Launching a new medication in the U.S. is no small feat. It requires a diverse team of specialists such as manufacturing experts, regulatory professionals, field representatives who work with physicians and payers, patient advocates who build bridges to the community, and medical teams who – among other tasks – help support the collection and publication of additional data, just to name a few. To meet these needs, ITF Therapeutics has been growing rapidly.

As Head of Human Resources, I have the privilege of supporting and overseeing our growth and development. While HR often brings to mind paperwork and logistics like retirement plans and health insurance — important pieces of the puzzle — my true focus is on creating a company culture that aligns with our mission to serve the rare disease community.

That starts with hiring. Beyond having the right resume credentials, we look for candidates who thrive on rolling up their sleeves to collaborate. People who crave a connection to the patient community. People who are open to feedback and bring a growth mindset to their work. For ITF, bringing this type of person on board is not a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. Because bringing new medicines to market is not our raison d’etre. Our ultimate goal is to improve and extend the lives of people affected by rare disease – and bringing new medicines to market is a key step toward achieving that goal.

I believe that the Duchenne community deserves top-notch talent working on its behalf, so I aim to attract team members who are standouts in their respective fields. That’s a tall order with more than a thousand biotechnology companies in the greater Boston area vying for candidates. So, of course we offer material benefits like a 401k and recognition programs, but what really sets us apart are the intangibles. When people understand who we are, what we do, and why we do it, they’re drawn to our mission. It’s what drew me here to join the team in July after getting to know the leadership team. I was sold on their deep conviction that they can and will improve the lives of people affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

While we’re growing quickly, we’re also building for longevity. That’s why we put such a strong emphasis on engaging deeply with the community – to help us truly understand our customers and how we can serve them best. Before joining ITF, I had limited interactions with patients. However, in just five months here, my eyes have been opened in a new way. At a recent conference, I saw a sibling helping his younger brother in a wheelchair. That simple act moved me deeply, reminding me that Duchenne doesn’t just affect the individual — it’s a “whole family” disease. This experience reinforced the importance of our work in ways I hadn’t fully grasped before. It’s a reminder that our mission has a ripple effect, touching countless lives in ways we may not always see. Knowing this inspires me to give my all every day, because the impact we make is far greater than I ever imagined.