Intern Perspectives: Alexa Brill, AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Oncology Internship

I first became interested in the AMCP Foundation/Pfizer internship program early last fall after speaking with previous interns. They all talked so highly of the program, the experiences they gained, and the people they met at their placement sites. I thought it was so cool to see how many of them went on to pursue fellowships, residencies, and successful careers in the pharmaceutical industry. It was clear that navigating real-world challenges during the internship had helped prepare them for those next steps. I wanted the opportunity to grow through a similar experience while gaining a better understanding of how managed care and the pharmaceutical industry work together within our healthcare system. 

During my placement at Prime Therapeutics, I completed a research project focused on oncology biologics. Beyond my research, I had the opportunity to meet with teams across the organization and attend meetings with several pharmaceutical companies. This exposure showed me how managed care and industry professionals collaborate and use research to inform real-world healthcare decisions. Before this summer, I had limited experience with oncology, so the educational sessions led by Pfizer were especially valuable. They helped me build the clinical foundation I needed to better understand the targeted therapies used in oncology practice today. As my knowledge of the oncology landscape grew, I developed a greater appreciation for the complexity of evaluating treatment options from both clinical and payer perspectives. 

One of the most challenging parts of my project was working with such a large claims dataset. Interpreting cost data also pushed me to think beyond the numbers and consider what the findings could mean in practice. There was definitely a learning curve, but working through those challenges became one of the most rewarding parts of the summer. I am proud of the research I completed and everything I learned throughout the process. I finished the internship with a much deeper understanding of managed care, health outcomes research, and the role evidence plays in healthcare decision-making. I also gained skills and perspectives that I know will be valuable as I continue to advance my career in pharmacy, wherever that may be.  

I am incredibly thankful to my primary preceptor, Abby Kim, for her support and guidance throughout the summer. I am also grateful to Keya Shah, Caroline Quinn, and Alexandra Wilson at Prime Therapeutics for making the experience so welcoming and educational. At Pfizer, Sam Llanos and Nicholas Forcello helped expand my understanding of oncology and the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, I want to thank Anne Fentress, Ebony S. Clay, and the AMCP Foundation for creating this opportunity and supporting me throughout the program. 

This fall, I will be presenting my research poster at AMCP Nexus 2026 in San Diego. I am looking forward to sharing the work and reconnecting with the mentors and fellow interns who made the summer so meaningful. For students considering this internship, my advice is to stay curious and take advantage of every learning opportunity!

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