On January 20, 2026, spanning time zones—from early mornings in the Americas to late evenings in Asia‑Pacific—more than 80 medicines development professionals came together online, in the midst of families and well-wishers, to celebrate the 2025 cohort’s successful completion of the GMDP Academy / King’s College London Certification in Medicines Development Program. 

This was more than a ceremony. It was a celebration of excellence and the close of a rigorous year and the start of a new professional identity for a global cohort working at the intersection of clinical research and development, regulatory sciences, medical affairs, and patient care.

Opening Reflections: A Technological Renaissance

The ceremony began with Professor Sam Salek, Program Director, GMDP Academy,  who welcomed the graduates and framed their achievement within the current era of rapid technological change:

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are now faced with technological renaissance and geopolitical Middle Ages.”

He highlighted innovations from nanomachines to gene therapy, emphasizing why training, research, and clinical development have never been more vital.

Academic Perspective: Lifelong Learning in Practice

Dr. Peter Stonier,Professor of Pharmaceutical Medicine, King’s College London and Program Director, GMDP Academy, reflected on the dedication required to complete the Certification alongside demanding professional and personal responsibilities. He positioned the program as competency-based, case-driven, and designed to integrate academic rigor with real-world practice, encouraging graduates to see it as part of lifelong learning rather than a final milestone.

Industry Leadership: Productive Restlessness

Dr. Alex Condoleon, Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Medical Engagement & Impact,Pfizer, delivered a keynote on “productive restlessness”—the drive to act when science, technology, and patient needs evolve faster than healthcare systems can respond. He highlighted the urgent role of Medical Affairs in translating data, connecting stakeholders, and building trust.

The Patient Perspective

Dr. Harriet Scorer, Chair, WMUK (UK charity for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia), shared her experiences navigating her professional life while living with a rare hematologic condition. She emphasized the centrality of patients in every decision:

“Please remember that patients are why we do what we do.”

Her remarks resonated deeply with the cohort, reinforcing the human impact behind every clinical trial, protocol, and regulatory decision.

Honoring the Graduates

The ceremony moved to the formal admission of 59 high-performing graduates to the certification. Module chairs, including Dr. David Jefferys, Dr. Sandor Kerpel-Fronius, Dr. Domenico Criscuolo, Professor Sam Salek, and Dr. Pravin Chopra, introduced each participant with personalized vignettes that showcased their professional diversity, global backgrounds, and shared values. Graduates represented fields from medical affairs and clinical development to pharmacovigilance and regulatory affairs, spanning multiple continents.

Two graduates were recognized for exceptional achievement:

Dr. Nuno Martins Machado, Country Medical Lead, Pfizer, Portugal, reflected on the broader impact of the program:

“If I reflect on what I’m taking away from this program, I would highlight how we learn to navigate the intricate relationships between therapeutic specialties, regulatory authorities, and the pharmaceutical industry. We learn not only how our medicines are developed, but how they should be developed, and how each of us can make a meaningful difference in the future, never forgetting ethical responsibilities and the importance of patient-centered purpose. We learn to understand regulatory frameworks and to appreciate the human complexity behind data-driven decisions. But something this program reminds us of is that medicines development is not just a technical field, it is a human one too.”

Mariel Morales Sahm, Senior Medical Communications and Content Manager, Pfizer, Berlin, highlighted the interconnectedness of the field:

“One insight really stands out, and it’s how truly interconnected medicines development is. Our learning journey went from early research and pharmacology through clinical development, regulatory approval and also far beyond that. Along the way, it became very clear that no one single person or function does this alone. Medicines development is a huge team effort. A lot of stakeholders are involved, and each one of them plays a vital role. It’s like a big and complex puzzle, and every piece in that puzzle matters.”

Closing Remarks and Alumni Welcome

Dr. Pravin Chopra, Chief Executive Officer, GMDP Academy, closed the ceremony by welcoming graduates as alumni and as ambassadors for high standards, collaboration, and patient-focused practice. The cohort leaves not only with a Certification in Medicines Development (CMD) credential but with a sharpened professional identity, equipped to contribute to global medicines development and to improved health outcomes, with skill, insight, and purpose.

Watch the full 2025 Graduation Ceremony below for insights from keynote speakers, faculty, and graduates.

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)
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