Meet Heather Vanderploeg, Regional Liaison Director, AstraZeneca
With a background in nursing and over a decade of experience at AstraZeneca, Heather has shaped the culture of our field employees and her team while embodying our core values.
A Family Foundation
Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, Heather’s upbringing was rooted in her family’s beliefs and values. Her father was a state police officer and instilled loyalty, honesty, integrity, and obedience into their family. Heather credits her mother for teaching her empathy and the importance of caring for others.
Heather grew up very close to her family and remembers life lessons from her childhood that have contributed to her successful career.
Striving for Success
Following her education in nursing, Heather started off her career as a medical affairs educator. As her experience evolved, Heather grew into a new role as the first nurse educator at AstraZeneca. She quickly became a vital member of AstraZeneca’s medical liaison network and fostered a culture grounded in the company’s core values.
In Heather’s current role as a regional liaison director for AstraZeneca’s oncology business, she leads important work for the team’s adverse event triage guide and ensures appropriate cross-functional stakeholders are aligned on actions to deliver the best experience for patients.
My team has physical, intellectual, educational, and experiential diversity. I’ve been so purposeful with creating a positive and diverse culture within my team that it has become a mindset.
Heather’s work ethic, combined with her integrity, empathy towards others, and ability to create a diverse and inclusive team environment, has led her and her colleagues to excellence.
Heather and her team are proud of their role in ensuring patients understand all aspects of potentially life-saving medicines. They take pride in their bold ambition to improve the lives of the patients they serve.
It’s humbling to be able to work for a company that really makes you feel like you’re making a difference every day. It’s what motivates and drives me.
Creating More Memories
Heather has been consistently recognized as a caring individual, and a fierce champion for serving others.
To her core, Heather believes in putting patients first. With her team, she prioritizes making a difference for people and helpings patients have the ability to join more family vacations and create lifelong memories without letting their treatments get in the way.
For me, this job is all about helping individuals make the most of their lives. All the great work that we’re able to do when we work together really makes a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
Embracing Personal Endurance
Outside of work, Heather carries the same drive and determination to achieve her goals. She grew up as a long-distance runner and has completed several marathons and half marathons across the country.
In addition to running, she also enjoys fishing, CrossFit, boating, and spending time with family and friends (as well as her two golden doodles).
Heather’s journey underscores the importance of hard work and serving others. As she continues to navigate her professional path, Heather continues to inspire all those around her.