Careers In Regulatory Affairs: From Practitioner To Professional

Larry E. Gundersen

Source: CenterWatch

Avoiding the pitfalls of the regulatory affairs practitioner will distinguish you in this growing field.

Findings from a recent survey on employment trends in the clinical trials industry from CenterWatch show that the position in highest demand and with the fastest growth rate is that of regulatory affairs professional. The reasons cited most, in order of popularity: lack of candidates, increased business, and turnover1. Realizing this, those interested in entering or advancing in the field should seek out the proper training2 in order to capitalize on the demand for qualified regulatory affairs professionals.There are two major groups of individuals in regulatory affairs: simple practitioners and truly professional individuals. This article discusses some of the types of regulatory affairs practitioners I have observed in my career, and provides some suggestions about how a regulatory affairs practitioner can become a regulatory affairs professional. This is very much a personal view, and I would hope that this article might prompt additional positive suggestions from others on how each of us might become more professional and effective in our jobs.