Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Excellence Award winner 2022
Generic
Vanessa Weisheimer

Vanessa Weisheimer

Sharon,MA

Summary

Pharmacist with years of experience on the commercial business seeking a challenging career in the Medical Affairs field at Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Twelve years of experience in Rare Diseases, focused on Hem/Neph, working effectively with cross-functional teams. Demonstrated adaptability and agility during ULTOMIRIS launch for aHUS, as well as Biosimilars pre-launch readiness. Cross-trained in PNH and currently leading the HSCT-TMA launch readiness for Training and BOCE. Experienced presenter and training lead, Situational Leadership Certified, DISC Certified, Challenger Skills Certified. Years of experience interacting with HCP and KOLs, discussing and addressing objections from articles and clinical trials.

Dynamic training and development leader with expertise in nephrology and hematology at Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Proven track record in launching successful training initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in project management and coaching, fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive strategic outcomes. Recognized for excellence in developing clinical training curriculums and mentoring teams for continuous improvement.



Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Associate Director Training & Development USA

Alexion Pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - Current
  • Successfully launched Ultomiris 10mg for aHUS in 2019
    Successfully launched Ultomiris 100mg for aHUS in 2020
    Planned, Developed and approved Ultomiris aHUS Home Study Modules and training decks
    Excellence Award Winner 2021
    Responsabilities:
    Developing and delivering the clinical training curriculums in conjunction with the Therapeutic Area teams
    • Managing external training vendors in the creation of training content
    • Creating and executing role-specific training for the US commercial organization
    • Creating and executing selling skills content training for the US field sales teams
    • Developing and delivering the clinical training curriculums in conjunction with the Therapeutic Area teams
    • Managing external training vendors in the creation of training content
    • Creating and executing role-specific training for the US commercial organization
    • Creating and executing selling skills content training for the US field sales teams
    • Executing Clinical Excellence training for the US commercial leadership team
    • Updating new-hire and advanced training resources for US field sales organization and internal commercial teams
    • Conducting new-hire and ongoing training classes for field-facing commercial roles and other internal Alexion staff
    • Adding creative value to the training team based on career experiences in sales training & leadership
    • Working collaboratively with field-based trainers and management team to coordinate delivery of Alexion’s training program for new hires in field sales organization and internal commercial teams
    • Conducting field rides with members of field sales organization
    • Providing in-the-field coaching to supplement the efforts of RSDs
    • Representing/navigating training initiatives as necessary thru medical/legal/regulatory approval process
    • Working cross-functionally with marketing, medical affairs, clinical, Patient Services etc. to better understand market factors and develop new and revise subsequent training initiatives as needed
    • Measuring outcomes of training initiatives and create plans for continuous improvement
    • Reporting any Pharmacovigilance Event eventually discussed during the trainings
  • Supported strategic planning initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Assisted in project management tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve communication channels.
  • Developed training materials for new team members, facilitating onboarding and knowledge transfer.
  • Maintained documentation of project progress, contributing to transparency and accountability across teams.
  • Engaged in regular feedback sessions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
  • Coordinated meetings and presentations, effectively communicating updates to stakeholders and leadership teams.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
  • Prioritized tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive.

Associate Director Training & Development Latin Am

Alexion Pharmaceutcials
06.2017 - 01.2019
  • Developing, planning and executing trainings for PNH and aHUS for Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico.
    Preparing, developing and executing gMG Launch training for Colombia
    Supporting Marketing and Sales leadership preparing field teams with disease state, diagnosis and treatment.
    Supporting Medical team with MSL and Patient Services training.
    Developing and delivering the clinical training curriculums in conjunction with the Therapeutic Area teams
    • Managing external training vendors in the creation of training content
    • Creating and executing role-specific training for the US commercial organization
    • Creating and executing selling skills content training for the US field sales teams
    • Developing and delivering the clinical training curriculums in conjunction with the Therapeutic Area teams
    • Managing external training vendors in the creation of training content
    • Creating and executing role-specific training for the US commercial organization
    • Creating and executing selling skills content training for the US field sales teams
    • Executing Clinical Excellence training for the US commercial leadership team
    • Updating new-hire and advanced training resources for US field sales organization and internal commercial teams
    • Conducting new-hire and ongoing training classes for field-facing commercial roles and other internal Alexion staff
    • Adding creative value to the training team based on career experiences in sales training & leadership
    • Working collaboratively with field-based trainers and management team to coordinate delivery of Alexion’s training program for new hires in field sales organization and internal commercial teams
    • Conducting field rides with members of field sales organization
    • Providing in-the-field coaching to supplement the efforts of RSDs
    • Representing/navigating training initiatives as necessary thru medical/legal/regulatory approval process
    • Working cross-functionally with marketing, medical affairs, clinical, Patient Services etc. to better understand market factors and develop new and revise subsequent training initiatives as needed
    • Measuring outcomes of training initiatives and create plans for continuous improvement
    • Reporting any Pharmacovigilance Event eventually discussed during the trainings
  • Directed cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Developed and executed project plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines.
  • Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative team environment.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive process optimization.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to refine business processes, increasing overall productivity and effectiveness.
  • Led resource allocation efforts, optimizing team performance based on project requirements and objectives.
  • Established best practices for project management, improving consistency in deliverables across departments.
  • Advocated for data-driven decision-making, enhancing strategic planning efforts within the organization.
  • Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for multiple large-scale projects, successfully completing each on time and within budget constraints.
  • Trained and developed department leaders and management staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
  • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career progression paths within the company.
  • Improved overall team efficiency by streamlining project management processes and implementing new collaboration tools.

