Veiko Sildever has worked as a regulatory affairs expert at Medfiles since January 2016. From May 2016, Veiko has led the product portfolio of a large client in all three Baltic countries, which means that Veiko works and coordinates the tasks for all product groups for the client – medicines, food supplements, cosmetics and medical devices. In March this year, Veiko was promoted to senior expert position.
Veiko graduated from the Tallinn Healthcare College and got his diploma with honours in 1991. In addition, he has completed additional studies in psychology at Tartu University and taken several courses in regulatory affairs, marketing and distribution. Before joining Medfiles, Veiko worked for pharmaceutical companies as well as for the Tallinn City Ambulance.
Range of tasks in regulatory affairs
Veiko’s everyday tasks at Medfiles include a variety of regulatory activities in Estonia, such as maintaining product lifecycles, keeping information up-to-date, communicating with clients and authorities, finalising variation packages sent by the client, filling in documents and application forms, ordering state fees and checking and approving artworks. Veiko also does CESP submissions for Estonia and Latvia, carries out information searches, follows legislation updates and participates in briefings and trainings organised by the authorities – such as the Estonian State Agency of Medicines Ravimiamet, the Health Board Terviseamet and the Agricultural and Food Board Põllumajandus- ja Toiduamet.
“As most of the work today is done online and through email, such meetings are rare, but all the more valuable. The days can be quite intense, but at the same time very stimulating – filled with brainstorming, different products, challenging cases and finding solutions to untypical situations,” Veiko says.
“I also help my client with advice regarding promotional materials and discuss many topics with the client’s marketing team. And distribute tasks and support my colleagues in Latvia and Lithuania, who perform the same tasks in the same project,” Veiko continues.
Diverse regulatory experience
Veiko has gained a diverse range of experience over the years. He started in the 1990s on the marketing side of the business, which is why he is well equipped to assess the “big picture” and to find the best possible, compliant solution for the client. He is also good at “out of the box” thinking and resolving non-standard situations.
Veiko is very familiar with the requirements for all three Baltic countries as well as the country-specific requirements for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
“In running a pan-Baltic project, knowledge of different requirements and working patterns of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian authorities is also my strength. From the point of view of marketing and sales, our countries are treated as one territory, but people often forget that there are still three different independent states, where sometimes different rules apply,” Veiko says.
“I also understand the languages of the neighbouring countries, such as Finnish and Latvian, to the extent that I can read documents and communicate without the need for translation. This can be extremely important for the sake of speed, quality and the overall result of a process,” Veiko continues.
Good balance of work and personal life
Veiko says that he enjoys working at Medfiles because of the good working conditions, such as a nice office and a comfortable working space, as well as the flexibility of the work, not to forget his friendly and supportive colleagues or his major client and its products.
“My favourite thing in the recent history of Medfiles was going global. It really is a pleasure to be a part of a global community: this creates powerful synergies. Also, one of my top memories is the company´s 35th birthday celebration in Kuopio last September.”
“I feel we have created a good network within the Baltics and teamwork runs smoothly. I would like to take the opportunity to recognise my excellent regulatory affairs colleagues – Anita, Kintija, Jurgita and Lukas.”
Veiko understands the importance of having something to counterbalance work.
“During the working day, I always take a moment or two to relax my eyes, have a healthy lunch and take a short walk.”
In his free time, Veiko likes to be in the wild as much as possible, going hiking, discovering woods, rivers and lakes in the summer, and enjoying sauna whenever possible.
“My favourite places are my home country Estonia with its clean nature, pure springs, long coastline and islands, as well as Finland and Latvia nearby. If we talk about more faraway destinations, then my secret love is Malta with its sunshine, the Mediterranean, the Maltese cuisine and the relaxed, soothing atmosphere. A visit to Japan is also in my plans.”
One of Veiko’s interests is the history of railways, especially the narrow-gauge network in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Veiko also likes reading and listening to jazz. In addition, he actively supports non-profit organisations that protect and save animals.
