Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 9/30/2021 9:46:00 AM

Richard L. Lalonde, PharmD, Adjunct Professor, University of Florida, Bradenton, Florida

What Professional Accomplishment Are You Most Proud Of?
Leading the Global Clinical Pharmacology organization at Pfizer for several years gave me the opportunity to work with many outstanding colleagues. I had the opportunity to recruit outstanding scientists who are also wonderful people. Together we helped advance the application of quantitative approaches, such as model-informed drug development, that made a significant impact on how we developed new drugs.

What Is the Most Important Leadership Lesson You Have Learned the Hard Way?
Learning to adapt to change. As the cliché goes, “change is constant.” I had to face many changes in my career: large mergers between pharmaceutical companies, reorganizations in structure, moving from academia to industry, moving between countries. These can be very disruptive and challenging. Learning to make the best of these changes, instead of focusing on what used to be, was a very important lesson.

Who Has Inspired You in Your Career?
I had the opportunity to interact with world-class scientists, including some Nobel laureates. What I found particularly impressive and inspiring was their humility and kindness. Although my sample size may be somewhat limited, it was a noteworthy reminder that humility is an important quality of good scientists and leaders.

Do You Have a Favorite Tip or Trick for Clinical Practice or Research That You Want to Share With Fellow Members?
Seek opportunities to work with talented people from whom you can learn. Develop your network of skilled and successful collaborators. Building bridges instead of walls helps not only in communities and international affairs, but also in your professional development.

When You Aren’t Working, How Do You Spend Your Free Time?
I enjoy sports, golf, bicycling, and going to the gym. Once the pandemic is over, I look forward to resuming international travel, including to the better wine and food regions of the world.

What’s One Thing People Would Be Surprised to Know About You?
I grew up in the French-speaking part of Canada and did not speak English until I was a teenager; hence the accent you still hear when I speak even after many decades!

Dr. Lalonde has been a member of ASCPT since 1987.