The field of medicines development is fast-moving, complex, and global—and it requires a workforce that is not only skilled but also connected and forward-thinking. Dr. Peter Stonier, a long-time contributor to the Academy of Global Medicines Development Professionals (GMDP Academy), recently shared his perspective on what makes the Academy unique.
Dr. Stonier points to several features that set the Academy apart in the landscape of professional education for medicines development.
Dedicated Focus on Medicines Development
Unlike broader professional training organizations, the Academy’s primary focus is on medicines development and those who make it happen. This singular dedication creates a learning environment tailored to the real-world needs of medical affairs, clinical research, and regulatory science professionals.
Global Reach from the Start
From its inception, the Academy was designed to be global. Leveraging online learning and virtual platforms—an approach accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—the Academy has been able to connect professionals worldwide, offering education without borders.
Strategic Collaboration with King’s College London
Another standout feature is the partnership with King’s College London, specifically the Center for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research. This collaboration bridges academic research, professional training, and real-world medicines development, creating a powerful synergy that benefits learners at every stage of their careers.
A Long-Term Relationship with Alumni
Education at the Academy doesn’t end when a course concludes. Through continued membership and the recently developed Global Fellowship Foundation, the Academy nurtures lasting connections with alumni. These relationships open doors to ongoing professional development, networking, and collaborative opportunities across the global medicines development community.
Dr. Stonier sums it up: the Academy is unusual—and perhaps unique—because it combines a dedicated focus, global accessibility, academic partnership, and long-term professional engagement. For professionals in medicines development, it’s not just a training program—it’s a lifelong learning community.
About Dr. Stonier
As a pharmaceutical physician Peter has over 35 years experience in medicines development, clinical research, life-cycle management & drug safety/pharmacovigilance. He was medical adviser, medical director & board member of the Hoechst Marion Roussel group of companies, UK (now Sanofi) between 1977 & 2000, & group medical director and QPPV of Amdipharm plc 2004-2013.
He is Director of Education & Training at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine & national Programme Director for pharmaceutical medicine specialty training for pharmaceutical & regulatory physicians in UK. He is a Board Member of the PharmaTrain Federation, developing & introducing internationally a platform of education & training for all in medicines development / clinical research: industry, academia, clinical trial investigators.
Peter was a founding Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM), Royal Colleges of Physicians UK (1989), & with others made a major contribution to achieving recognition & legal listing for the medical Specialty of Pharmaceutical Medicine in 2002.
He is visiting Professor in Pharmaceutical Medicine at King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine. Whilst previously visiting professor at the University of Surrey, the first Masters programme (MSc) in Pharmaceutical Medicine / Medicines Development was introduced under his co-direction.
Peter is a past President of the FPM, a past President of GMDP, and a past President of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Section for Pharmaceutical Medicine & Research.
Peter Stonier graduated in physiology (BSc 1st Hons) with a PhD in protein chemistry (inborn errors of metabolism), Universities of Birmingham & Sheffield, UK, 1969. He studied medicine at the Manchester Medical School, qualifying with honors in 1974.
His publications include texts in pharmaceutical medicine & edited works in human psychopharmacology, clinical research, medical affairs & careers within pharmaceuticals.
Disclaimers
- The material in these reviews is from various public open access sources, meant for educational and informational purposes only
- Any personal opinions expressed are those of only the author(s) and are not intended to represent the position of any organization(s)
- No official support by any organization(s) has been provided or should be inferred
