{"id":5914,"date":"2026-01-15T16:50:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.msd-belgium.be\/en\/?post_type=story&p=5914"},"modified":"2026-01-15T16:50:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:50:16","slug":"3-years-at-msd-from-rare-disease-advocacy-to-empowering-patients-and-driving-innovation","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/www.msd-belgium.be\/en\/stories\/3-years-at-msd-from-rare-disease-advocacy-to-empowering-patients-and-driving-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Years at MSD: From Rare Disease Advocacy to Empowering Patients and Driving Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n \n 60 years MSD Belgium<\/small>\n <\/a>\n \n \n

\n 3 Years at MSD: From Rare Disease Advocacy to Empowering Patients and Driving Innovation\n <\/h1>\n <\/div>\n\n
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January 15, 2026<\/p>\n

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I joined the Medical Affairs team over three years ago as Medical Advisor for Pulmonary Hypertension. My role focuses on mapping the scientific and clinical landscape ahead of product launches: identifying key stakeholders, understanding disease context, and serving as a scientific resource for internal teams and external experts. In rare diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), where cases are few and the Belgian patient population is small, raising awareness is critical. We help healthcare professionals recognize when to suspect, refer, and ensure timely access to specialized care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical Affairs itself is evolving. In the last three years, digital engagement has matured significantly. We launched a medical newsletter and built Medical Connect to host content. Each quarter, we align on topics, curate materials, and track engagement: what\u2019s read, what\u2019s clicked, how long people spend on pages. Initially, I thought PAH content would draw little interest, but I was wrong. Consistent, high-quality content works. Face-to-face remains key, but digital channels help sustain awareness between visits and help us reach a broader group of healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A personal highlight for me is working closely with patient organizations. The first time I attended a patient day, our purpose clicked into sharper focus. Reading about disease burden is one thing; hearing patients describe their journey, the symptoms, the long road to diagnosis, the daily impact, is unforgettable. It stays with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company-wide, patient focus has grown. As a cross-functional team, with a dedicated patient engagement lead, we collaborate with patient associations, to obtain patient insights whenever relevant and to empower them in their role by sharing information in an appropriate and compliant way. Patient associations now have an opportunity to have their voices heard during reimbursement procedures. After years of collaborating with them, it is great to see how they feel empowered to take up this new role, and I feel honored to have played a small part in this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of work, volunteering has always mattered to me, so I value MSD\u2019s company-wide volunteering days. Once a year, we step away from our desks to support community organizations. These moments are energizing, as you meet colleagues in new ways, build connections, and see the impact we can make together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I also appreciate about MSD is the absence of rigid silos. If you have interest and initiative, you can take on new responsibilities in order to develop an action plan, lead a priority or join a network. That cross-pollination enriches the company and broadens understanding of our mission. In this regard, I\u2019m grateful for my manager\u2019s coaching. Coming in with limited experience, I saw how much clear expectations, feedback, and guidance matter. That support shaped my growth and confidence and made work something I truly enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BE-NON-02771 | Date of last revision: 01\/2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I joined the Medical Affairs team over three years ago as Medical Advisor for Pulmonary Hypertension. 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