Double Take -- by Mark Sproxton

From the time she opens her laptop at 7 a.m. to the time she gets home late in the day, the pharmacologist has little down-time. Today is especially busy. She must first call a laboratory in Europe to get an update on the latest trials for a new drug. That's followed by a regular monthly meeting with staff in her office reviewing the last month's work and planning the next month's work. Then there's working alongside the university student who's doing a work placement there and the many other duties that unexpectedly creep up each day.

"There are so many things, it's overwhelming," says Dr. Jean Yang, a pharmacologist who is the pre-clinical manager in the innovative drug development division for Apotex Inc. "I try not to move anything to the next day." Sounds busy, but for Yang, it can be one of the best parts of the job. "I like the fast pace. You're never bored. It's endless learning."

Working in the pre-clinical phase of drug development, a partial list of Yang's duties include working alongside other scientists to plan how drug testing will go, monitoring the testing procedures and evaluating the test results to ensure drugs are safe for human use in a clinical setting, the next stage of the drug development process. Most importantly, she studies the effects of the drugs on cells, tissues and organs.

"In pre-clinical, we evaluate the safety and efficiency of the drugs," Yang said from her Ontario office. "Without this you cannot go further. I'm dispensable, but this part of the testing cannot be replaced. We want to safeguard humans in clinical trials. We may not recommend to go on with further trials."

Aside from knowing the drugs she works on could one day help an ailing population -- drug development sometimes takes years to hit the market - Yang appreciates the on-going learning of her work. "I enjoy communicating with others. You always learn something. You wouldn't have that opportunity if you stayed in the lab. This is something you can't describe in a text book."

In addition to having a post-graduate degree with a concentration in pharmacology, Yang recommends those interested in becoming a pharmacologist also work on their people skills. "We are fast-paced with a lot of timelines," she said. "You have to handle stress and keep composure." Beyond that she also suggests talking with people working in the position in industry, government and research. "You won't succeed if you don't like your job. Go with your heart."