Maria Quadir

About me

I was born/grew up in: Karachi, Pakistan - lived there until I was 15.

I now live in: Toronto, ON

I completed my training/education at: University of Waterloo (BSc, Biology and Psychology Double Major), and Seneca College (Pharmaceutical Regulatory Graduate Certificate)

What I do at work

My job is to help bring new drugs to the market. I also monitor the drugs already on the market for patient safety. I create scientific documents that include the data that show the drugs are safe and effective. These documents are the applications to produce and distribute the new drugs. These applications are sent to Health Canada. This agency regulates drugs in Canada. Once the application is sent to Health Canada, I follow up with them to answer any questions they have about to the application.

I also review materials about our drugs to make sure they are accurate and complete.  I use my knowledge of STEM in all parts of my day-to-day work.

My job is also very collaborative. As part of a global company, I get to work with people all around the world! Meetings with the local team occur in person. However, we use teleconferences and video conferences to meet with people outside of Canada.

My career path is

When I was in high school, I thought I would become an accountant. However, I decided to give science a chance! Then during my undergraduate degree (studying biology and psychology) I did co-op placements in very different industries. This gave me chance to explore my options and find my passion. It was due to my co-op at Health Canada that I realized that regulatory affairs was what I wanted to pursue.

I expected to come back to Health Canada after my undergraduate degree, but due to downsizing, they had no openings. So instead, after finishing university I did my graduate regulatory affairs certification at Seneca College. Then I entered the pharmaceutical industry as a regulatory affairs associate. I worked at several different companies, in different roles, before coming to Amgen Canada. All my work and experience has led me to where I am today.

I am motivated by

What excites me is that every day is different and brings new challenges. There is always something new to learn as each drug is different and no two applications are the same. The drug regulations and policies are constantly changing. This brings new challenges, as we have to make sure we are following all the Government requirements.

I enjoy working with various teams and people with different backgrounds.  Everyone brings different knowledge and experience to the task. I like that I can learn from them.

I feel I made an excellent choice in my career! I enjoy every minute of my work and go home with the satisfaction that I made a difference.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I really love being part of a company that creates medicine that help patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. My career is very important to me because it gives me the satisfaction that I am making a difference. That satisfaction keeps me going and motivates me to work harder and harder. I want to do my part to make sure Canadian patients have access to important medications

Outside of work I

I love event planning! I have a lot of fun helping my family and friends plan big events such as weddings. I also try to be active and go to the gym. I also love to travel!

My advice to others

Never give up! Usually your first job won’t be your dream job. Every opportunity is valuable and you can learn something useful, and can eventually lead you to your dream job.