Intern Perspectives Article: Lucas Zhou, AMCP Foundation/Genentech Inc. Intern

 The AMCP Foundation/Genentech Inc. Evidence for Access Summer Internship Program has been a unique learning experience in managed care and the biopharma industry. During the summer, it was a pleasure to interact with the other AMCP interns from across the country in weekly journal clubs and virtual mixers. My co-intern Vy and I got to experience a new hybrid internship format this year that allowed us to balance our time as students and interns at Genentech.

      Being a part of the US Medical Affairs Evidence for Access Team, it has been inspiring to learn from health economists and other professionals across multiple departments who work in different disease states. From Alzheimer’s research and breakthrough oncology medications to decentralized, remote clinical trials, much exciting work is being done at Genentech. My main project focused on identifying the barriers on formularies from Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid plans for high-efficacy disease-modifying treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, I was given opportunities to be exposed to the clinical and economic models utilized in reports conducted by ICER. AMCP Foundation and Genentech provided many opportunities to improve myself professionally, such as presenting at AMCP 2023 and accessing many online resources. Overall, I highly recommend this internship to students interested in learning more about a potential career in Health Economics and Outcomes Research.

       This could not have been possible without Ebony Clay, who coordinated everything in our program and ensured everyone had a great experience. To my manager, Pattie Strong, thank you for always being willing to help me succeed and connecting me to different colleagues across Genentech. I want to also thank my preceptor Nicole Bonine for investing so much time to help me learn by giving me projects to work on and speaking honestly with me. In addition, I am also grateful for the other AMCP Foundation staff members, colleagues at Genentech, such as Elmor Pineda and Caroline Geiger, and AMCP Foundation intern alums for all playing a role in helping to guide and teaching me along my journey. I hope to one day be able to give back all that has been given to me. In conclusion, I am excited to see all the great things my fellow interns will do in the future, and I wish everyone the best!

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