Career Development at FDB

Nicole Hubbard - Technical Product Owner, CoordinateRx
Nicole Hubbard

Career Journey

After completing a master’s degree in neuroscience, I joined FDB about four years ago as a graduate. I began in the Clinical Researcher role within the FDB Multilex team, which allowed me to combine my passion for research with the flexibility of a hybrid working environment. I was involved in a variety of research areas, particularly in authoring content for central nervous system and cardiovascular drugs, as well as dose authoring.

As my experience grew, I was promoted to Team Leader, managing a small team of researchers and pharmacists. This role allowed me to develop leadership and management skills and opened the door to exciting new projects and opportunities within Multilex. Over time, I developed a strong interest in product development, especially as it related to improving healthcare and patient safety. This led me to transition into a role as Technical Product Owner for CoordinateRx.

Transition Experience

Shifting from the Clinical Content team to the Product team was an exciting and slightly daunting challenge. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect as the roles seemed so different. However, the transition has been smoother than anticipated. The biggest adjustment has been moving from a more siloed team structure to a more collaborative environment. In my new role, I now work closely with a range of teams to understand customer needs and deliver solutions that meet those needs.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the transition has been the opportunity to connect more directly with customers. This has given me new insights into the structure of the NHS and the needs of our customers as well as the product development process. I still enjoy staying connected with my former team members in Multilex in the office, so I don't feel too far removed!

Skills, Growth and Team Collaboration

As the Technical Product Owner for CoordinateRx, my primary responsibilities involve understanding customer requirements and managing the timely delivery of these solutions. This is achieved using low-code platforms like Zoho. This role is quite different from my previous work in Clinical Content, where I was primarily focused on authoring clinical information and managing a small team. In this new role, I oversee the entire process of capturing and implementing customer requirements, which has given me a broader understanding of how our products evolve and how they can better serve the healthcare industry.

I have already gained a wealth of new skills. I’ve learned a great deal about data analytics and coding, which has broadened my professional perspective. This experience has not only allowed me to expand my technical expertise but has also helped me appreciate the intricate process of product development. The technical and analytical skills I’ve developed are incredibly rewarding, particularly as they allow me to bridge the gap between clinical data and product development.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, I aspire to become more independent in my role as I continue to grow and develop. One of my key goals is to contribute to the development of new features for CoordinateRx that will enhance the customer experience. As AI continues to transform the healthcare sector, I am excited about the potential to incorporate more AI-driven solutions into the products we create.
In the coming years, I hope to be at the forefront of innovations in product development, ensuring that our tools meet the evolving needs of our healthcare partners and improve patient outcomes across the UK.

Healthcare Science Week Message

As we celebrate Healthcare Science Week, I take pride in my contributions to the development of Multilex, which is at the core of clinical decision support. Knowing that the work we do directly impacts patient safety across the UK is incredibly fulfilling. The data we provide to healthcare professionals plays a crucial role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients, and this is a source of great pride and motivation for me.