Ask an Alumnus - Bill Fitzsimmons BS \u201983, MS, PharmD

Bill Fitzsimmons BS ’83, MS, PharmD

Executive VP, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical and Research Quality Assurance

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Dr. William E. Fitzsimmons was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois, he attended the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University and obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in 1985. Also, he holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis from the University of Michigan. Dr. Fitzsimmons is a registered pharmacist in the State of Illinois. He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. He is a member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), American Society of Transplantation (AST), on the Board of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Before joining Fujisawa/Astellas, Dr. Fitzsimmons was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Rush Medical College in Chicago; Clinical Pharmacokinetics Specialist at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago; and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, Chicago.

Dr. Fitzsimmons joined Fujisawa in March 1990. Since beginning as the Project Manager in R&D responsible for the development of Prograf ® in transplantation, he has steadily assumed roles of increasing responsibility in R&D, Drug Development Project Management, and Business Development. In his current position of Executive Vice President, he is responsible for global regulatory interactions for development and marketed products in the Americas, Europe, and Japan/Asia. Additionally, he is responsible for quality assurance for compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

As a Pharmacist, how can I best prepare to adapt to the inevitable changes ahead in the next 20 years?

Stay abreast of the political, legislative, scientific, and technical trends as the world will likely change at an increasing pace. We need to define the role of the pharmacist in the future, or it will be defined for us. Don’t be a passive observer. Be involved.

What are you working on right now and what have you learned from it?

We are working on advancing unique therapies that include antibody-drug conjugates, gene and cellular therapies, and personalized medicines that are coupled with a companion diagnostic. Drug therapy will advance beyond small molecule and antibody therapies, to more specialized treatments that will 1) require specialized delivery systems, 2) target small patient populations with rare diseases or with specific genetic mutations, 3) value assessments to support the premium pricing.

How does your pharmacy degree inform your leadership style?

Pharmacists are servant leaders. It is essential to be willing to lead by example, roll up your sleeves and be involved. Also, pharmacists are listeners and learners. It is key for leaders to listen and learn first, then lead.

What words of wisdom would you share with current students?

Be flexible and willing to try different jobs, in different locations. You won’t truly know what fits you best until you have varied experiences. Cultivate your multiple dimensions and interests. Be unique and differentiate yourself. The pharmacy world can be fairly small. Network and leverage relationships.

What does it mean to you to be an alumnus of the UIC College of Pharmacy?

It is a sense of pride to have a solid educational foundation from one of the leading Colleges of Pharmacy in the Country and World. It provides lifelong relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students.

What motivates you to support the College?

It is important to give back in particular as it helps the next generation of pharmacists. The tradition of excellence in education, clinical practice and research should be maintained.