Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Accomplishments
Languages
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic
Graham Holmquist

Graham Holmquist

Johannesburg

Summary

Highly accomplished Oncology and Hematology Sales Specialist with over 13 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales, specializing in oncology and haematology. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, fostering strong relationships with healthcare professionals, and delivering educational initiatives to enhance product knowledge. Adept at market analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize sales performance. Committed to patient-centered solutions that contribute to treatment efficacy and improved healthcare outcomes.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Oncology and Haematology Sales Specialist

Accord Healthcare
Johannesburg | Gauteng
03.2014 - Current
  • At Accord Healthcare, I leverage my deep knowledge of oncology and haematology to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes
  • My role involves: Strategic Sales Planning: Crafting and executing strategic sales plans to drive revenue growth and expand market presence
  • Client Engagement: Cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, including oncologists, haematologists, and hospital administrators
  • Market Analysis: Utilizing market insights and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities and address challenges effectively
  • Educational Initiatives: Conducting presentations and educational sessions to keep healthcare providers informed about the latest advancements and therapies in oncology and haematology
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with internal teams, including marketing, regulatory, and medical affairs, to ensure alignment and support for sales objectives
  • My approach combines strategic thinking with a patient-centred focus, ensuring that our solutions not only meet clinical needs but also contribute to overall treatment efficacy and patient quality of life
  • I am committed to driving innovation in oncology and haematology and supporting our mission to provide high-quality, accessible treatments

Specialist Rescuer for International Deployment

Gift of the Givers Foundation
12.2010 - Current
  • As a Specialist Rescuer for International Deployment with Gift of the Givers, I have had the privilege of responding to some of the most challenging disaster situations around the world
  • My role involves rapid deployment to crisis zones, where I utilize my expertise in search and rescue, medical response, and disaster management to save lives and support affected communities
  • With a background in advanced rescue operations, including swift water rescue, high-angle scenarios, and helicopter operations, I have been part of multidisciplinary teams that provide critical aid during times of need
  • Whether responding to natural disasters or complex emergencies, I am driven by a commitment to humanitarian service and making a tangible impact on the ground
  • At Gift of the Givers, I work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who share a common mission: to bring hope and relief to those who need it most

Hospital Pharmaceutical Detailer

Accord Healthcare
Johannesburg | Gauteng
03.2012 - 03.2014
  • As a dedicated Hospital Pharmaceutical Detailer at Accord Healthcare, I played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between pharmaceutical innovation and clinical practice
  • My two-year tenure allowed me to leverage my expertise to support healthcare professionals in optimizing patient care through advanced pharmaceutical solutions
  • Educational Outreach: Delivered comprehensive training and educational sessions to medical staff, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, on new and existing medications, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of drug applications, side effects, and interactions
  • Product Expertise: Provided detailed information on Accord Healthcare’s pharmaceutical products, including drug efficacy, safety profiles, and clinical guidelines, facilitating informed decision-making in patient treatment plans
  • Clinical Support: Collaborated closely with healthcare teams to assist in the selection and management of medications, tailored to patient-specific needs, and aligned with best clinical practices
  • Feedback Integration: Collected and analyzed feedback from healthcare professionals regarding drug performance, contributing to continuous improvement and refinement of pharmaceutical offerings
  • Regulatory Adherence: Ensured all pharmaceutical practices and communications adhered to regulatory standards and hospital policies, maintaining the highest level of compliance and ethical practice

Education

Emergency Medicine -

Critical Care Academy
South Africa
01-2003

Matric -

Barberton High School
South Africa
01-1994

Skills

Business and Sales Skills:
  • Oncology and Hematology Sales Specialist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales and Oncology Expertise
  • Strategic Sales Planning
  • Sales Strategy and Effectiveness
  • Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence
  • Hospital Pharmaceutical Detailing
  • Product Knowledge and Expertise (Oncology, Hematology, and Specialty Drugs)
  • Client Engagement and Relationship Building
  • Educational Outreach and Training for Healthcare Professionals and Authorization Staff
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration (Marketing, Sales, Admin)
  • Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
  • Negotiation and Persuasion
  • Emotional Intelligence and Active Listening
  • Difficult Conversations and Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal Relationships and Teamwork
  • Constructive Feedback and Coaching
  • Performance Improvement and Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Innovation Management and Open Innovation
  • Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Professional and Interpersonal Communication
  • Diversity and Inclusion Awareness
  • Positive Work Environment and Team Culture
  • Decision-Making and Influence
Medical and Clinical Skills:
  • Medical and Clinical Knowledge
  • Oncology and Hematology Therapeutics
  • CPD Compliance and Continuous Medical Education
  • Stop the Bleed Instructor and Medical Training
Search and Rescue / Disaster Preparedness Skills:
  • Search and Rescue, and Disaster Response
  • Specialist Rescuer for International Deployments
  • Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response
  • Paramedic, Advanced Swift Water, High-Angle, and Helicopter Rescue Operations
  • SAR K9 Handling and Land Navigation
  • Chemical and Biological Deliberate Events (CBDE) Preparedness
  • Incident Management Systems and Strategic Response Planning

Certification

Certifications (available on request):

.

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Registered HPCSA No: ANA 0075116

.

