James Dolan
Why did you choose Northwestern?
I was looking for an integrated research program with the clinical application of research. At the time, that was not offered at a lot of top-tier institutions that have world-class microbiology, but Northwestern was one of them. I was interested in virology following undergraduate research in a Salmonella lab. And I rotated in a herpes virus lab, a retrovirus lab (that I eventually joined), and a malaria lab just to mix things up.
The students and the faculty are ultimately what made my decision. And I'm so grateful to the universe for aligning me to the IGP (predecessor to the DGP).
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience? What was it then and/or what it is now?
I'm a strategy consultant and have worked across therapeutic areas, functional disciplines (marketing, sales, strategy, M&A, medical affairs, R&D, market access), and geographies (all continents so far and adding countries!).
Tell us who or what inspired your research and/or work.
My parents inspired me, however, I don't think any of us knew where my career would go when they were inspiring and supporting my decision to not go to medical school. My father was an oncology surgeon, and I/we only knew the practice of medicine. But one of the fundamental ethos of my childhood was striving for the highest education possible, and then doing something good with it. So that's what I've always tried to do, and set as an example for my children.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Most recently, the work I've done has literally enabled millions of Americans to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV2 based on work I'm doing with a mid-Atlantic state. I've met a president, CDC director, FDA commissioners, multiple Nobel Laureates, and public health titans involved in the eradication of Smallpox. I am forever humbled by those I have the opportunity to work with and push myself to honor my family and fellow citizens by asking hard questions and using evidence to inform decisions.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
I'm in the process of transitioning into a non-Life Sciences role, focusing more on public sector work. I believe it will be a very different experience but will branch into new areas for impacting the world around me.
I was also recently elected to the local elementary school board, and the decisions made there are likely to impact future generations of children and families that grow up in my town.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
Trust yourself, trust the universe, and don't be afraid to ask the next question...