238 - 6 Audit Strategies Every Auditor Should Know

Let's Combinate · 13 May 2026 · 10m

What this episode covers

Subhi Saadeh, founder of Let’s Combinate and a veteran auditor with experience at Pfizer, Gilead, and Baxter, explains six major auditing strategies for quality systems in drug-device combination products. He details the tracing method, process approach, department method, element method, process-based management, and discovery method, outlining the specific use cases, strengths, and limitations of each. Saadeh emphasizes that effective auditors must combine these strategies based on limited time and specific audit objectives rather than relying on a single checklist.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Pfizer, Gilead, Baxter
Also
ISO 9001, CQA book

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 33m

    For the Love of Internal Auditing

    Jon Speer, founder of Greenlight Guru, interviews Sara Adams, a medical device guru at Greenlight Guru, about the strategic value of internal auditing in medical device quality systems. They discuss shifting from checkbox compliance to risk-based auditing, debunking misconceptions that every finding requires a CAPA or that all processes must be audited annually. The conversation highlights the importance of planning, cross-functional collaboration, and using electronic QMS platforms like Greenlight Guru to streamline audits and improve regulatory readiness.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 41m

    Auditing the Auditor

    Sara Adams, a Medical Device Guru at Greenlight Guru, explains the nuances of conducting and receiving audits, distinguishing between internal, supplier, notified body, and FDA inspections. She shares her experience managing approximately 25 audits annually at a previous contract manufacturing role and details how to negotiate findings by asking auditors to cite specific regulations. Adams emphasizes building a culture of quality where audits are viewed as opportunities for improvement rather than punitive checks, warning against treating quality management systems as static 'checkbox' exercises.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 38m

    #380: Navigating the Complex World of Combination Products with Subhi Saadeh

    Subhi Saadeh, host of the Combinate Podcast and expert in combination products, discusses the regulatory complexities of integrating drugs, devices, and biologics, including the differences between US FDA and EU regulatory pathways. He explains the definitions of single entity, co-packaged, and cross-labeled products, and addresses common misconceptions about the differences between drug and device quality systems. Saadeh also shares his journey of starting the podcast to maintain consistent learning and production, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and leveraging coaching to balance technical and business aspects of the MedTech industry.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 35m

    #467: Combination Product Compliance: PMOA, 21 CFR Part 4 & QMS Alignment

    Jim Fentress, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Galero (a Santa Group company), explains the regulatory complexities of combination products, focusing on how the Primary Mode of Action (PMOA) dictates FDA oversight. He details the challenges pharmaceutical companies face when integrating device Quality Management Systems (QMSR/ISO 13485) into their existing CGMP frameworks under 21 CFR Part 4. The discussion covers specific friction points like risk management alignment (AAMI TIR105 vs. ICH Q9), labeling classifications, and the critical need for transparent change control protocols between device manufacturers and pharma partners.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 42m

    #323 The Combination Products Handbook

    Susan Neadle, principal consultant and president of Combination Products Consulting Services, discusses her peer-reviewed book, The Combination Products Handbook: A Practical Guide, published by CRC Press. Neadle explains how she collaborated with FDA officials, including John Barwiener, and industry experts from companies like Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Pfizer to create a consolidated resource for the complex niche of combination products. The episode details the book's structure, covering regulatory strategies, CGMPs, risk management, and human factors, while highlighting the challenges of harmonizing terminology between pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Neadle emphasizes the importance of holistic thinking and integrated development to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance across global jurisdictions.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Let's Combinate. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.