Rudy Onia

We are the makers of possible: From MD to VP of Medical Affairs

Helping to get innovative med-tech solutions to patients is what Rudy Onia, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Greater Asia, cites as core to his role with BD. It’s ambitious to be sure but also aligns very well with the company’s purpose of advancing the world of health^TM.

“Although it’s easy to get caught up with our day-to-day deliverables and responsibilities, working for BD provides all of us an opportunity to connect to the larger purpose of the company, the reason we exist, which is to help patients on the receiving end of our innovative technologies,” said Onia, who is based in Singapore.

Onia began his career as a medical doctor with the Military Health Services in South Africa in 1998 before taking on a part-clinical, part-academic role at the University of Cape Town. He started his corporate career with BD in 2005 as an Associate Medical Director in the UK and was eventually promoted to Worldwide Medical Director of Infusion Therapy Products. However, he left the company in 2012 to take on a role as Medical Director for a healthcare company in Southeast Africa. He moved on to a pharmaceutical company in 2014 and took on various roles of increasing responsibility culminating as Vice President of Medical Affairs.

Why come back to BD?

After a decade in Pharma, Onia has returned to BD to develop and lead the Medical Affairs organization in Greater Asia. Amongst other activities, the Medical Affairs team ensures that products undergo appropriate clinical testing, and that BD has the right evidence to ensure registration and reimbursement of its products and solutions.

“I love working in the med-tech space, more so than the Pharma sector, because the work we do results in a very tangible impact on patients and in a relatively quick time,” Onia notes. “As for BD, the culture is strongly people-oriented and I think the fact that many leaders and associates have been here for a long time is a testament to how distinct and impressive our culture really is.”

Advice on joining BD

When asked what advice he may provide a job seeker considering BD as their next career move, Onia does not miss a beat: “Do not hesitate to apply to BD. It’s a fantastic, innovative company that supports career growth as the company grows and is also a highly diverse company that is very accepting of all backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking.”

Additionally, Onia shares that the keys to success at BD, which are not all that different than many companies, are staying focused on adding value to customers and being very clear and aligned with the company’s goals and vision.

“Always think about where you can best add value in your role. Be industrious, work hard, and think carefully about your career aspirations and how BD’s growth may support that. When those two elements align, good things can happen for you professionally.” concluded Onia.