Hello Lola, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
– I'm from Cordoba, a city in the south of Spain. I come from a background where family and friends are essential. I grew up close to nature with lots of people and animals around me. As a kid, I was curious and wanted to learn and try new things. First, I wanted to become a ballet dancer, but I ended up choosing something very different. I studied an MSc in Biochemistry and, in parallel, an MSc in Biology, oriented into Molecular Biology and Genetics. 

How and when did your interest in chemistry and biology awake?
– When I was around nine years, a few things happened that came to define me as a person. My grandmother died, a young boy in our neighbourhood died of leukaemia, and my mother got very sick. The last drop for me was when one of my friends, Beatrice, lost her battle against a brain tumour. Realizing medical doctors were no superheroes, I kind of lost my faith. By then, I decided to become a scientist. I wanted to be able to understand the "why" behind diseases and to be able to find a cure for all the other "Beatrice's". Naive, I know, but that was my driving force to study Biochemistry. 

How come you ended up in Sweden?
– I started my PhD in Cordoba, in the department of cell biology, physiology and immunology. Travelling to Stockholm for a congress, I met a team from the Department of Biochemistry and Physics working in the same line of research as I. I was then invited to Stockholm University for three months, and we started a collaboration between both departments/countries. The partnership was successful and the time too short, so I came back the year after. I was invited to stay and finish my PhD here, and so I did. 

What is it about biochemistry that interests you?
– For me, biochemistry is the essence of life itself. It helps you to understand the "why" behind our bodies, our physiology, diseases and potential treatments and hopefully cures. Biochemistry is a vast subject that applies to so many other subjects and different life and science aspects. There is so much potential in the matter of biochemistry. There is still so much to learn!

What was the best thing about being a doctorate in biochemistry at Stockholm University?
– The environment at DBB is very international and intellectually stimulating, with talented people doing significant research. But most important – the people there are very human and warm, always willing to share and help. I cannot think of a better place to do a PhD, and I'm so thankful that I was given this opportunity. 

What have your doctoral studies meant to you?
– Everyone says that you learn by doing. That is what PhD studies are all about. It gave me the right tools to really understand science. It's like a safe room where you can continue to develop and eventually become a scientist and a researcher. My doctoral studies made my dream come true.

“I have passion enough to try to make a difference in people’s lives and help as much I can”

When did you know what you wanted to do after your studies? Did you have a "defining moment"?
My thesis's aim was structure biology, studies of human proteins involved in cancer, to be able to understand more around their function, creating the bases for drug design leading to potential treatments. While doing some literature research, I came across a publication and some news from a pharmaceutical company. They were testing a designed drug for a family of proteins, and one of them was the structure protein I was studying.
– At that moment, I stopped and reflected on how important research is and the application of science into actually helping people —understanding the "why" and doing something about it.  At this very moment, I decided that I wanted to move closer to patients and see research put into practice.
– I might not become a great scientist deserving a Nobel prize, but I have passion enough to try to make a difference in people’s lives and help as much I can. 
 
What do you work with today?
– Today, I work in the pharmaceutical industry arena, in medical affairs as a medical manager. I have been working in medical affairs for almost ten years now, and I can say that I finally found my vocation. The place where I can fulfil my purpose.

How did you end up there?
– It wasn't a clear path. After my doctoral studies, I worked in the lab of a biotech company, producing proteins that could be of therapeutical use. But even though the company and my colleagues were great, I didn't feel any closer to making a difference. Instead, I started to work full time in an IVF clinic as an embryologist. It was genuinely fulfilling helping couples to become parents.
– Some years later, the Medical Scientific Liason position came under my radar. I thought it could be a good match for me. And so I started my journey into Medical Affairs.

In what ways do you benefit from your chemistry studies in the career you have chosen?
– My chemistry/biochemistry studies helped me to understand science and life better.  They have helped me to move between very different positions and succeed. If you ask any person who has studied at DBB, you will see a clear pattern of curious people, always wanted to do learn and do more.

What is the best part of your profession?
– Well, the best part of my work is knowing that I'm helping people and making a difference. Every time a new treatment comes to life, bringing hope and possibilities for patients and in the best success stories curing the patients, there are no words for that. 
Working in medical affairs allows me to contribute to a better future, a better health care system for all of us.

And the most challenging part?  
– More challenging is knowing that you cannot help every patient. The pandemic has taught us how vulnerable we are and how much work is yet to be done. We need to build a better future together.

What are your plans for the future?
– I believe that I have found my path and would love to continue working in Medical Affairs, looking more into the innovation part. Trying to continue learning and building the skills needed to be ready for tomorrow and help patients access new treatments. 

Name: Lola Herman
Age: 46
Profession: Medical Manager