How the mix of digital and clinical research skills can enable a next career step
Anne Kilburg is one of the digital pioneers from the very first cohort of the MAS ETH in Digital Clinical Research (MAS ETH diCR). Since joining the programme, she has completed three Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programmes and is now preparing for her Master’s Thesis.
In an interview with Sabine Goldhahn, programme manager of the MAS ETH diCR, Anne Killburg explains how the programme has shaped her career path and opened up new professional perspectives.
Sabine Goldhahn: Anne, what motivated you to pursue the Master of Advanced Studies in digital Clinical Research at ETH?
Anne Killburg: Today’s treatment landscape is rapidly changing due to highly advanced digital technologies and AI applications. This has also implications for the development and go-to market models of new health technologies. I joined this course to get a fundamental understanding of the digital landscape and building new forward-looking skills to advance my career opportunities in health care.
How has this programme influenced your career trajectory in the field of clinical research?
The programme enhanced my skills and allowed me to combine my experience in conventional drug development with knowledge of digital innovation technologies which qualified me to go back to a leadership role in global pharma after spending a couple of years in consulting.
Can you describe a specific project or case study from the programme that you found particularly impactful?
I was most impressed by the module on digital biomarkers and the case study I had to develop on measuring impulsivity in young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This helped me to a great deal understanding the research requirements to develop and validate digital biomarkers that meet the requirements of regulatory authorities.
When Anne Killburg started the MAS ETH diCR, she ran her own consultancy, advising companies on digital health evidence and value-based access to healthcare. Today, she is a Market Access Lead in CNS at Boehringer Ingelheim and served over the last two years a a board member of the German Society for Digital Medicine (DGDM).
In your opinion, how is the digital transformation changing the landscape of clinical trials?
Clinical trials are becoming faster, more efficient and most importantly more patient-centric. One of the biggest shifts we are seeing is the rise of decentralized clinical trials. These allow trial participants to collect data in a decentralized manner and more continuously from their home using telehealth, wearable devices etc. This also may allow to include more vulnerable groups into clinical trials.
What skills or knowledge did you gain from this programme that you couldn't have acquired elsewhere?
The breadth of this programme is amazing which I could not find at any other institution as it combines the clinical research aspects, technical insights, analytics, regulatory and market access aspects of digital health technologies. This is a unique offering at ETH setting it apart from other offerings which got me what I needed to be set up for the future. The mix of hybrid and in-person classes and the diversity of the fellow students and the interaction with expert lectures from different academic institutions, industry and start-ups made it a very exclusive and impressive learning experience.
Can you share an example of how you have applied what you learned in your current role?
The programme helped me to initiate internal projects to drive the use of digital tools in our clinical development programmes and foster thinking beyond the pill to improve patient outcomes.
Can you describe a networking opportunity or industry connection that proved valuable during or after the programme?
The programme facilitated networking opportunities with fellow-students and lecturers from different disciplines and industries I would not have been able to build in my daily working life in such an intensity. The interaction in group work online or in presence made these connections durable.
How do you see the programme's learnings in relation to value-based healthcare?
I can strongly recommend this MAS ETH in digital Clinical Research programme to all people engaged in building patient-centered, value-based health care provision and product development. It really changed my mindset and perspective of how to conduct clinical research and increase patient access to care.