Career mentoring

Claire McDonald, TOPRA, US RAC

Claire has over 10 years industry experience working across all stages of clinical phase research and life cycle maintenance and within multiple disease areas.  She has worked for Amgen and AstraZeneca previously and now works at GSK within Global Oncology Regulatory Affairs.  Committed to professional development, she achieved US Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC)  in 2017 and commenced a part-time Drug Development Science MSc at King’s College London in 2020, intending to graduate in 2024.  

Claire has been involved with TOPRA since 2014; helping to establish the Early Professionals SPIN, presenting at numerous Careers Fairs as well as lecturing at the Essentials in EU Regulatory Affairs Course. With a passion for supporting new regulatory affairs professionals wanting to progress their career or to assist individuals wanting to transition into the profession she can provide careers signposting and guidance, help with knowledge upskilling or mentor you through CV writing and interview preparation.

David Sudworth, Principal Regulatory Consultant at DLRC Regulatory Consultancy

David has worked in the pharma industry for over 27 years. Following a 20 year career at Pfizer split between clinical operations and EU regulatory affairs, David moved into a global regulatory lead role at what was then Mylan and worked as a senior director leading US and EU submissions. In 2019 he moved into consultancy with DLRC. For most of the last 18 years David has worked on a reduced hours contract and has experience with both the joys and challenges that this can bring in different organisational structures.

Whether you are considering transitioning from pharma to consulting or are in mid to late-stage career and looking to continue to thrive and adapt to changes alongside maintaining a healthy work/life balance, David can provide insights and help you to explore the options in a confidential setting.

What do I do now?

If you would like to arrange a session with Claire/David, please email membership@topra.org with a copy of your updated CV and details of your enquiry. Please also provide up to five dates and time over the next 3 weeks. Each session will last 30 mins and will be arranged via Webex’.