As a University which started 22 years ago, International Medical University (IMU) has many students who have gone on to lead successful lives in their careers and in the community. There are many stories to share and here is one on our Medical Biotechnology alumnus. Penocia Pawel. She is currently working at Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical, Medical and Regulatory Affairs Department, Novo Nordisk, a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enlisted global healthcare company. She shares with us her journey from a medical biotechnology student to where she is now. 
“I had a lot of considerations before joining IMU. What finally made up my mind was also the more measurable things: such as being part of a prestigious educationally sound institution and the unique possibilities that come with it. I think those are all represented in IMU. Studying in IMU was an amazing experience in such a variety of ways. It is a challenge above all, as well as crazy amounts of fun and endless opportunities. Medical Biotechnology is a good eye opener into health sciences as it covered a wide range of topics which were all very current in our world today. The comprehensive yet concise semester contents was what propelled me to the immensely fulfilling job that I am currently doing.”
Currently working as a Clinical Research Associate, her job is to ensure that clinical trials on a new drug goes the way that it should. This means monitoring procedures and results and making sure that researchers are following proper protocols at every step. According to Penocia, a CRA should: – Be dedicated, results-driven (safety and quality), analytical, meticulous and have strong work ethics. – Be a jetsetter, involves a lot of travels as research can be done in several cities or countries, and even across continents. – Have an eye for detail and appreciate strict guidelines and take great pride in ensuring trials assigned comply with local SOPs, will always comply with applicable external guidelines and regulations having their origin in the Nuremberg Code, the Declaration of Helsinki (which describes human rights for patients participating in clinical research), other internationally accepted ethical guidelines, local laws, and the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory requirements and protocols internally as well as with external stakeholders. – Have excellent numerical, written and verbal communication skills. 
“Working at Novo Nordisk makes me realise that our company culture is just more than words on a piece of paper – we live our values every single day. The values are the foundation for our business decisions. We have an inclusive culture where we as employees feel empowered and consensus is valued. Our commitment to quality and our focus on maintaining high ethical standards goes hand in hand with living up to our responsibilities to shareholders, patients and society.Our values are global, but they are also owned and lived at a local level, providing flexibility and fostering diversity in ideas. Working here is not just a way to make a living, but a way to make a difference!”
Novo Nordisk is a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enlisted global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care, haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 40,000 employees in 75 countries, and markets its products in more than 180 countries.
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