Gureeva Svitlana – Head of the technology development department of the pharmaceutical company Farmak, doctor of pharmaceutical sciences, professor
– What was your professional career?
Interesting, but thorny. As it is said: "Through thorns to the stars! Per aspera ad astra!" For 15 years I worked at Zaporizhzhia State Medical University in the Department of Drug Technology. Then, in 2000, I moved with my family to Horlivka, Donetsk region, where I was involved in the development of veterinary drugs. And in 2002, I was invited to work at Farmak. It was the beginning of growth and global changes in the company. During this time, I have also changed and grown as a scientist. Every year, we have developed about 20 new products, which are now exported to more than 50 countries around the world.
– What skills are needed to succeed in the pharmaceutical field?
Our industry is dynamic and demanding, requiring constant development and perseverance. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. A negative result in science is also a result that is designed to give invaluable experience. It is necessary to have a love for novelty, and for knowledge in general. It is very important to be willing to learn every day and translate your knowledge into practical experience.
– Would you like to highlight one of the women from our field who inspired you?
Filia Ivanivna Zhebrovska, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Farmak, truly inspires me. She impresses with her devotion and love for her creation. As Filia Ivanovna often says about our company: "This is the air I breathe with." She also has a great talent for prediction. She encouraged us to do the projects that seemed to be not very promising at the beginning, later they turned out to be so timely and in demand on the market that no one could even imagine it at the startg. One such example is a drug that we brought to the international market in an extremely timely manner in the year of the pandemic. It has been in high demand in the treatment regimen for patients with COVID-19. These qualities inspire me to follow such a female leader, there is a certain magic in this.
– Where can students get experience and knowledge in pharmaceuticals?
Pharmaceutical students can gain experience by doing research and experiments in the department with a scientist who loves his work more than anything else. I was extremely lucky to work with Professor Taras Andriyovych Groshovy, we have been together in science for almost 40 years. This is my Teacher and I am very grateful to him. I remember him saying: "I love my work so much that I would work in science and teach even if I wasn't paid for it." Students can also work in a pharmacy. Although there are almost no pharmacies with extemporaneous prescriptions now, you can still get some experience there. In addition, it is worth trying to get an internship in production. In this sense, Farmak is very open to cooperation with higher education institutions. We hold hackathons and Schools for young scientists and also participate in the work of the Small Academy of Sciences. At these events, we actively search for promising and talented students.
– In your opinion, what can help in professional development?
The starting foundation point was my native alma mater – Zaporizhzhia State Medical University. I learned the basics of the pedagogical activity, which became a good experience for me as a manager in working with people in the team. Professional development also requires a willingness to work on yourself, read a lot, achieve practical results at work, and also important purposefulness and self-awareness. It is of great importance who works with you in science, family support, the members of your team, and the company you work for, which encourages you to develop and gives you the opportunity to see the world, study abroad with the best specialists, work on the newest equipment with the most modern technologies and ingredients. Farmak, where I have been working for more than 20 years, became such a company for me.
– What are your wishes for young specialists?
Be persistent, positive, and creative. Do not be afraid to make mistakes and gain negative experiences, still rise and move forward to success. Develop yourself, set ambitious goals, and take on difficult tasks.
