Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 1/1/2024 12:00:00 AM

Abigail Gorman, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, ASCPT, Alexandria, Virginia

What excites you about serving in your role as the ASCPT Chief Executive Officer?
One of the most exciting aspects of my role as the ASCPT CEO is the privilege of collaborating closely with our committed members and dedicated staff, all in service of advancing the field and ultimately benefitting patients. Witnessing the dedication and innovative spirit of ASCPT members never fails to inspire me.

Moreover, I find tremendous motivation in ASCPT's commitment to fostering inclusivity, not only within our organization but also throughout the wider professional landscape. This emphasis on reducing barriers to participation whether for greater access to careers in the field or promoting and facilitating diversity within clinical trials on behalf of all patients resonates deeply with my own values and aspirations.

ASCPT with its diverse and interdisciplinary membership, presents a vibrant and dynamic network uniquely positioned to drive the forefront of clinical pharmacology and translational research, particularly during this pivotal juncture in drug development. I have always been drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional teams to champion meaningful missions that contribute to the betterment of society.

Additionally, the ASCPT staff team embodies a remarkable combination of hard work, genuine care for one another, and an infectious sense of humor. Their collective spirit not only underscores our dedication to the organization's mission but also fosters a positive and engaging work environment. It is heartening to witness how they consistently blend their commitment with a good dose of laughter and a treasure trove of excellent book recommendations. I feel very fortunate to work with them every day.

What is your favorite ASCPT memory – so far?
Can I pick two?

The first was a moment during the Mentor Mondays series this past Summer – I experienced the ASCPT dynamic network at work in real time. An experienced scientist in England offered advice and opportunity to a student in Kenya. It was amazing to see the ASCPT community supporting an aspiring scientist and working across the globe! Months later this led to the student being invited to take part in a workshop in Uganda in January. These two scientists look to engage in multiple regional activities that they are both working on.

My second favorite memory is the excitement of seeing the ASCPT staff work together at the ASCPT 2023 Annual Meeting. There was so much camaraderie and collaboration on display every day as the team came together to support the first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019! There were wonderful behind-the-scenes moments when the team helped solve the inevitable challenges that pop up at a conference. I cannot wait for the ASCPT 2024 Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs in March!

What are you looking forward to as you start your second year as the CEO?
There is so much to be excited about given ASCPT's strong foundation built over time and our unique positioning given our cross-disciplinary membership. There are also many challenges facing the field including talent recruitment and development, meeting the needs of a diverse patient population, keeping pace with scientific and technological advancements, and more. Clinical pharmacology is uniquely positioned to address many of the challenges confronting drug development today due to our multidisciplinary approach and focus on the relationship between drugs, patients, and diseases as well as the inherent patient-centric approach of clinical pharmacologists. I am excited to work with the ASCPT Board of Directors, the staff team, and all of you ASCPT members to support this important work ahead.

What was your childhood dream job?
When I was a child, I harbored aspirations of becoming either a professional ballet dancer or a sportscaster. Both held a special place in my heart early in life. I dedicated myself to ballet until my freshman year of college when I was hit with the reality check that I had been a big fish in a small pond in high school. At the same time, I had (and still have a profound love for sports. My parents fostered this passion with a subscription to Sports Illustrated when I was in middle school. The similarities between these seemingly disparate worlds are striking. I firmly believe ballet dancers are unparalleled athletes. While athletes in lots of sports rely on the same coordination, flexibility, and determination present in ballet. I have relinquished both of these dreams, but my love of dance is still evident – I am often the first one to hit the dance floor. Additionally, my competitive spirit shows up as I am never shy about sharing my two cents on the latest game like a pro armchair commentator.

Abigail is finishing up her first year as ASCPT's CEO.