I’m Dr. Essam Abdelhakim, a UK-based pharmaceutical physician and Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FFPM) with over 25 years of experience in clinical Research—including 8 years as a Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director driving Phase I–IV programmes worldwide.

Throughout my career, I have overseen 60+ international studies, managed clinical site networks across the UK, Europe, South Africa, and North America, and personally hosted 7 regulatory inspections (3 FDA and 4 MHRA). This direct, front-line experience has given me an unparalleled understanding of exactly what regulators demand from investigators—from source data verification and adverse event reporting to audit-ready documentation.

Beyond trial leadership, my background as a Consultant Surgeon in complex GI and oncology cases gives me deep, practical insight into patient pathways and clinical endpoints. I have also authored over 30 clinical research handbooks and trained hundreds of junior doctors, honing my ability to break down complex regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable guidance.