Driving Excellence in Life Sciences Training
Amy Lang and Mark Schuster have been selected as recipients of the LTEN Field Trainer Scholarship. Both professionals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to training professionals in the life sciences sector.
Both Lang and Schuster have demonstrated unwavering commitment to learning and development, driving innovation and achieving outstanding results. Lang’s passion for improving the learning experience and Schuster’s leadership in piloting Veeva Engage exemplify the qualities we look for in scholarship recipients.
Lang and Schuster recently led an LTEN Webinar, “Field Training: Best Practices, Structures & Skills.” Watch the recording.
This scholarship will provide them with an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, network with industry peers, and bring back invaluable insights to their respective organizations. By investing in their growth, LTEN not only recognizes their accomplishments but also fosters continued excellence in the life sciences sector.
Learn more about the LTEN Field Trainer Scholarship.
Amy Lang
Revolutionizing New-Hire Training at Astellas
Amy Lang, an Associate Training Manager at Astellas Pharma US, has left an indelible mark with her innovative training project, Project InNOVAte. The aim of this project was to revamp the new-hire training program for Astellas Community Specialties, covering the first two years of an employee’s experience at the company. Amy’s steps to achieve this objective were nothing short of impressive:
- Building an Advisory Board: Lang formed a diverse Advisory Board, comprising Field Sales Representatives from different areas of the country and two Regional Sales Managers.
- Thorough Evaluation: She carefully assessed past learner surveys spanning five years to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Stakeholder Surveys: Lang reached out to various stakeholders, including past learners and Regional Sales Managers, to understand their preferences for learning environments.
- Leadership Interviews: She interviewed Marketing and Sales Leadership to identify training gaps and essential skills to achieve organizational goals.
- Content Review and Recommendations: Amy distilled the results into three areas of recommended change: Efficiency, Learning Transfer, and Delivery Model, presenting them to Sales Leadership to gain buy-in.
- Collaboration with L&D Team: She collaborated with the L&D team to modify the learning journey based on the new structure, retaining valuable content and building new ones.
The results were astounding! Within 8 months, 87 new hires completed the training, and surveys indicated satisfaction levels similar to in-person sessions. Additionally, the new hybrid approach saved approximately $300,000 in T&E and certified new hires 2.5 weeks earlier for field readiness. The impact of Project InNOVAte continues as they roll out the second phase, focusing on field-based learning transfer and trainer/managerial support.
Lang’s dedication doesn’t end there. She is now collaborating with global colleagues to standardize product training and onboarding across countries, promoting efficiency and knowledge-sharing.
Mark Schuster
Pioneering the Veeva Engage Rollout at Teva Pharmaceuticals
Mark Schuster, a Senior Executive Sales Representative at Teva Pharmaceuticals, has showcased his extraordinary skills through a pioneering pilot project for Veeva CRM Engage Meeting. Schuster’s journey towards success was one of determination and passion for excellence:
- Initiative and Leadership: Schuster proactively approached his managers, volunteering for projects to share his skills and grow professionally. His enthusiasm led to the creation of a pilot project for Veeva Engage from scratch.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: He assembled a team of colleagues from various departments to test the technology, develop resources, and structure the training program.
- Real-World Simulations: The team trained a pilot group of 10 representatives to use the platform, conducting real-world simulations with volunteer physicians to understand the customer experience.
Schuster’s work proved pivotal when the pandemic struck, as Teva Pharmaceuticals was already equipped with the right virtual platform for seamless interactions with customers. The rollout of Veeva Engage was a game-changer, ensuring uninterrupted services for patients and customers alike.
You can reach Schuster via LinkedIn.
Congratulations to Amy Lang and Mark Schuster on their well-deserved LTEN Field Trainer Scholarships!
About the Scholarship
The scholarship provides educational opportunities to hard-working and highly motivated field-based training professionals in hopes they will continue the legacy of educational service to others and commitment to life sciences training.
Contact Us
For additional questions, please contact Awards@L-TEN.org.
Interested in sponsoring this year’s awards program? Contact Gregg Haunroth at ghaunroth@L-TEN.org
