CU Pharmacy alumnus Andrew Maurer, PharmD ‘10, recently discussed his newest career as a Nuclear Oncology Radiotherapy Specialist. As chair of the Nomination Committee for the School’s Alumni Association, Dr. Maurer is regularly engaged with his alma mater as a leader and role model for future pharmacists.
You recently transitioned to a new position, what are you responsible for in your new role?
Andrew Maurer, PharmD '10 |
As a Nuclear Oncology Radiotherapy Specialist, I provide support including teachings, trainings, and expertise to clinicians who use nuclear oncology products. I also help with marketing, distribution, licensing, and logistics. I cover 8 states and support 3 sale consultants as a technical specialist.
Why the job change at this point in your career?
As a nuclear pharmacist, I had one of the best roles in pharmacy and worked with a great team and company. I did that for about 11 years and started to realize that I really got satisfaction out of solving problems and answering questions to which others didn’t have the answers. Although I enjoyed the satisfaction of successfully dispensing radiopharmaceuticals each day, I discovered that I’d like to have a little more interaction with other clinicians as well as be on the front lines of newer therapies and innovations.
What inspired you to attend the CU Pharmacy program and what was your experience while in the program?
The University of Colorado always had a special place in my heart, going back to the days as a kid when the Buffs would play the Cornhuskers in their rivalry game the Friday after every Thanksgiving. The CU Pharmacy program has always been a very respected program, and it was great to be able attend school in beautiful Colorado. My experience during the program was very memorable, not only because of the top-notch academics and professors, but because of all of the relationships that I formed during my time there. Although life has gotten in the way of maintaining some of those friendships unfortunately, I’ll never forget those times we had learning but also just having fun with incredibly intelligent and awesome people. I still feel like I can reach out to any of those people and pick up right where we left off, even if it has been some time.
What is your proudest moment and your favorite thing about working in the pharmacy profession?
My proudest moment in my career was when my previous company won a bid to manufacture a new nuclear medicine product. Although I didn’t have direct involvement in the bidding process, I felt that the way we had successfully executed the prior launching of the product from the pharmacy side helped demonstrate a paradigm for collaboration between pharmacy and industry which left a lasting impression. My favorite thing about working in the pharmacy profession is leveraging science to help people. The developments that we are seeing in oncology are truly amazing, and to be involved in that process of helping patients fight disease is very rewarding. It is great that a pharmacist can be involved from community to industry and everything in between.
What sage advice would you pass on to current and future students helpful in preparing them for the job market?
Dr. Christopher Turner, an experiential professor at CU Pharmacy when I attended, used to tell us to “Step outside of our comfort zone”. This phrase was used so much that one of my good friends made it into a bingo game. Joking aside, it truly stuck with me. I would encourage students to not be scared to explore new areas, and take calculated risks. You can have tremendous impacts not only on patients but on employees that you lead and work with. Adversity gives rise to opportunity, so always be learning and willing to tackle projects that others might be too timid to undertake.
Dr. Maurer and the other members of the Nomination Committee are preparing for the next round of alumni award nominations. If you’d like to nominate a CU Pharmacy alumna/alumnus, use the link below to access the nomination form.
