The Digital Revolution: Medical Affairs in the Driver’s Seat with Donna Holder of Daiichi Sankyo

Medical Affairs has moved from the passenger seat to the driver's seat of digital transformation -- and the organizations that understand that shift are building a meaningful competitive advantage. This episode explores what that transition looks like from the inside.

Scott Thompson sits down with Donna Holder (Executive Director, Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Daiichi Sankyo) to discuss how Medical Affairs teams are navigating the move from digital exploration to real implementation. They cover the role of digital strategy in Medical, the criteria for selecting the right technology partner, how AI is being used for insights generation and analysis, and the skills leaders need to advance in Medical Affairs today. Whether you're building a digital strategy from scratch or scaling what's already working, this conversation brings clarity to a fast-moving space.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital strategy is now a Medical Affairs responsibility -- The shift from exploration to implementation means Medical teams must own their digital roadmap, not defer it to Commercial or IT.
• Technology partner selection is a strategic decision -- Donna outlines the criteria Medical Affairs leaders should apply when evaluating partners, including alignment with compliance requirements and the ability to scale with the organization's needs.
• AI is a tool for insight, not replacement -- The practical application of AI in Medical Affairs centers on analyzing large data sets to surface actionable insights -- not replacing the scientific judgment of Medical professionals.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential -- Successful digital adoption in Medical Affairs requires alignment across functions, including Legal, Compliance, and Commercial, while preserving Medical's independence.
• Leadership in Medical Affairs requires digital fluency -- Donna speaks directly to the skills and mindset shifts needed for professionals who want to grow into Medical Affairs leadership roles in a digital-first environment.

About Our Guest

Donna Holder is Executive Director, Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Daiichi Sankyo. She is a recognized leader at the intersection of Medical Affairs and digital transformation, with experience guiding organizations through the practical challenges of adopting new technologies in a compliant, patient-centered way.

Connect with Donna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaholder/

About OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast

OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast delivers insightful conversations on the most pressing issues facing top Medical Affairs professionals. Listen to stay ahead of industry trends and be inspired by leaders shaping the future of Medical Affairs.

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