A Career Rooted in Care: Christine Magnusson’s Journey from Nursing to Clinical Trials to Patient Solutions

In this Q&A, Christine shares her journey and what it means to lead with care.

With a nursing background, years of experience in clinical trials, and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes, Christine Magnusson brings a uniquely compassionate perspective to her new leadership role in Clinical Account Management at Inizio Engage. Now leading a Patient Solutions project across the Nordics, she’s building something new, grounded in empathy, experience, and a clear sense of purpose.

Can you tell us about your journey into clinical project leadership?

It’s been a long journey! But I’ve learned a lot along the way. I started as a nurse, working in hospitals in Sweden and spending a year in New Zealand. From nursing, I transitioned into the pharma industry, starting with a short stint in the sales department before moving into clinical trials. There, my attention to detail and interpersonal skills came in handy, and it’s also why I stayed for many years, taking on a variety of roles that eventually led me into leadership.

When I started exploring a new path in my career, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for. But I knew I wanted to continue making a difference for patients and to remain in a leadership position. When I first came across this opportunity with Inizio Engage Patient Solutions, I didn’t immediately realize how well it aligned with my aspirations, at least on paper. But as I learned more about the role, it became clear that it was an ideal match. While the position is new, it feels both fresh and familiar, offering the perfect blend of challenge and continuity.

Can you share some info about your new role, and what led you to Inizio Engage?

My role is initially to lead a new Patient Solutions project across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. This project will deliver a broad range of support for Patients, including providing direct hands-on support at clinics; training, hands on support and education for patients and carers at the patients home; and providing telephone support capabilities for patients, carers and healthcare professional offering advice and troubleshooting.

Once that project is well established, I will be working with the local team on expanding our Patient Solutions services in the Nordics across more clients and more disease areas. Ultimately, we plan to grow, so that I’m leading a larger and wider range of Patient Solutions programmes, supporting even more patients across the Nordics Region.

One of the key things on my career wish list was the opportunity to build a new unit or team from the ground up, so I’m truly grateful for the chance to do just that.

I discovered Inizio Engage through this role and felt it seemed like a diverse company with many opportunities for growth and collaboration. I also liked the idea of working with colleagues both across the Nordic countries and internationally.

How important is your nursing education & training to your career now?

I believe my nursing background gives me a strong foundation to quickly understand both the Patient Solutions projects and the team’s everyday work. This allows me to contribute effectively and offer meaningful support to the projects and the people I work with.

Tell us about a time when you’ve felt you’ve made an impact for patients?

The moments that stand out most clearly are from my years working in hospitals – especially when I was working with children – where I felt I made a difference every day. I was never afraid of handling difficult situations or offering emotional support to patients and their families, which meant I was often assigned very ill or dying patients. After those shifts, I’d go home feeling I had truly made a difference in someone’s life, even in the smallest way.

During my time working in clinical trials, I moved further away from direct patient contact. But being part of efforts that helped bring new treatments to patients more quickly was what motivated me most.

In this new role, while I won’t be meeting patients directly, I will be closer to them again. By helping our Patient Solutions projects run smoothly, I hope to be able to see the direct impact we’re making on patients and their families.

Have you faced any challenges in your new role yet, and how have you overcome them?

One of the main challenges I’ve experienced so far has been managing input and expectations from a diverse group of stakeholders but who are united by their passion to deliver effective patient support programs and high-quality patient care. With so many moving parts and perspectives to consider, it can be complex to ensure alignment while maintaining momentum.

Over time, I’ve learned that effective leadership isn’t about aiming for unanimous agreement, but about finding pragmatic, balanced solutions that enable progress. That often means listening carefully, communicating openly, and making informed decisions—even when compromises are needed. It’s a continuous exercise in empathy, clarity, and sound judgment.

How would you describe the culture at Inizio Engage?

Friendly and professional – just the way I like it! The people I’ve met so far have been very inclusive, understanding, and knowledgeable, and I’m looking forward to learning from them.

What has really stood out to me is my new colleagues’ openness to learning from me as well. In my opinion, a company that values the perspectives of newcomers and creates space for mutual exchange demonstrates a truly healthy and forward-thinking culture.

Although I don’t have a background specifically in Patient Solutions, I bring a broad range of experience from other areas that I believe can contribute meaningfully to the company.

Do you have any advice for other people considering a role at Inizio Engage?

Based on what I’ve shared, I would definitely recommend Inizio Engage to others. Whether they’re looking to explore something new or continue in a familiar field. My overall experience has been very positive.