Virtual Town Hall meeting with Dr Sheuli Porkess
Monday 27 January 2025
12:30 - 13:45
Find out more
Embracing the Future: Advancing Pharmaceutical Medicine for Global Health
Posted on: Wednesday 8 January 2025
Author: Dr Sheuli Porkess PFPM
How to cite: Porkess, S. (2025), ‘Embracing the Future: Advancing Pharmaceutical Medicine for Global Health’, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, 8 January 2025. Available at: [INSERT LINK]
Introduction
Last year, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: 35 years of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM). Over this time, our specialty has grown from relative obscurity to become a vital force in global healthcare. Today, pharmaceutical physicians are leading some of the most exciting advances in medicine—from life-saving vaccines to precision therapies and innovative digital health technologies.
As I begin my term as President of FPM, I feel inspired by what we have accomplished and energised by the opportunities ahead. The world is changing rapidly, bringing both complex challenges and transformative opportunities. To continue driving progress in pharmaceutical medicine, I want to look to the future to envision how our specialty can evolve, focusing on the What, the Who, and the How of pharmaceutical medicine.
The What: Imagining the Future of Pharmaceutical Medicine
Pharmaceutical medicine is at an extraordinary moment of change. Revolutionary advances in genomics, artificial intelligence, and advanced therapies are reshaping how medicines are developed, tested, and delivered. Alongside these breakthroughs, we must also address some of the most pressing global issues, including health inequalities, environmental sustainability, and the need for more patient-centred approaches.
As we look to FPM’s 50th anniversary in 15 years’ time, we must ask: what role will pharmaceutical medicine play in a world shaped by these changes? How can we harness the potential of scientific and technological advancements to address global challenges and deliver better health outcomes for all?
To answer these questions, collaboration will be essential. We need to work closely with stakeholders across the life sciences ecosystem—academia, regulators, industry, policymakers, and patients. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can ensure that pharmaceutical medicine not only keeps pace with change but leads it.
To drive this vision forward, I am launching a thought leadership initiative to gather insights from our members, patients, and external partners. Through surveys, workshops, and discussions—starting with our Town Hall on 27 January—we will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of our field. These insights will inform FPM’s long-term strategy and help us build a clear roadmap for progress.
This is not just about anticipating the future—it’s about shaping it together.
The Who: Supporting the People Behind Pharmaceutical Medicine
Behind every advance in medicine is a community of dedicated professionals. It is the expertise, passion, and resilience of pharmaceutical physicians that drive the discovery, development, and application of transformative treatments.
To secure the future of pharmaceutical medicine, we must first support the people practising it today. This starts with understanding who our members are, what challenges they face, and what they need to thrive. Pharmaceutical physicians work in diverse settings across the globe, and their roles are as varied as the innovations they help bring to life.
FPM must ensure that its education, training, and support offerings are not only rigorous but also relevant to the needs of this ever-evolving profession. Inclusivity is key—our resources must reflect the diversity of the field and be accessible to all who practise pharmaceutical medicine.
Equally important is fostering a strong sense of community. Our members should feel connected to one another and to the shared mission of advancing health. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or collaborating, there are countless opportunities for members to engage with FPM and contribute to the future of our specialty.
By deepening these connections and ensuring that every member feels valued, we can build a professional community that is both supportive and inspiring.
The How: Living Our Values Through Leadership
Leadership in pharmaceutical medicine is about more than technical expertise; it’s about how we conduct ourselves and the values we live by. FPM’s values—Professional, Innovative, Caring, Collaborative, Credible, and Learned—represent our commitment to patients, the public, and our profession.
Building trust in pharmaceutical medicine is essential. This requires not only technical excellence but also a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and meaningful engagement with patients and the public. Diversity of thought and experience will be central to our efforts, ensuring that our work reflects the needs and perspectives of all those we serve.
Internally, we will strengthen our governance culture to support FPM’s strategic ambitions. By fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence at the Board level, we can lead by example and set the tone for our wider community.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Vision
The opportunities ahead of us are immense. By focusing on the What, the Who, and the How of pharmaceutical medicine, we can continue to advance our specialty for the benefit of patients around the world. But success will require collaboration, leveraging the collective strengths of our members and partners.
I am excited to work with FPM members, Trustees, staff and our stakeholders over the next three years to make this vision a reality. Together, we can ensure that pharmaceutical medicine continues to drive innovation, improve health outcomes, and inspire the next generation of leaders in our field.
In case you missed it...
From November 2024