6/27

I am still trying to gain a better understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, so I have been listening to more explanations from my coworkers. Yesterday Tejas began describing his project management by using an outline from a previous project. I also observed Rachel as she performed an IVRT test and validation. Kris led a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training session to reinforce standards for most of the employees, and along with reading Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), I now realize how regulated the industry really is.

2.Describe the work atmosphere. How are decisions made, is it cooperative or competitive, what is the dress code and work ethic of the organization?

Tergus has a cooperative environment. Since it is not a large company, all the employees know each other. Although my coworkers are under a lot of pressure to follow regulations while meeting deadlines, they are willing to guide me or explain concepts that I haven't grasped yet. Decisions are made by consulting management, including Kris, Ryan, Kailas, or Vijendra. Most of these decisions involve compliance questions or are specific to a project. The dress code is business casual, but unless there is a formal meeting or interview, employees are permitted to wear jeans. Since GMP must be followed to minimize legality issues and ensure safety, the accuracy and integrity of all work done by employees is critical.

6/25

When I first began my internship yesterday I was a little nervous, unsure of what to expect. My job as a project manager would keep me busy, but in order to begin, I would need a basic understanding of all the procedures and deliverables at Tergus Pharma. My coworkers are all very patient and easy to talk to; I love asking them questions and learning about their careers. So far I have been observing Shalini and taking notes in order to understand scientific processes and concepts described by Kris and Ryan, two of my supervisors. I was intimidated by the technical jargon I heard at the very first planning meeting I attended, but as my coworkers began explaining things throughout the day, it slowly started to make sense. It felt great to know that some pieces were finally clicking into place!

1. Define the purpose of the business/organization--what they do, structure, who are their customers, etc. What is your job description--what will you be doing, who will you work with, where do you fit in, etc.?

Tergus Pharma is a contract research organization that is hired by dermatological companies to develop the formulation of semisolids and perform analyses on these drugs. It offers complete product development services, and two major tools that the company uses are In Vitro Release Testing (IVRT) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Kailas is the founder, and Vijendra is the CEO. Ryan is the director and in charge of R&D, and Kris is also a director and in charge of QA & Compliance. 

As an intern, I will be assisting Ryan and Kris in developing task lists on Microsoft Acess, creating schedules on Excel, and following up with my coworkers to determine whether projects need to be rescheduled so that a program can be completed before the deadline. Additionally, I will help out in the lab by preparing buffers, standard solutions, cleaning glassware, and eventually carrying out an IVRT test with some assistance. Vijendra has agreed to involve me in conferences, and I will also be learning more about the pharmaceutical industry while on the job.