For Dr Meredith Edwards (BMedSc Hons ’01, MBBS Hons ’02), curiosity has been a key driver of her evolving career.
The new Medical Director of international biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) didn’t set out to work in medicine development, a field she is passionate about. She wants others to know that, while not all career journeys are obvious, it is important to follow your curiosity and interests.
Edwards’ career journey has taken her to the UK, France and the US, but Tasmania has played a central role.
“Because Tasmania is a smaller community, you make strong connections with people and that gives you confidence to follow your curiosity and take risks,” she said.
“If it didn’t work out, I always knew I could go home.”
But it did work out. Edwards started working as a doctor in Tasmania and then the UK, although soon realised that being a hospital clinician wasn’t for her.
Having always wanted to study a language, she moved to France and, after a short stint teaching business English, took a role in a clinical research organisation as their Director of Medical Affairs. The company ran clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies.
“It was my first taste of working in a non-clinical space, and I wanted to learn more,” she said.
Edwards then took a role in a life sciences consulting company and developed a deeper understanding of medicines development.
“It takes such diverse skills sets and expertise to bring medicines to market; it is a true team effort,” she said.
From there, her career moved to the US where she learned more about market access for medicines.
A Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration followed.
Now as Medical Director Australia and New Zealand at BMS, she works alongside her colleagues to bring new medicines to patients in the areas of oncology, haematology, cardiovascular disease, immunology and neuroscience.
“As a company we run a lot of clinical trials in Australia, and that’s something I’m really proud of,” Edwards said.
“I find it very fulfilling and energising.
“We are fortunate in Australia to have incredible physicians and researchers; we are known for it.”
She said her broad training has served her well in her current role.
“It has taught me to love learning and to get across new things quickly. It’s a necessary skill in a world that is evolving quickly.
“When you study medicine, you cover a lot of ground. You have to learn to learn very quickly. Whilst subject matter expertise is important, ongoing learning agility today is equally important.”
Her message for new graduates?
“It can be disconcerting when you see people around you who are certain of their direction, and you’re not sure.
“I like to encourage people to put yourself out there and talk to people working in areas you are interested in, understand what it is they do and how they got there. Foster those connections throughout your career and go to those people for advice.
“We’ve got a lot of amazing graduates from UTAS doing incredible things. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Tasmania. It has grounded me wherever I am.
“You get to try a lot of things as a kid growing up in Tasmania,” she said. “It develops a mindset of giving things a go.”
Edwards made the most of those opportunities, competing for Australia in both rowing and equestrian.
“If I can inspire anyone, I’d say, you’re on your own unique career journey. Trust that and be patient with that.
“It’s good to try things. Don’t be put off if you don’t have the right expertise. It’s more important to have the right mindset. If you’re not stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re not learning new things.”
Written by Katherine Johnson for Alumni Magazine Issue 55, 2024.
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Top of page: Meredith Edwards competed as a member of the Australian Young
Rider Equestrian Team while studying at University | Photo: Supplied