Dr Matthew Hickling, Executive Medical Director, Allergan Aesthetics, talks to Isabel O’Brien about the science behind beauty, the dynamic nature of his global role and the powerful lessons learned from turning adversity into opportunity
Interview by Isabel O’Brien
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharma, and how did you land in aesthetics?
Medical professionals join their professions to help others; to treat patients so they can live longer and better lives. I joined the pharmaceutical industry at a time when my own health had been significantly impacted and it was more a choice about staying in medicine rather than knowing I wanted a specific career in pharmaceutical medicine. Now as a UK GMC registered specialist in Pharmaceutical Medicine and a fellow of the UK Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, I feel very privileged that I have had this opportunity that arose from a time of adversity. Although I do not see patients in clinical practice, the decisions I make alongside other colleagues and practicing healthcare professionals across the globe have a tangible positive impact on many more patients than I could have personally seen in my own clinic.
Joining Allergan Aesthetics was also serendipity as I applied for a different role than I currently hold. Although I was not the right person at the right time for that role, the recruiting team must have seen something in me as I was offered this global role which really is a fantastic opportunity to lead on strategies and projects to help clinicians, clinics and their patients worldwide.
What’s a typical day like in your role at Allergan?
No day is the same and can sometimes change at a moment’s notice. Responding to medical information inquiries from clinical practitioners needing help or engaging with external regulatory bodies require accurate, considered and timely responses, sometimes on very complex matters. This makes the job so meaningful; I relish not knowing exactly what is around the corner. It sometimes feels like being on call in a hospital admissions unit; it can be fascinating what turns up in your morning email ‘to review’ list. Living in the UK but working across all time zones; the day has peaks and troughs when it comes to meetings; mostly peaking around 4-6pm UK time when the US West Coast team are starting their working day. It requires some flexibility in working patterns as you can’t have a meeting at a sociable hour for all colleagues in all time zones, but this is to be expected when working in a global role.
What makes aesthetics a unique and rewarding field to work in?
I refer to my previous comments around helping people live better and longer lives. How we individually feel about our looks is a very personal, important matter. Aesthetic medicine requires a thorough understanding of what’s scientifically possible alongside what society is seeking; overlayed with putting patients first when thinking about the safe use of any medicine or device. Although it’s challenging to develop and commercialise meaningful medicines and devices that help people feel better about how they see themselves; it’s rewarding and gives me that sense of purpose for why I practice what I do.
What’s the biggest opportunity you’re navigating in aesthetics right now?
Finding innovative solutions that help patients live better lives through addressing their aesthetic needs. One current opportunity is to meet the needs of patients who are undergoing or have undergone significant weight loss. How and when aesthetic medicines and devices could be used to meet the aesthetic goals of this group of patients is important for clinicians and manufacturers to understand so that evidence and education can be provided. Manufacturers have a responsibility to convey data-driven and professional information about aesthetics medicine or devices.
What’s one big misconception about aesthetics you’d like to clear up?
When family and friends first learned of my move into aesthetic medicine, they questioned the move; often stating there was little science in making people more beautiful. This has proven quite the opposite; understanding the science behind your aesthetic medicine or device as well as the benefits and risks it conveys is absolutely essential for ensuring patient wellbeing as well as being commercially viable. I work with a fantastic medical team who are experts in sharing this scientific information through legitimate scientific exchange. The science behind beauty is fascinating and being successful in bringing innovative products and devices is both a challenge and an opportunity.
If your life were a novel, what would the title be and why?
My title would be ‘Make the most of today’. My life has been shaped by my medical history as a patient. These challenges have taught me to seize opportunities that have come out of adversity; most of my lucky breaks have come when faced with a challenging medical situation. No matter what happens today, good or bad; we will not get today back; so, enjoy the moment – making the best of it in being the best you can be.