Regional Account Manager

Alexion Pharmaceuticals
10.2013 - 06.2017

Preview

  • Consistently achieving or exceeding sales objectives in assigned territory. Creating and maintaining strategically targeted account-specific business plans that reflect an in-depth understanding of local market forces impacting product sales.
  • Developing and maintaining strong in-depth clinical technical, and scientific knowledge, collaborating closely with internal cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Consistently demonstrating the ability to handle customer questions and objections in a way that is consistent with product indications and sales training methodology, including ability to compliantly triage inquires to appropriate partner.
  • Constantly and effectively demonstrating the ability to educate on the clinical approach to specific disease states, leading to a successful differential diagnosis and appropriate testing of focus patient populations for aHUS and educate on high risk groups for PNH.
  • Effectively planning and executing Speaker Trainings with HCPs in many hospitals to spread awareness of our rare diseases and increasing significantly the number of new patients receiving the appropriated diagnosis and treatment.
  • Leading the implementation for our patient-centric partnership model which included physicians, their staff, patients.
  • Consistently demonstrating strong clinical acumen and account-based selling, analytical and strategic skills to successfully develop accounts.
  • Consistently demonstrating the ability to work independently and within the team.
    Consistently mentoring new hires on disease education, pointed as field mentor.
  • Developed strategic account plans to enhance client relationships and drive revenue growth.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to deliver customized solutions for regional clients.
  • Analyzed market trends and competitor activity to inform business strategies and client presentations.
  • Fostered long-term partnerships with key stakeholders, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Sales Specialist

Pfizer
03.2009 - 10.2013
  • Promoting and selling VFend, Zyvox, Ecalta, Tygacil, Zitromax, Bextra to Hospitals. The role include education and promotion of products to healthcare professionals, while building and maintaining strong relationships with them. Duties involve educating healthcare providers on the benefits of the company's products, providing product information, and planning and executing speaker programs. All while working to achieve sales targets and stay informed about industry trends
  • Executing following compliance rules and ensuring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies when promoting products;
    Analyzing sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Staying updated on the latest research and developments in the pharmaceutical industry. Gaining and maintaining a thorough understanding of the company's pharmaceutical products, including their uses, benefits, side effects, and interactions as well as taking the lead in reporting PV events.
  • Performing daily/weekly administrative tasks by keeping detailed records of customer interactions, preparing reports, and managing sample.
  • Developed tailored sales strategies to enhance customer engagement and drive revenue growth.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and customer needs for product development.
  • Fostered relationships with key clients, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • Trained and mentored junior sales staff on effective selling techniques and product knowledge.

Education

MBA - Human Resources Management

Getulio Vargas Foundation
Fortaleza, Brazil
01-2015

Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences

Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
08-2008

Pharmacist Degree - Pharmaceutical Sciences

Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
08-2005

Skills

  • Nephrology and hematology expertise in Alexion rare disorders
  • HCP and KOL interactions
  • Planning/ executing
  • Cross-functional working
  • Scientific training development
  • Clinical Trials
  • Launch Readiness
  • Training & development
  • Project management
  • Strategic leadership
  • Analytical thinking
  • Coaching and mentoring

Certification

  • Certified DISC Trainer, DISC - 2017
  • Certified SLII Situational Leadership Training, Blanchard - 2024
  • Certified Challenger Facilitator, Challenger - 2025

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Associate Director Training & Development USA

Alexion Pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - Current

Associate Director Training & Development Latin Am

Alexion Pharmaceutcials
06.2017 - 01.2019

Regional Account Manager

Alexion Pharmaceuticals
10.2013 - 06.2017

Sales Specialist

Pfizer
03.2009 - 10.2013

MBA - Human Resources Management

Getulio Vargas Foundation

Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences

Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul

Pharmacist Degree - Pharmaceutical Sciences

Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul

Excellence Award winner 2022

2022 Excellence Award Winner at Alexion Pharmaceuticals