Carole Sampson-Landers, M.D. graduated from Douglass College in 1969 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She went on to earn her Masters in Medical Science from Rutgers in 1974 and her M.D. from Temple University in 1976. After residency in Family Medicine at Howard University Hospital, she took a research position at Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Dr. Sampson-Landers is the former Director of Global Development-Anti-Infectives at Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Bayer, she was Executive Medical Director of Women’s Health Care and New Product Initiatives for the Worldwide Consumer Medicines Division of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Executive Director of Clinical and Medical Affairs for the Advanced Care Products Division of J&J. Dr. Sampson-Landers has spent more than 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry managing programs for prescription and non-prescription drugs and devices.
She has been a member of the Drug Information Association, Vice Chair of the Somerville Manor Civic Association Board, and a former Board Chair for the Urban League of Union County. Recently retired, Dr. Sampson-Landers is a current alumna member of the Rutgers University Board of Trustees, and has a true passion for Rutgers basketball.
What was your most meaningful Douglass experience?
My most meaningful Douglass experience actually occurred after I graduated when, as an alumna, I got involved with the Douglass Project for Rutgers Women in Math, Science, and Engineering. That experience was really rewarding for me. As a commuter student, I felt that I did not have a chance to participate in many activities and events. We also did not have programs focused on helping women in the sciences, so I felt like I was on my own when it came to studying those subjects. Participating as an alumna volunteer with the Douglass Project gave me my first opportunity to encourage students that were thinking about majoring in or having a career in science, and it was a thrill when the Douglass Project received presidential recognition for our efforts.
Why do you support the Douglass Project now?
I contribute to the Douglass Project, and specifically to the DOCTORS Living-Learning Community for underrepresented women going into medicine, to support those who are following a similar path I did. I did not have that level of support as a student, but as a medical doctor and a former science major, I feel that it is important for me to help guide emerging women professionals to ensure there are always women in the science and medical fields.
My tuition was hundreds of dollars a semester; now if some of these students do not get financial support in the form of scholarships, stipends, and grants, they will not be able to finish college. While I am able to, I feel an obligation to support their efforts, and to continue working to improve the world for the next generation of women scientists and doctors.
What is special about the DOCTORS LLC?
This community of women reminds me of the study group I belonged to in medical school. First-year med students, mainly Hispanic and African-American students, formed a group to share notes, work through issues and problems, and provide general support for each other. That study group community was key for many of us in making it through medical school. When I learned about DOCTORS LLC and the academic and community support students receive, it sounded familiar, and I thought it was wonderful to have that at the undergraduate level. Providing a residential space for students who have similar ideas, interests, and experiences can create critical support structures which help retain women in these tough majors and fields. It makes a real difference, especially for women. I am so glad to know that the college is 100% behind all of their students.
What are your words of inspiration for the students in DOCTORS LLC now?
When I joined the board of trustees a few years ago, I spoke to students at one of the convocation ceremonies. Thinking back on what I told them, I think my advice is still the same—never let anyone steal your dreams. People may tell you that your dream is too hard, that you are not qualified, or that you have too far to go. People challenged my dream of becoming a doctor, but I persevered. I encourage students now to do the same. If you have a dream and are committed to it, stay focused on your goal, work as hard as you can, and make the right connections.
I also think it is important for students to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. If you have a chance to job shadow, or take an internship that is not exactly what you think you want to do, take it anyway. It is just as important to find out what you do not want to do, and you might be surprised. I never considered research as a career, but when I had an opportunity to try it, I did. I loved it, and I have no regrets. Consider every opportunity!
If you would like to support the DOCTORS Living-Learning Community, or any other Douglass program, please contact Meghan Rehbein at Meghan.rehbein@rutgers.edu or 848-932-3129.
