Mentoring in Pharmaceutical Science with Dr. Jim Shen

Summary

In Episode 21 of BioTalk Unzipped, host Gregory Austin and co-host Dr. Chad Briscoe interview Dr. Jim Shen, the executive director and head of regulated bioanalysis operations at BMS. Jim discusses his early career in bioanalysis and the importance of mentorship. He emphasizes the need to recognize and appreciate the success and expertise of others, as well as the importance of building a network of champions, allies, and sponsors. The conversation also touches on the topic of psychedelics as a drug therapy and the recent retraction of scientific papers on MDMA-assisted therapy. Jim shares his passion for photography, particularly infrared photography, and the resurgence of film photography.

Chapters

01:14 - Jim’s Favorite Publication and His Journey into Bioanalysis

04:15 - Finding Joy in Your Work: Pursuing Your Interests and Making a Difference 

05:10 - Early Career in Bioanalysis

07:35 - The Importance of Mentorship and Dealing With Adversaries

17:35 - NEW NEWS: Retraction of Scientific Papers on Drug Therapy

24:55 - Personal Interests: Photography and Gaming

Takeaways

• Dr. Shen's journey into bioanalysis highlights the importance of pursuing your interests and finding enjoyment in your work, even if it may not align with your initial plans.

  
  



• Building a supportive and collaborative community is crucial in the field of bioanalysis, where knowledge sharing and networking play a significant role in advancing research and innovation. Recognize and appreciate the success and expertise of others

  
  



• Build a network of champions, allies, and sponsors

  
  



• Be open to new career opportunities and emerging fields

  
  



• Maintain integrity and transparency in scientific research

  
  



• Explore different hobbies and interests outside of work

  
  

Sound Bites

• “Sponsors are those with the power to change your career. Those people don't come along very often, so you need to really grab them when you see them.”

  
  



• “EQ is so important in being successful in your larger pharmaceutical company.”

  
  



• “I first tell my staff to divide people into 3 groups, champions, allies, and sponsors.”

  
  



• “And it is very hard to be in this field, to be a scientist, but you know, it's the people that make it worthwhile.”

  
  

New News Story: 

• Following FDA rejection, a journal retracts papers on MDMA-assisted therapy

  
  





• https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/lykos-journal-mdma-retractions-maps-ptsd-unethical-conduct/723945/ 

  
  

How to reach us:

Dr. Jim Shen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimxshen/ 

Bristol Myers Squibb - https://www.bms.com/ 

Dr. Chad Briscoe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbriscoe/ 

Celerion - https://www.celerion.com/  

Gregory Austin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryaustin1/ 

ECI - https://eci-rx.com / 

Image Credits

Travis Kelce:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DQY8xlVldVp8&psig=AOvVaw2yCKg3oh923dt0beIIR8w3&ust=1726284386832000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCICN_OD8vogDFQAAAAAdAAAAABB2

https://www.te-university.com/posts

https://people.com/travis-kelce-says-hes-his-own-worst-critic-on-the-field-8684839

https://www.marca.com/en/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/2023/07/12/64aec11a268e3e242d8b458e.html

https://www.newheightshow.com/ 

https://www.aol.com/fans-think-moment-travis-kelce-185629668.html

World of Warcraft Guilds

https://www.dexerto.com/world-of-warcraft/wow-players-critical-of-unrealistic-guild-expectations-for-season-of-discovery-2392361/ 

Infrared Photography: Jim Shen

Keywords

Pharmaceutical, Mentor, Mentorship, Mentoring, Science, Biotech, Biotechnology, Gaming, Photography, Bioanalysis