Summer Intern Stories: Genentech

The AMCP Foundation/Genentech Evidence for Access Summer Internship Program allows student pharmacists to contribute to meaningful projects and interact with industry experts within the Evidence for Access Team US Medical Affairs at Genentech.

Name: Gilbert Ko
School of Pharmacy: University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2020
Internship Site: Genentech, Medical Affairs Division

The AMCP Foundation and Genentech, Inc. Evidence for Access summer internship was an incredible experience, and I’m extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. Genentech’s headquarter located in South San Francisco, with a gorgeous waterfront view and a vast high-tech campus that made me truly feel like I was working at a biotech giant. Within Genentech’s U.S. Medical Affairs organization, I interned in the Evidence for Access unit that- working closely with BioOncology health economists who generate real-world and health economic evidence to support access to Genentech’s products. 

Alongside my capstone project, I had the opportunity to support health economists in the Evidence for Access BioOncology team on various projects. Deliverables included providing cost inputs for a cost-effectiveness model, conducting a study feasibility assessment, and several landscape assessments via comprehensive bibliographic search. A unique task I worked on was partnering with a health system on the initial phase of a research project. I conducted a landscape review to inform research direction, wrote a request for proposal, and engaged in conversations with vendors and health system stakeholders. I gained valuable experience in interacting with partners in a corporate setting, and a better understanding of the various components involved in implementing a research project. My capstone project was a targeted literature review of the impacts of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Oncology Care Model on treatment patterns, patient, cost, and clinical practice outcomes. I presented my project to the Evidence for Access unit and at Genentech’s Intern Poster Day; my findings appeared to be well received by both health economists and cross-functional colleagues alike.

There were ample opportunities at Genentech for networking and one-on-one informational interviews with medical, government, and commercial colleagues. I conducted nearly 40 informational interviews, which contributed expansively to my knowledge of the biotech landscape and the various functions, roles, and positions that existed at Genentech. Interacting with and learning about industry experts and professionals working to provide patients access to life-changing medicines was extremely inspiring.

My one-week rotation at AMCP Foundation headquarters in Alexandria, VA was hectic, yet I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I presented my capstone project, participated in several committee and board meetings, and had many insightful informational interviews with non-profit leaders. Learning about hot topics in managed care pharmacy was eye-opening, giving a taste of issues in pharmacy appearing on the horizon. Despite an action-packed week, I miraculously found time to play tourist in Washington, D.C. and explore rustic Old Town Alexandria.

This internship was a once-in-a-lifetime experience; the BioOncology team and Evidence for Access unit as a whole truly made me feel like a contributing and highly valued team member, and I have become more confident in my career path and myself as a professional and researcher. Many thanks to my Genentech preceptor Dr. Sheila Shapouri, AMCP Foundation preceptor Dr. Brittany Henry, and virtual preceptor Dr. Vimal Reddy, along with AMCP Foundation and Genentech, Inc. for supporting student pharmacists like myself in our professional aspirations.