US Patient Advocacy & Policy

Overview: 

This DC-based fellowship is a part of Sanofi’s US Corporate Affairs. The fellow will join the US Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy (US PA&PA) team, which is accountable for partnerships with the US patient advocacy community to improve patient outcomes. Working cross-functionally, the fellow will address policy and reimbursement issues with the US Reimbursement and Public Policy team, US Federal Government Relations, and US State Government Relations teams. The fellow will be involved in initiatives to ensure policies support patients’ needs, and support affordable, equitable access to innovative medicines. 

Outside of their primary experiences, the fellow may also engage in rotational or project experience(s) across various areas of the company to further enhance their professional development, such as in cross- therapeutic areas, Global Public Affairs, Science Policy, Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Market Access. 

Goal: 

To equip the fellow with necessary hands-on experience, knowledge, and skills to make a positive impact on patient health outcomes. The fellow will enhance their understanding of the US healthcare system through leadership on cross-functional projects and establishing alliance partnerships that aim to develop timely, evidence-based, and patient centric solutions.  

Objectives: 

During this two-year program, the fellow will: 

  1. Build and maintain external advocacy relationships by liaising with US patient groups, medical and professional societies, health foundations, and other stakeholders in the advocacy community to inform internal decision-making and patient-centric initiatives.  

  1. Enhance their understanding of the US healthcare system and the impacts of US legislative and reimbursement developments for patient access to Sanofi medicines and vaccines.   

  1. Support Sanofi participation in pharmaceutical industry trade associations and other stakeholders’ efforts on priority policy issues, including those that affect patient access, and affordability to innovative medicines. 

  1. Strategically expand their network and build meaningful relationships with internal colleagues and external advocacy leaders across the healthcare ecosystem.   

Sanofi Component: 

Acquire experiences across various therapeutic affairs and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute initiatives. 

US Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy  

  • The teams of US Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy collaborate with patient advocacy groups and professional societies to champion issues critical to patients. Coordinating the company’s approach with external advocates requires active engagement and extensive collaboration with various internal, cross-functional teams across all parts of the company.  

  • The fellow will bridge the insights, knowledge, and resources of both the external advocacy community and within Sanofi to support advocacy initiatives that matter most to patients.  

  • Our goal is to be the partner who listens, acts, and leads to improve patient health and accelerate medical innovation, and facilitate access to medicines and vaccines. 

US Reimbursement and Public Policy  

  • The US Reimbursement and Public Policy team analyzes the implications of proposed US federal and state government policies that impact patient access to medicines and the sustainability of innovation. 

  • Through thorough research, analysis, prioritization, and problem-solving, the team provides recommendations on the company's stance regarding health policy. The team either supports policies in development or develops alternative new proposed policies to improve the healthcare system. 

  • The Fellow will serve the role of helping to identify opportunities to engage in reimbursement or other policy issues of mutual interest that impact both Sanofi and certain patient advocacy groups. The fellow may also collaborate with the US Reimbursement and Public Policy team occasionally on projects related to such issues. 

Government Relations  

  • The US federal and state Government Relations (GR) teams serve as Sanofi’s primary liaisons with elected officials. By conducting bill analysis, engagement in the legislative process, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders GR brings forward Sanofi insights into current legislative proposals in order to support better access for patients and sustain innovation. 

  • Develop an understanding of how public policies influence the pharmaceutical industry, patients, caregivers, providers, and the overall healthcare ecosystem. 

  • The Fellow will collaborate with state and federal government affairs teams, contributing to informed policymaking and incorporating patient perspectives. They will have opportunities to participate in legislative meetings and hearings at both federal and state levels, focusing on issues affecting patient access and affordability of medicines and vaccines. 

Ideal Candidate: 

- The ideal candidate has a desire to learn about the US healthcare environment through internal and external collaboration with key leaders and has a passion for understanding the patient perspective. 

- Robust interpersonal skills, and ability to connect the dots and work cross-functionally are key success factors for this Fellowship. 

Preceptor: Kemi Osundina