Real outcomes. Real voices. A credential built for where medicines development is heading.

What does it feel like to finally have the full picture of medicines development in view — not just the corner of it your role occupies? For the professionals who completed the GMDP Academy’s Certification in Medicines Development (CMD) this year, that shift in perspective is one of the most commonly described outcomes. And the data backs it up.

This year’s student survey, conducted at the close of the program, captured responses from 55 graduates representing a remarkable cross-section of the industry: MSLs, medical advisors, scientific communications leads, physicians transitioning to pharma, global directors, and early-career professionals — spanning oncology, vaccines, immunology, cardiology, rare diseases, and beyond.

The results speak clearly.

85% say the program increased their professional competence87% felt it strengthened their professional identity45% scored 9 or 10 out of 10 — they’re active promoters

Seeing the Full Picture

The CMD program is deliberately designed to do something most professional training does not: take you well beyond your own function and give you a working understanding of the entire medicines development continuum — from early drug discovery and clinical trials through regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, health economics, and medical affairs strategy.

For many students, that breadth proved to be the defining value. Kathryn Quinn, a Medical Director in lymphoma, put it simply:

The GMDP program helped me zoom out and see the full picture of medicines development — from early planning to regulatory expectations and benefit-risk thinking. It’s given me clearer structure, stronger cross-functional understanding, and practical tools I now use every day.— Kathryn Quinn, Medical Director, Lymphoma

That sentiment — seeing how the pieces connect — surfaced repeatedly across the cohort. Charles Adhav, who leads the Immunology team at Pfizer India, described how the program helped him understand the voices of regulatory bodies and patient organizations, and how evolving approaches in digital, AI, and alliance management are reshaping how medical affairs delivers value.

A Credential for Career Transitions — and Career Advancement

One of the CMD’s most distinctive strengths is its relevance to professionals at different stages of a career journey. For those moving from clinical practice into industry, the program provides structured grounding that hands-on experience alone rarely offers.

The Certification in Medicines Development has been a turning point in that journey. Even with prior experience in research, this program allowed me to see how science, regulation, and industry truly connect.— Alejandro Díez Vidal, Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases Physician

Pietro Bruschini, who transitioned from hospital physician to the Medical Affairs department, echoed this: gaining a detailed understanding of the regulatory framework governing drug research and development — knowledge he now draws on daily — was the program’s most tangible gift.

For those already established in the industry, the CMD offers something different: a moment to consolidate, broaden, and re-anchor. Rosemary Teresi, a Global Medical Director, described the program as giving her “a new perspective on medicine” and noted its particular value for professionals looking to expand from one role into the next.

Built for the Real World — By People Who Live in It

The CMD is not a theoretical exercise. It is anchored by a strategic partnership with King’s College London, one of the world’s leading research universities, and delivered by a faculty of working industry professionals — global medical directors, regulatory experts, clinical research leaders, and HEOR specialists who bring current, practical insight to every module.

Gabriel Mircus, a Senior Director of Global Medical Affairs at Pfizer who came to the program without formal medical affairs training, captured why this matters:

Many Medical colleagues come to pharma from other practices, with different backgrounds, and learn Medical Affairs on the go. This program creates a clear framework for them.— Gabriel Mircus, Senior Director, Global Medical Affairs — Pfizer

Karim Amer, whose role spans medical affairs and early discovery, was more direct still: “I think this course is an integral part of understanding the biopharmaceutical industry and cannot think of a reason why everyone should not take it.”

Is the CMD Right for You?

The CMD is a ten-month online program, structured across six modules of six weeks each, plus an End of Program Project. Students typically commit 5–12 hours per week and graduate with the post-nominal designation CMD, jointly awarded by GMDP Academy and King’s College London.

The program is designed for:

  • Medical affairs professionals seeking a formal, structured foundation
  • Physicians and researchers transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry
  • Biomedical professionals looking to grow their cross-functional fluency and visibility
  • Those in scientific communications, regulatory, HEOR, or clinical operations who want to see the bigger picture

Enrollment for the 2026 cohort is now open. Applications and full program details are available at gmdpacademy.org.

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