Today we’d like to introduce you to Merhil Rosales.
Hi Merhil, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Venezuela, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a professor. Later, I had the opportunity to transition into the pharmaceutical industry. I was proud of the work I was doing and the life I was creating, but after three years, growing political turmoil and the steady loss of basic rights made it clear that I could no longer stay. Leaving my country was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but I knew it was necessary to pursue a safer and more stable future.
Starting over in the United States was both humbling and overwhelming. I had to adapt to a new culture, regain my confidence in a second language, and prove myself professionally all over again. Despite the uncertainty, I kept moving forward, gaining experience in different sales roles and eventually returning to the pharmaceutical industry, where I have now worked for five years in the U.S.
Today, I am a Senior Territory Account Specialist at Novartis, one of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies. My background in education has helped me connect with people and explain complex information in a simple, human way. I am proud not only of the career I have built, but also of the community I have created around me. Looking back, I see a journey shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward, qualities shared by many immigrants.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Leaving Venezuela meant stepping away from the career I had built, the stability I depended on, and the support system that shaped me. When I arrived in the United States, I had to adjust to a new culture, speak in a second language every day, and basically start over.
One of the hardest parts was rebuilding my confidence while trying to show my experience still mattered. I went through rejection, uncertainty, and a lot of loneliness, especially being far from my family. Over time, those experiences made me more resilient and adaptable.
Along the way, I met a group of friends who became like family and gave me support and a sense of belonging when I needed it most. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it taught me to keep going even when I wasn’t sure what the next step was.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work in the pharmaceutical industry as a Territory Account Specialist focused on cardiovascular health. My role involves partnering with healthcare professionals, sharing clinical information, and helping offices better understand treatment options and the patient access process. In today’s challenging healthcare landscape, insurance barriers and cost can make it difficult for patients to access newer medications. A key part of my role is helping offices understand the resources available to navigate these challenges, so they can better support patients in accessing the treatments they need.
I am known for building genuine relationships and making complex information easier to understand. My background in education has been a major advantage because I approach every conversation with the goal of teaching, listening, and creating value.
This approach has contributed directly to my professional growth. I was promoted to Professional Territory Manager within two years and earned the President’s Circle of Excellence Award at Kowa Pharmaceuticals in 2023 for outstanding performance. These achievements were pivotal for me because they confirmed that the sacrifices I had made and the work I had put into rebuilding my career were paying off.
What sets me apart is the combination of an educator’s mindset, a strong work ethic, and the ability to authentically connect with and help people from diverse backgrounds in both English and Spanish.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I see risk as a necessary but intentional part of growth. Throughout my career, I’ve taken calculated risks when I felt I had outgrown a role or was no longer being challenged in a meaningful way.
Early in my career at ADT, I achieved strong results and recognition, but I realized I was not passionate about the work. I made the decision to transition into a Medicare health insurance role with UnitedHealthcare, where I could focus more directly on helping people. That experience ultimately helped clarify my long-term interest in the pharmaceutical industry.
Later, after earning the President’s Circle of Excellence Award in 2023 within pharma, I again chose to step out of a stable and successful role to pursue greater challenge and growth. This required quickly learning a new organization, disease state, and skill set while rebuilding credibility in a new environment.
These experiences reinforced for me that comfort can sometimes limit growth. I view risk as something to be taken thoughtfully, balancing appreciation for what I’ve achieved with a willingness to challenge myself in pursuit of more meaningful impact.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Black and white pictures by Cleimar Lopez
@cleimarphotography
