Gabriela Fok MTOPRA CSci, Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager, Ipsen UK Limited
Gabriela explains why she applied to become a Chartered Scientist and how it has helped move her career forward.
Q: How long have you been in regulatory affairs for, and what is your current role?
I have been in regulatory affairs for about 13 years now, and I am currently a Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager for Ipsen UK Limited.
Q: Why did you choose to become a Chartered Scientist?
I decided to apply to be a Chartered Scientist because I realised that it's very important to have accreditation to prove that I have been doing, not just regulatory work, but also helping others through professional development, as well as the product management side of things.
The application process gave me a chance to reflect on the work that I've been doing, and to feel like I have achieved a lot. My company was very supportive of me applying, as were TOPRA colleagues who were also very encouraging.
Q: How would you describe what a Chartered Scientist is?
For me, chartered scientist status proves that I am able to do a lot more than just regulatory work. It’s also made me feel a lot more confident in the work I'm doing, not just in my area, but also cross-functionally, for example when working with our External Affairs team or going to meetings with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Q: Now that you’ve become a Chartered Scientist, what’s next?
I am looking forward to doing a lot more with the Science Council, as well as doing some voluntary work with TOPRA. I have been signing up to a lot of TOPRA’s working parties in particular, as this will help further my professional development.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about applying to become a Chartered Scientist?
I'd say it's a great thing to do, especially when your responsibility has changed at a company. It presents a good time for you to reflect on how much you've achieved, and where you can go next. It also helps you to look at the bigger picture because, being a Chartered Scientist is much more than just about being able to do your job.
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