Student Spotlight

Summer Lee

Brand Marketer , Celltrion Inc.

Residence: New York, USA Nationality: South Korea

Class of 2025

After a promising career in competitive rhythmic gymnastics was cut short by a severe spine injury at 16, Summer Lee redirected her focus to healthcare, determined to help others overcome physical challenges and improve their health. Drawing on her resilience, she found purpose in the healthcare field, combining her passion for improving patient outcomes with her professional ambitions.

Today, Summer is a marketing manager at Celltrion USA, a subsidiary of the South Korean biopharma company Celltrion. She has led impactful campaigns, including the launch of Zymfentra for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), managing TV commercials, digital strategies, and patient engagement initiatives. Her role requires a nuanced understanding of both the science behind the products and the cultural diversity of her global audience.

Her recent move to the U.S. introduced new challenges that reshaped her career path. “The U.S. healthcare system is far more complex than what I was used to,” she explains. “The regulatory frameworks, payer systems, and policies are vastly different, and I needed a deeper understanding to make an impact here.”

To address this, Summer enrolled in NYU’s MSHLS program, which blends healthcare policy, comparative systems, and U.S. healthcare economics. She was drawn to the program’s practical focus and the opportunity to connect with alumni who have shaped healthcare policy and led innovations. Through her coursework, she has gained insights into topics like Medicaid, Medicare, and 340B drug pricing, enhancing her ability to navigate the U.S. healthcare system and support strategic decision-making at her company.

“From learning about direct-to-consumer marketing to navigating regulatory requirements, I’ve applied my studies directly to my role,” Summer says. “This knowledge has empowered me to approach my responsibilities with confidence and a broader perspective.”

Looking ahead, Summer aims to bridge the gap between global biopharma companies and the U.S. healthcare system. Her experience working with biopharma in Asia and her growing expertise in U.S. healthcare law and policy position her to help companies navigate regulatory complexities and market-entry strategies. Her journey has deepened her passion for patient-centered care and regulatory strategy, driving her commitment to making a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.