly flown by. After completing my studies in business management, I began my career at a company where I felt disconnected and unfulfilled. An unexpected conversation with someone in the pharmaceutical sector opened my eyes to new possibilities, leading me to MSD—a decision I have never regretted.

A diverse career path

My journey at MSD began as a representative for our hypertension range, where I visited general practitioners. This was a competitive time, with many pharmaceutical representatives vying for the attention of healthcare professionals. Through a reorganization, I transitioned to working with gynecologists, focusing on our contraceptive range. This was a rewarding period for me; my extensive knowledge about contraceptives allowed me to engage deeply with gynecologists, who were eager for information on our diverse possibilities available for patients.

After my time in gynecology, I moved into gastroenterology, and eventually found my passion in oncology, where I still work today. I’m proud to have witnessed the beginning of immunotherapy—an exciting development that has transformed patient care.

Embracing new challenges

Throughout my career at MSD, I have actively contributed to the development of marketing materials. Transitioning from field sales to an office role took time, but I finally made the leap in August of last year, feeling ready for this new chapter. While I miss the direct contact with healthcare professionals, I still connect with them during conferences and special projects, allowing me to enjoy the best of both worlds. A unique opportunity that MSD provides.

Memorable moments

One of my most cherished memories at MSD is organizing osteoporosis screenings with general practitioners. When these screenings were no longer reimbursed by the government, they became costly for many. In response, MSD stepped in to provide the necessary devices to general practitioners, enabling us to set up comprehensive screenings across various Belgian municipalities. I will never forget the sight of people queuing to participate—it was a testament to our impact. Collaborating with GPs and other stakeholders during this initiative brought me immense satisfaction.

Pride in making a difference

What drives my passion for working at MSD is the difference we make in patients’ lives. Knowing that our efforts can have a meaningful impact is the primary reason I have dedicated two decades to this company. I also value the strong collaboration among our teams. Despite our diverse roles and responsibilities, we unite with a common goal: to advance patient care.

Looking ahead

As we look to the future, I believe we must accelerate our efforts in drug discovery and development. The pharmaceutical industry will need to be not only faster but also more innovative and precise. In the field of lung cancer, I am a firm believer in the evolution of “precision medicine.” Lung cancer has become a specialized field, and I am confident it will continue to evolve in this direction.

BE-NON-02553 | Date of last revision: 06/2025

60 years MSD Belgium

19 Years at MSD – From Marketing to Policy, Navigating Healthcare’s Future

August 8, 2025

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Joining MSD Belgium 

I joined MSD Belgium 19 years ago in the marketing and sales department, where I had the pleasure of contributing to the launch of two major products. This experience ignited my passion for the pharmaceutical industry and set the foundation for my career. Ten years ago, during a significant restructuring, I embraced the opportunity to transition into the role of “Governmental & Public Policy Manager”. My background in philosophy sparked my interest in aligning the goals of a pharmaceutical company with those of the government. 

Growing into my role 

Initially, I faced the challenge of having no experience as a policy manager. I dedicated time to understanding the political landscape and, when I felt ready, I started reaching out to Belgian politicians. This proactive approach led to my first meetings and helped me grow into my current position. It’s been a journey of learning through both successes and setbacks.  

Reflecting on my career, I realize that my early naivety pushed me to take bold steps. While experience is important, having the courage to take initiative is equally vital. I’m happy to see that at MSD we embrace the “Act with Urgency” principle, ensuring we move beyond meetings to take decisive action. This mindset fosters a culture of responsiveness, which is crucial in our fast-paced industry. 

What helps me succeed in my job is carefully listening to the needs of stakeholders and building sustainable, long-term relationships. This process takes time and commitment, but it’s essential for success. I’ve learned that effective communication and understanding the perspectives of others are key to navigating complex policy discussions. My sales background has equipped me with strong interpersonal skills, allowing me to connect easily with others. I thrive on social interaction and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to achieve common goals. 

The evolving landscape of policy management 

Looking ahead, I see my role becoming increasingly important. The landscape of policy management has evolved. The simple chain of launching a product and positioning it in the market no longer exists. The pre-launch phase of pricing and reimbursement is crucial; without proper reimbursement, even the best innovations can’t benefit patients. At MSD, we are committed to navigating these challenges effectively, and I take pride in our diverse and multifunctional policy team that works tirelessly to advocate for patients and ensure access to vital medications. 

The next 60 years in healthcare 

How do I envision the next 60 years in healthcare? First and foremost, I anticipate that we will be confronted with a multitude of innovations. History has shown us that investing in innovations pays off, and this trend is likely to continue. The emphasis on prevention and vaccination will increase significantly. Moreover, the importance of “the patient experience” will continue to grow, necessitating ongoing evolution in the quality of care. Health equity will play a crucial role in this transition: everyone, regardless of their background, deserves access to the same quality of care.  

BE-NON-02562 | Date of last revision: 06/2025 

60 years MSD Belgium

Nearly 10 Years at MSD – From Assistant to Strategic Support, Enabling Success

August 8, 2025

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Having spent nearly a decade at MSD, I currently work as the executive assistant to our Managing Director, Katrien De Vos, while also supporting our HR department. My journey in the pharmaceutical industry began with eight years as an assistant at another company, where I sharpened my skills and developed a passion for the pharmaceutical field. 

When I applied to join MSD Belgium, I was excited to find two assistant positions available: one in the External Affairs team and another in the Medical team. Given my background in Medical, I was drawn to the opportunity in External Affairs, as it promised new challenges and experiences. To my surprise, I received a call from the recruiter on my way home, offering me the position. I felt very excited to start my journey at MSD and have never looked back since accepting the offer. 

One of the aspects I truly value about working at MSD is the ease with which employees can transition between roles within the organization. Throughout my career here, I have had the opportunity to work across various entities, including Animal and Human Health, and in different departments. MSD actively encourages us to seize internal opportunities, which fosters personal and professional growth. Therefore, I appreciate the company’s commitment to employee development. 

The role of an assistant has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, our responsibilities were primarily focused on routine tasks such as creating purchase orders and taking meeting notes. Today, the expectation is that team members manage their own administrative duties, allowing assistants to take on a more supportive and guiding role. We are much more than just administrative support; we are integral to the success of our teams. 

What I love most about my role at MSD is the opportunity to help others and make their lives easier. Assisting a colleague not only energizes me but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence each day. It’s very rewarding to see the relief on my colleagues’ faces after I’ve helped them, and I take great pride in organizing company summits where everyone can come together, have fun, and enjoy themselves. 

In summary, my journey at MSD has been fulfilling and transformative, and I look forward to many more years of growth and contribution within this organization. 

BE-NON-02563 | Date of last revision: 06/2025