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Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes | Health Professions | Health Innovator’s Leadership Award

Directora Ejecutiva de Control Analítico at Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios, Mexico

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes is a highly accomplished professional in pharmaceutical chemistry and public health regulation. With a Master’s degree in Innovation and Technology Management from UNAM, where she earned an Honorable Mention for her thesis on the impact of transnational corporations on the pharmaceutical industry, her academic foundation is robust. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Biology from UNAM, complemented by diplomas in Total Quality Control and Leadership from UPIICSA and Anáhuac University. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Analytical Control at COFEPRIS, Mrs. Guzmán Cervantes plays a pivotal role in overseeing the National Control Laboratory, ensuring the safety of products such as vaccines and medical devices. Her leadership has been instrumental in COFEPRIS’s recognition by WHO and PAHO, and she has actively contributed to international regulatory projects and workshops. Her work, including publications on the role of regulatory agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores her dedication to enhancing public health safety and regulatory standards.

Profile
Education

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes has a robust educational background that has significantly contributed to her expertise in the fields of pharmaceutical chemistry, quality control, and innovation management. She earned her Master’s degree in Innovation and Technology Management from the Faculty of Chemistry at UNAM, where she received an Honorable Mention for her thesis on the strategies of transnational corporations and their impact on the national pharmaceutical industry. Earlier, she completed her undergraduate studies in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Biology at UNAM, where she engaged in research on the development and implementation of a master plan for validating cleaning processes in pharmaceutical production. Mrs. Guzmán Cervantes has also pursued specialized diplomas in Total Quality Control from UPIICSA and in Leadership and Personal Development from Anáhuac University. Additionally, she completed a graduate program in Management Systems Monitoring Product Safety Market at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, further enhancing her expertise in ensuring product safety in the healthcare sector. Her educational journey reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning and excellence in her field.

Professional Experience

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes has built a distinguished career in pharmaceutical regulation and quality assurance. Since 2009, she has been with COFEPRIS, the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risk in Mexico, where she currently serves as the Executive Director of Analytical Control. In this role, she leads the National Control Laboratory, overseeing the analysis of vaccines, food, drugs, and medical devices to ensure their safety and efficacy. Her tenure at COFEPRIS includes significant achievements such as facilitating the agency’s recognition as a National Regulatory Authority by WHO and PAHO, and securing WHO prequalification for its laboratory. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Guzmán Cervantes worked as a Technical Advisor to the Commissioner and played a key role in establishing policies and coordinating international relationships. She also gained valuable experience as a Validation Coordinator at Protein S.A. de C.V., where she focused on quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. Her extensive experience underscores her commitment to enhancing public health safety and regulatory standards.

Research Interests

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes’s research interests primarily focus on pharmaceutical regulation, quality control, and public health safety. Her work is centered on the development and implementation of regulatory frameworks and methodologies to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. She is particularly interested in the impact of regulatory practices on public health, as demonstrated by her research on the role of national regulatory agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Mrs. Guzmán Cervantes explores innovations in quality control processes and the integration of international standards into national regulatory practices. Her research aims to advance the effectiveness of regulatory systems and enhance the overall safety of pharmaceutical products and medical devices.

Research Skills

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes possesses a robust set of research skills tailored to her expertise in pharmaceutical regulation and quality control. She excels in developing and implementing regulatory frameworks and quality control processes to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and vaccines. Her analytical skills include applying various techniques for evaluating product quality and utilizing data analysis tools to interpret research findings effectively. Mrs. Guzmán Cervantes is adept at creating detailed documentation and reports related to regulatory compliance and quality assurance. She is well-versed in international regulatory standards and practices, particularly those established by WHO and PAHO, and integrates these standards into national regulatory systems. Her project management skills enable her to oversee complex research projects, coordinate activities, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Additionally, her research on the impact of regulatory agencies during health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores her commitment to advancing public health safety.

Awards and Recognition

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes has received notable awards and recognition for her distinguished work in pharmaceutical regulation and quality control. Her leadership was pivotal in the recognition of COFEPRIS as a National Regulatory Authority by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Under her guidance, the National Control Laboratory (CCAYAC) achieved WHO prequalification for drug analysis, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards in regulatory practices. Additionally, she has been honored for her contributions as a facilitator and auditor in international regulatory workshops and evaluations, including those for GAVI countries and the Directorate General of Medicines in Peru. These accolades underscore her impactful role in advancing global public health and regulatory standards.

Conclusion

Mrs. Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes’s blend of leadership, regulatory expertise, innovation in public health, and continuous dedication to professional development makes her an ideal candidate for the Health Innovator’s Leadership Award. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on both national and international public health, making her highly deserving of this recognition.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Importance of national regulatory agencies and national control laboratories in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic: Experience of Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS)
Title (Spanish): Importancia de las agencias reguladoras nacionales y los laboratorios nacionales de control ante la pandemia de COVID-19: experiencia de la Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS)
Authors: Guzmán-Cervantes, I.R., Parra-Hernández, E., Svarch-Pérez, A.E., Zúñiga-Estrada, A., Alcocer-Varela, J.C.
Journal: Vacunas
Year: 2024
Volume: 25
Issue: 3
Pages: 424–427

Imelda Rocío Guzmán Cervantes | Health Professions | Health Innovator’s Leadership Award

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