The American: What is Covidien? What does it do?
Bridgette Wesley: I work at Mallinckrodt, the pharmaceuticals business of Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products. Our headquarters are in Hazelwood. Mallinckrodt manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients, including bulk acetaminophen, opioid pain medications, nuclear and contrast media diagnostic agents. We are the largest U.S. supplier of opioid pain medications and among the top 10 generic pharmaceuticals manufacturers in the U.S., based on prescriptions.
The American: What is a Global Labeling Department? What does one do?
Bridgette Wesley: The Regulatory Affairs Global Labeling Department is responsible for the creation and maintenance of domestic and international product labeling within Mallinckrodt. We are a team of dedicated professionals working in the areas of pre-press graphic design, proofreading, project management, record management, and data information systems and technologies. The department works with about 4,000 pieces of labeling for the company’s products, making approximately 2500 revisions each year to stay current with new products, regulatory revisions, and new company logos on each piece of labeling.
The American: What is a Regulatory Affairs Labeling Specialist? What do you do?
Bridgette Wesley: A Regulatory Affairs (RA) Labeling Specialist ensures preparation and availability of labeling artwork for printed packaging components for submission to FDA and for use in packaging products. As a RA Labeling Specialist, I work with Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Legal, Graphic Designers and Proofreaders to coordinate the creation of labeling artwork that meets all medical, legal and regulatory requirements. I also communicate with our various manufacturing sites to ensure all new and revised labeling is incorporated into production.
The American: How did you come to have this position?
Bridgette Wesley: I joined Mallinckrodt in 2007 as a Documentation Coordinator in the Labeling Department, a position I found online through BlackPlanet.com. For me, that showed that this was a company that was committed to diversity and one that I wanted to be a part of. Over the years, I have been promoted up to a couple positions within the department to my current one as a RA Labeling Specialist.
The American: What education is needed to do your job? What additional training?
Bridgette Wesley: Most positions in Regulatory Affairs require a minimum of a four-year degree. A degree in a scientific field is most helpful. However technical experience in the pharmaceuticals industry is also beneficial. My background however is a bit different.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University in French and Social Studies education. I taught French for six years after graduating, first as a high-school teacher in Lebanon, MO, then as an elementary school teacher in St. Louis city. From there, I transitioned to another pharmaceuticals company in St. Louis for several years.
Once at Mallinckrodt, I continued my training in Regulatory Affairs by taking courses offered through professional organizations such as Pharmaceutical Education & Research Institute and Regulatory Affairs Professional Society. I completed a Regulatory Affairs Certificate: Pharmaceuticals in 2010 and I am currently preparing to take the Regulatory Affairs Certification exam.
The American: You recently joined the Diversity Council at the company. What is that? What does it do?
Bridgette Wesley: Our Diversity Council strives to improve the work experience for every employee at our Hazelwood campus. The Council currently consists of the leaders from the company’s eight employee resource groups. The Council and resource groups work together to sponsor activities and events which provide employees an opportunity to share ideas and experiences to make our work environment more inclusive. Past events have included special seminars such as “Financial Planning for Non-Traditional Couples” and “Caring for Aging Parents” and a Health Fair.
The American: What do you do for or with the council?
Bridgette Wesley: The Diversity Council is currently working on restructuring and rebranding in order to be even more effective in its mission. I recently joined the Council to help with these efforts. I have always been passionate about diversity and inclusion. I find it exciting and energizing to be an agent for change and awareness in furthering the efforts of diversity and inclusion at Mallinckrodt. Currently I am on two sub-committees, one which is working on creating the new strategy plan and another which is working on creating the new structure for the Council. I’m looking forward to what we are going to accomplish in creating a workplace that is more inclusive.
The American: What role do you see diversity playing in your workplace?
Bridgette Wesley: Because Mallinckrodt is a global company, it is necessary for our workplace to reflect those with whom we do business. Diversity and inclusion are an important part of creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. The collaboration of individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives is an asset to the company and helps to create an environment that fosters greater work satisfaction which helps the company remain competitive in the healthcare industry.
The American: You are active with Toastmasters. What do you do?
Bridgette Wesley: I joined Toastmasters in 2008. As a new employee with the company, I found it to be a great way to network with colleagues from various departments throughout the company. Additionally, I needed help with my public speaking skills because, like most people I had a fear of public speaking. Toastmasters has helped me tremendously in overcoming my fear and being able to communicate more confidently.
Another benefit of my involvement in Toastmasters has been the leadership training that it offers. I have been able to use the leadership skills that I have learned and practiced in Toastmasters’ meetings in both my professional and personal life.
I currently serve as the Vice President Membership of our club at work. I’ve also previously served as the club President and Vice President-Education. In each of those positions and as a member of the club, not only have I obtained valuable practice of my communication and leadership skills, but I have also helped my colleagues to improve their skills as well.
I’ve taken my involvement in Toastmasters beyond our company club and have served as an Area Governor. In this position, I was able to work with five additional Toastmasters club in the North St. Louis County area. I have also been involved in working with new clubs that are forming in the St. Louis area as well as competing in District speech contests. One thing that I enjoy most about Toastmasters is the diversity of the members. Members come from all walks of life, backgrounds, age-groups, etc.
