Moving from Clinical Practice to Industry

The career journeys of women in medicine are as diverse as the women themselves. For some, the path leads through academia and clinical practice, while others find purpose in industry or research. Dr. Katja Rohwedder, MD, exemplifies this diversity. Trained as a physician in Germany, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where she now works on a global scale at Bayer as a Senior Medical Affairs Physician, advancing therapies that reach millions of patients.

Her story offers important insights into how women cardiologists and women in medicine more broadly can navigate career shifts, build collaborations with industry, and continue shaping the future of patient care.

From Medical Training to Industry Leadership

Dr. Rohwedder’s career began with an unconventional foundation. She first studied computer science with a minor in medicine before fully committing to medical school in Hamburg. As a student, she gained experience in the pharmaceutical industry through a role at AstraZeneca. That early exposure planted a seed that would later shape her career trajectory.

During her clinical rotations in oncology, surgery, and neurology, she noticed a recurring challenge: resident physicians were often tied to administrative tasks rather than spending meaningful time with patients. This realization, coupled with her student work in the pharmaceutical industry, made her reconsider how she could best impact patient lives.

“I decided that I could have a much bigger impact on patients in the pharmaceutical industry,” she explained. “I have never regretted that decision. I have had the opportunity to contribute to the development and launch of drugs that are now saving the lives of millions of patients.”

Bringing Clinical Insights into Industry

One of the greatest strengths women physicians bring to industry is their deep clinical perspective. For Dr. Rohwedder, the ability to see patients as individuals rather than a collection of symptoms has been key.

“Every patient has unique circumstances – medical, social, and economic. That understanding helps guide not only how we design trials, but also how we motivate teams and explain the real-world impact of our work to regulators and payers,” she noted.

Her grounding in clinical practice and patient care has made her an effective leader and communicator within the pharmaceutical sector.

I have had the opportunity to contribute to the development and launch of drugs that are now saving the lives of millions of patients.

Overcoming Barriers

Like many women in cardiology and other specialties, Dr. Rohwedder has encountered gender-related obstacles throughout her career. Hierarchies and male-dominated leadership roles persist not only within clinical practice. Her strategy for overcoming these obstacles has been consistent: demonstrate expertise, deliver quality, and lead with integrity.

She shared one example from early in her career when she was asked to supervise a study in India. Initially, gaining acceptance as a young, white woman from the Indian Medical Lead was difficult. But when he recognized her knowledge and collaborative approach, the partnership thrived.

She also faced the challenge of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. When she returned to work while nursing, companies were unprepared to accommodate her needs. She recalled being offered a first aid room for pumping milk, but only if she kept the door open, and struggling to find time during long meeting days. Despite this, she persisted, traveling globally while continuing to nurse both her children for a year. Her story highlights both the resilience of women in medicine and the pressing need for workplace policies that promote gender equity.

Building Bridges Between Physicians and Pharma

For women cardiologists and other physicians who want to stay in clinical practice while collaborating with industry, Dr. Rohwedder sees many opportunities. Advisory boards, clinical trial participation, and speaker roles are all meaningful avenues for collaboration.

“Industry is very interested in diverse perspectives and strong representation,” she said. “We are grateful to organizations like Women As One for facilitating this, making sure that those voices are included.”

Shaping the Future of Clinical Trials

Looking ahead, Dr. Rohwedder believes the biggest opportunities for physicians in industry lie in pushing the boundaries of science and ensuring research reflects real-world patient populations.

She emphasized the importance of broad patient representation in trials and designing studies that are both scientifically rigorous and patient-friendly. “Don’t stop at simply treating a disease when you could cure it or even better, prevent it,” she urged.

Advice for Women Physicians

For women who are curious about industry but hesitant to make the leap, Dr. Rohwedder offers practical advice: start by connecting with women already working in the field.

“There can be big differences between companies and roles, whether in research and development, medical affairs, or other departments. Don’t stop with one impression. Seek out first-hand perspectives.”

She highlighted the value of organizations like Women As One in facilitating those connections (learn how here) and encouraging women physicians to explore new paths.

Demonstrate expertise, deliver quality, and lead with integrity.

Conclusion

Dr. Katja Rohwedder’s journey from clinical practice to industry demonstrates the many ways women in medicine make an impact on patient outcomes. By leveraging their clinical expertise, overcoming systemic barriers, and seeking out meaningful collaborations, women cardiologists can help shape the future of research and patient care.

Her story serves as a reminder that gender equity in medicine extends beyond representation to encompass creating environments where women physicians can thrive, whether in hospitals, universities, or the global pharmaceutical industry.

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