Various Institutions:

  • Aviation Medicine
  • ECHO Swift Water Risk Assessment
  • Fire Fighting
  • High Angle Rescue Technician
  • Incident Management System (Tier 2)
  • PADI Diver (Advanced, Rescue, Night, and Deep)
  • SAR Helicopter Operations
  • SAR K9 Handler
  • SAR Land Navigation
  • Search and Rescue Helicopter Operations for Search Leaders
  • Stop The Bleed Coalition Instructor
  • Stop The Bleed Institution Instructor
  • Swift Water Rescue Technician

.

World Health Organization:

  • Chemical and Biological Deliberate Events (CBDE) Preparedness for Public Health Professionals
  • Covid19 Preparedness and Response
  • Disaster Response
  • National Disaster Benefits Guide
  • Strategic Response Planning

.

LinkedIn Learning:

  • Acting Decisively
  • Active Listening: The Secret to Effective Communication
  • Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers (Blinkist Summary)
  • Enhancing Team Innovation
  • Finding Your Leadership Purpose with Doug Conant
  • Giving and Receiving Feedback
  • High Performance Habits (Blinkist Summary)
  • How to Communicate about Difficult Current Events with Your Team
  • How to Fearlessly Negotiate to Get More of What You Want
  • How to Have Productive One-on-One Meetings
  • How to Innovate and Stay Relevant in Times of Change and Uncertainty
  • How to Speak Smarter When Put on the Spot
  • How to Think Big
  • How to Use Generative AI: Building an AI-First Mindset
  • Nano Tips for Interpersonal Communication with Shadé Zahrai
  • Sales: Closing Strategies
  • Skills to Build Stronger Work Relationships
  • Speaking Confidently and Effectively
  • Stand Out as a Power Performer at Work
  • Strategic Thinking Tips to Solve Problems and Innovate
  • Teamwork Essentials: Stand Out as a Valuable Team Member
  • The 10 Essentials of Influence and Persuasion

Awards

Awards and Accolades (please refer to personnel file for full list):

  • Accord Rep of the Year - multiple years
  • Accord Runner Up Rep of the Year - multiple years
  • Accord Molecule Sales Launch Awards - several awards

Accomplishments

Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and fully CPD compliant. Completed 298 CPD events (clinical and ethical), far exceeding the required point level.

Highlighted CPD Events:

  • Actinic Keratosis: Early Detection, Prevention, and the Path to Skin Cancer Awareness
  • Recent Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
  • Breast Cancer Treatments and Outcomes
  • Colon Cancer Rates and Survival
  • Kids Kicking Cancer
  • An Approach to Palliative Cancer Care
  • Novel Surgical and Reconstructive Techniques in Breast Cancer Management
  • Lung Cancer
  • Paediatric Neuro-Oncology: The "BOLT" Decade
  • 16th Annual Haematology Oncology Symposium
  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Review
  • Current Strategies for the Management of Iron Overload in Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Disease
  • Ethical Decision-Making
  • SA Bone Marrow Registry: Successes and Challenges
  • Results in Cancer Therapeutics
  • Accord Rep of the Year – multiple years
  • Runner-Up Rep of the Year – multiple years
  • Several Molecule Sales Launch Awards

Languages

English
First Language
Afrikaans
Proficient (C2)
C2

Affiliations

A Well-Rounded Professional with a Passion for Excellence

With over 13 years of experience in Oncology and Haematology Sales, I have built a career rooted in expert knowledge, strategic sales execution, and strong client relationships. My extensive pharmaceutical background, coupled with multiple awards—including Accord Rep of the Year and several molecule sales launch awards—demonstrates my ability to meet expectations.

Beyond my corporate success, I am deeply committed to lifelong learning and professional development. As a registered HPCSA professional, I have completed 298 CPD events, significantly surpassing the required levels to stay ahead in a constantly evolving medical landscape. Additionally, I actively engage in continuous self-development through LinkedIn Learning courses, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of industry advancements, leadership skills, and personal growth.

Outside of the pharmaceutical industry, I have an active role in global search & rescue operations with Gift of the Givers, leveraging my certifications in medical, rescue, and disaster response fields to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian efforts. This hands-on experience has strengthened my ability to work under pressure, make critical decisions, and collaborate with diverse teams in challenging situations.

Additionally, I am deeply passionate about animals and wildlife conservation, supporting efforts that protect biodiversity and promote environmental sustainability. Whether it’s engaging in conservation initiatives, advocating for responsible environmental practices, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature, I strive to make a positive impact in preserving our planet’s wildlife.

My well-rounded nature extends to my personal life as well. I embrace the importance of family, mentorship, and balance. Whether it’s supporting a loved one, excelling in my career, making a difference in the community, or advocating for wildlife conservation, I am committed to bringing passion, integrity, and excellence to everything I do.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Oncology and Haematology Sales Specialist

Accord Healthcare
03.2014 - Current

Hospital Pharmaceutical Detailer

Accord Healthcare
03.2012 - 03.2014

Specialist Rescuer for International Deployment

Gift of the Givers Foundation
12.2010 - Current

Emergency Medicine -

Critical Care Academy

Matric -

Barberton High School
Graham Holmquist