Working with Stars: Meet Ejaz Butt, MRQA, Hon FPIPA

Working with Stars: Meet Ejaz Butt, MRQA, Hon FPIPA

Ejaz Butt is a very talented and experienced PV auditor, based in UK. His passion for PV is authentic. See how at some point a "vision" would have changed his career and would have deprived us of his great PV contributions if only...

How did you start working in PV?

I went into PV by accident, actually. As I was doing my PhD and writing up my thesis and I needed a job. I just got married, started a family I came across a role with 3M Healthcare for Pharmacovigilance Scientists. I didn't know anything about PV. During the interview I realized the role would combine scientific research and working close to NHS. In PV, we are collecting data, doing research on the product safety profile, and having direct impact to patients. And I like that fusion: a meaningful blend of research, healthcare, and real patient impact.

How long have you worked in PV?

More than 21 years now. I have grown with the field and find the most fulfillment in improving processes, shaping systems, and taking on leadership responsibilities.

What is the achievement you are the proudest of during your professional life?

At a large Pharma, I built a SharePoint-based compliance tracking tool for patient support and market research programs—work that was strong enough to be recognized positively by the MHRA after they visited us. This was very rewarding to me.

What are the drivers for your work in PV?

Patient safety. I see the work not just as a technical or regulatory function, but as something that can genuinely improve lives, especially when I think about family members and others who rely on medications.

What do you like working with JPCC Associates?

I value the company because it gives me something many consulting organizations miss: a real sense of belonging, connection, and team spirit, rather than feeling like an outsider. I feel like I am part of the organization, even when I am not engaged in projects with JPCC.

How do you explain what you do to others, family or friends?

I just say that when you open a box of tablets or whatever medication and you see that leaflet inside that we tend to ignore: my area of work is to gather the data and the information that goes into some of the sections of that leaflet and make the product more secure. And behind it is a lot of larger process and bigger work going on. My wife works in PV too so that it easy with her!

What did you want to become when you were a child?

I wanted to be a pilot, join the Royal Air Force. I almost signed up to the cadets. But I had to wear glasses and that unfortunately did not happen.

What have you identified as drivers guiding you?

When you look at the bigger picture, having members of your family with diseases and you see the benefits of therapies, you realize that, even in a small capacity, you are contributing to a better safety profile for these therapies. This is a strong driver to me, and more so as I get older.

What do you do after a good day at work?

I love cycling, swimming, reading, and fitness. I have a real passion for music, vinyl records, and audio equipment. My taste for music is broad and eclectic. I am curious about what is happening in the world and the news. Sometimes I feel I have taken on too many activities, and I have to balance everything...

What do you want your legacy or impact on the world to be?

The impact on my family is critical. Both my kids are interested in science and pharmaceutical industry, and I hope that I will pass the baton to one of them. And when I'm no longer here, what I leave for them is important so that they have a good foundation and a good start to their life. That's the only thing I worry about. I'm not too concerned about the rest of the world in that sense.

See Ejaz Butt profile here.