The Medical Sisterhood: From MD to Medical Director—A Real Talk on Industry Careers

Welcome back to The Medical Sisterhood!

In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, is joined by Amal Elkady, MBBCh, a physician-leader with deep roots in dermatology, immunology, and the pharmaceutical industry. Together, they explore the less-traveled path from academia to industry—a move Elkady made not out of frustration, but from an expansive desire to impact more patients worldwide.

From her early fascination with autoimmune skin diseases to conducting clinical research under Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, at Mount Sinai, Elkady shares how a single case report—on a patient with overlapping vitiligo, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and alopecia—helped propel her into the global pharmaceutical spotlight. That experience ultimately positioned her to help shape a pivotal clinical trial for vitiligo, and later, to play a key role in developing what would become an FDA-approved treatment.

Elkady speaks candidly about the mindset shift required to thrive in the industry.

“In clinical practice, you are the final decision-maker. In industry, you are a valued collaborator,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, humility, and strategic thinking.

Throughout the conversation, both physicians reflect on the broader responsibilities women often shoulder and how those can influence their professional decisions. Elkady is passionate about representation—not just of women in leadership, but of women’s perspectives in clinical trial design and patient advocacy. She stresses that creating more genuine opportunities for women in industry leadership roles is not just about equity, but about enhancing outcomes for all patients.

Whether you're a student curious about life beyond the clinic, or a seasoned practitioner considering a new direction, Elkady’s journey offers insights into how to pursue industry roles with purpose, preparation, and authenticity.