Episode 61: Two Different Paths, One Common Goal with Raj Shah and Timothy Haji
From The IPhO Podcast by IPhO
March 19, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 61
About this episode
Raj Shah and Timothy Haji discuss their career paths in the pharmaceutical industry and share insights on mentorship and professional development.
On this episode of the IPhO Podcast, we are joined by Raj Shah, Associate Principal Scientist and Regulatory Affairs Liaison in Neuroscience at Merck, and Timothy Haji, Associate Director in U.S. Regulatory Affairs at Merck and former Rutgers RPIF Regulatory Affairs Fellow. Raj and Tim share how their careers in the pharmaceutical industry began, one through direct entry and the other through a regulatory affairs fellowship, and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and mentorship that helped shape their paths. They explore key topics for students and early-career professionals, including the differences between fellowship and direct entry roles, how to build credibility early in your career, and the importance of networking, communication, and presentation skills in industry. They also touch on the growing role of artificial intelligence in regulatory work, along with practical advice on mentorship, professional development, and making the most of opportunities throughout pharmacy school and beyond. Listen in now!
People in this episode
Guests: Raj Shah, Timothy Haji
Topics covered
- pharmaceutical industry
- regulatory affairs
- career paths
- mentorship
- artificial intelligence
- professional development
Keywords
- pharmaceutical
- regulatory affairs
- career development
- mentorship
- artificial intelligence
- networking
- communication skills
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Merck, Rutgers
More episodes of The IPhO Podcast
- Episode 62: Meet Our New Hosts, Dan and Una! · June 1, 2026 · 30 min
- Episode 60: Answering the Call—A Life of Purpose in Pharmacy with Dr. Earl Ettienne · January 13, 2026 · 36 min
- Episode 59: Leading with Clarity, Curiosity, and Confidence with Dalila Masic · October 16, 2025 · 27 min
- Episode 58: An IPhO Annual Meeting Q&A · August 19, 2025 · 35 min
- Episode 57: An Inside Look at Late Stage Clinical Development · August 15, 2025 · 34 min
- Episode 56: Leading the Competition, A VIP Case Spotlight · July 7, 2025 · 45 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The IPhO Podcast podcast page.