Building Out a Medical Affairs Team for a Global Pharma Leader

How we helped AstraZeneca strengthen its medical affairs function across key oncology and hematology specialties.

A long-standing partner of AstraZeneca, we were engaged to reinforce their medical affairs team by identifying and securing top-tier Medical Directors in pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, and hematology. AstraZeneca faced significant challenges sourcing qualified candidates in Maryland—especially those with the required physician background and experience in these niche therapeutic areas.

Challenges Identified

AstraZeneca needed senior medical affairs leaders with deep expertise in specific oncology and hematology indications. However, local talent in Maryland was scarce, and relocation proved to be a major hurdle. The company required a trusted partner to identify, engage, and attract qualified professionals from across the US willing to relocate.

 

What Was at Stake

Without the right talent, AstraZeneca risked gaps in its medical affairs leadership—potentially delaying clinical development initiatives and weakening its competitive edge in high-impact therapeutic areas. Maintaining their position as a leader in oncology and hematology hinged on finding the right experts quickly.

Results

Within 13 days, we submitted 15 qualified candidates, with 10 progressing through further stages. The process concluded with the successful placement of two Medical Directors, each bringing specialized oncology expertise. Based on the strength of the candidates presented, AstraZeneca opened four additional positions across multiple indications and seniorities.

Impact

These key hires enhanced AstraZeneca’s medical affairs capabilities across pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, and hematology—strengthening their ability to drive innovation, advance clinical development, and improve patient outcomes in critical therapeutic areas.

Build Your Own Success Story

For expert support building your medical affairs team—just as we did for AstraZeneca—get in touch today. Share your current hiring needs, and we’ll help you create a tailored recruitment strategy that delivers lasting impact.

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