After almost nine years of working at Pharm Exec magazine, it’s time for me to move on. I have a new career opportunity in global health, but I couldn’t leave without telling you that I’ll miss you.

Pharm Exec was my first writing and editing gig and, when I joined, I knew next to nothing about pharma. So it’s been fun to grow up thinking and analyzing the industry each day, entirely focused on this small niche that has such a big impact.

Some fond memories:
• Thinking back to when life was easy, before the PhRMA code, OIG’s focus on pharma, and a reluctant FDA
• Interviewing Fred Hassan, Jeff Kindler, John Lechleiter, Matthew Emmens, Margie McGlynn, and so many other pharma CEOs, talking about their vision for healthcare
• Watching the rise of biotech and walking into Genentech in 2006 wearing a full-out suit, only to find that the executives were wearing ripped jeans and sneakers
• Reporting on the AIDS crisis in Africa and watching the industry respond to it
• Realizing how everything changed after Vioxx
• Meeting people with true insight
• Becoming active in HBA, an organization that has offered so many positive opportunities to improve my network and career.

Pharm Exec has grown and developed over the years under Editor in Chief Patrick Clinton, Publisher Jay Berfas, and the rest of the staff. I’m proud to have been a part of this team and the work they do to inspire the industry. I also have to say thank you to the people out there (you know who you are) who have done so much to encourage me along the way. I feel like the tortoise on top of the fence—there’s no way it could have got there without a lift. So for the great contacts, sources, story ideas, background information, or simply giving in a well written second draft—hank you.

Still, you won’t miss me too much. You can always find me on LinkedIn, at i.HUG, the charity I co-founded which has a school and clinic in Kabalagala, Uganda, and also as the newest member of the Pharm Exec Advisory Board.

See? I told you that you wouldn’t be able to get rid of me. Don’t forget to stay in touch and let’s keep trading big ideas.