“Although I have a PhD, I don’t know everything and I can’t know everything. Knowing where to get help from other people and teammates really helped me grow faster. For instance, I understand the manufacturing processes and supply chain of biologics, but find molecular biology very challenging, so I would work closely with colleagues who understand it. Understanding my own limits, and where I can get additional support is important. Also, being in a bigger consulting firm is quite helpful.”
When we reached out to Dr. Gloria Lam, we found her to be very polite and humble throughout the entire discussion.
Dr. Gloria Lam is a professional in the field of regenerative medicine and digital health, currently serving as a Managing Consultant at PA Consulting in London. With over two years at PA Consulting, Gloria has advanced through roles from Senior Consultant to Principal Consultant, and now Managing Consultant, showcasing her expertise and leadership in the industry.
She started her career in Hong Kong at China Regenerative Medicine International, managing a cell and gene therapy facility built in Hong Kong and supporting the commercialization of regenerative medicine products. After that, she went back to Oxford to pursue her PhD looking at supply chain and capacity planning decision for cell and gene therapies. While pursuing her PhD, Gloria conducted digital health research both at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, looking into patient registries and digital health apps, further honing her skills in research and development and broadening her understanding of healthcare and life sciences. Her diverse background and dedication to advancing medical science make her a remarkable figure in the industry, committed to driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.
One of Dr. Gloria’s most memorable and gratifying experiences was translating for the BBC during an interview at her former company. The feature focused on a bio-engineered cornea. This moment was particularly special, as it marked her first interaction with patients.
“It wasn’t a success story or achievement, but one of the most gratifying moments was when I was translating for the BBC when they came to visit my ex-company to interview us on the bioengineered cornea. That was also the first time I interacted with patients – seeing a patient get his sight again from the product made me really happy even though I wasn’t the scientist/engineer who came up with it. Being part of the team supporting the commercialization effort of a regenerative medicine product and seeing patient impact was one of the most gratifying moments.,” Dr. Gloria recalls.
While Dr. Gloria can’t share specific details due to client confidentiality, her work over the past few years has spanned various critical projects. These include aiding academic medical centres in planning their expansion in the cell and gene therapy field, helping biotech companies utilize their data to accelerate drug development, and evaluating processes to improve the supply and delivery of cell and gene therapy products for rare cancers.
In an ever-evolving field like regenerative medicine, staying updated on the latest trends and developments is crucial. Dr. Gloria emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning.
“Google, LinkedIn, attending events near me and conferences. Talking to other people in the industry and networking is the most effective way of staying on top of new trends and developments,” Dr. Gloria notes.
Dr. Gloria Lam’s journey in regenerative medicine and cell therapy is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated professionals can have on patients’ lives. From supporting with translating for a BBC interview to working on pioneering projects, her contributions underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous innovation.
Her story highlights the significant contributions made by dedicated professionals in advancing medical science.
We look forward to sharing more stories of inspiring professionals who are making a difference in the world of medicine. Stay with us for more insights and updates from the front lines of healthcare innovation.
– Sania Naz