careers guide

From academic to medical writer

A guide to

getting started in medical communications

Written by Dr Annick MoonPublished by NetworkPharma

For more information about medical communications see

www.medcommsnetworking.co.uk/startingout

Updated Edition

March 2014

From academic to medical writer: a guide to getting started in medical communications

New edition published March 2014 by NetworkPharma Ltd First published March 2009 by NetworkPharma Ltd Magdalen Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GA, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 784390 Web: www.networkpharma.com email: [email protected] ©2014 NetworkPharma Ltd

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN: 978-1-905676-38-5

Managing Director: Peter Llewellyn; Production/editorial: Gill Gummer; Design and print: www.informationpress.com

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, recorded or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

The publisher and author have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this publication but cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Registered names, trademarks etc. used in this publication, even when not marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law.

AcknowledgementsMany thanks to the numerous members of the MedComms Networking Community who have contributed their thoughts and comments during the development of this publication. If you have any feedback please let us know.

Further copies are available to download directly if you visit www.medcommsnetworking.co.uk/startingout

Printed copies of this guide are also available if you contact the Publisher, Peter Llewellyn: [email protected]

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3Foreword to 2014 editionThis introduction to medical writing, first published in 2009, provides a useful resource for anyone thinking of a career in medical communications. Its continued success has prompted this, our sixth edition, in 2014, and we plan to continue this annual exercise to ensure that the information is always as up-to-date as possible.

Foreword to the first editionThe University of Oxford has been running career events in medical writing since 2007 in collaboration with NetworkPharma, and Annick has been a regular contributor. The combination of enthusiasm and professionalism that these medical communications experts have brought to our portfolio of careers events has made these events really successful. We have had participants from as far afield as Manchester coming along, and have recently opened up our 1-day events to Universities across the South of England and Midlands.

These events, and the interaction between the University of Oxford Skills’ Training group and the Careers Service, has opened doors for our Masters’ students, graduate research students and also our highly skilled post-doctoral community. The intensive 2-day events that have been organised in collaboration with NetworkPharma have been particularly successful in identifying those who would flourish in a career in medical communications. The events include a ‘speed-dating’ session, introducing attendees to medical communications agencies.

In this useful and clear introduction to the world of medical writing and the exciting careers it offers, it’s particularly pleasing to see contributions from former post-doctoral scientists from the Medical Sciences Division in the University of Oxford.

Professor Edith Sim Director of Graduate Training

Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford March 2009

About the authorAnnick Moon is a freelance medical communications consultant and writer, living and working in Oxford. After gaining a degree and doctorate in physiology from Newcastle, she undertook post-doctoral research at Oxford and Manchester. During her time as an academic, she was an editorial committee member for the Physiological Society’s magazine. Annick worked as a medical writer for 5 years in various agencies, before setting up on her own in 2006.

Contents• Introduction 4

• The pharmaceutical industry 5

• A rough guide to agency services 7

• What is a medical communications agency? 8

• So you want to be a medical writer… 11

• Further information 15

• People in the job – in their own words 16

• Directory – MedComms 23

• Directory – recruitment 30

• Directory – training 31

Moon A. From academic to medical writer. March 2014. www.medcommsnetworking.co.uk/startingout


4 IntroductionAfter years of hard work, you have finally got your doctorate. Or maybe you’ve got a few post-docs under your belt. Lectureships are hard to come by. Grant application after grant application is unsuccessful. As one short-term contract begins, it is time to start looking about for the next. Sound familiar? Time to leave academia, but feel like you’ve occupied a narrow scientific niche for so long that you’ve specialised yourself out of the job market?

Leaving academia doesn’t mean turning your back on science. Your vast scientific knowledge, and your research and analytical skills are truly valuable – have you ever thought about a career in medical communications?

So what is medical communications?

No…• Journalism

• Academic publishing

Yes…• Providing consultancy services to the pharmaceutical industry

to help raise awareness of medicines via education and promotion

Medical communications provides consultancy services

to the pharmaceutical industry to help raise awareness

of medicines via education and promotion

About this guideThis guide focuses primarily on the role of the medical writer in medical communications agencies. The medical writer’s role is to use science and language to deliver education and communication programmes for the pharmaceutical industry, while working to the highest ethical standards and adhering to industry regulations and guidelines.

The aim of this guide is to give the industry information you need to decide if you are suited to the role of medical writer, and to provide the insider knowledge you need to excel at interview.

For more information about starting out in medical communications and details of careers events, past and future, visit

www.medcommsnetworking.co.uk/startingout


5The pharmaceutical industryOK. So you know the pharmaceutical industry develops new drugs that treat diseases and improve the lives of people. But how much do you really know about bringing a drug to market?

From bench to benefitA medicine starts out as a new chemical entity which, after many years of basic research, has emerged as a potential treatment for a particular disease. To put this in context, consider that of 10,000 promising new chemical entities, if 1 makes it to the first stage of a clinical trial, the R&D department are doing well. The new chemical entity must then undergo many years of clinical development, and must fulfil many criteria before eventually being approved for use as a medicine.

Getting a drug from the laboratory through all of the necessary clinical trials and regulatory administration, and approved for release on the healthcare market represents a major triumph for a pharmaceutical company; indeed, developing a drug can take up to 15 years and the cost can run into the £billions – but the story doesn’t end there. To get doctors to prescribe the medicine, you have to tell them about it, which usually involves marketing and communications activities: ensuring that doctors are well informed about a new medicine is essential if it is to be used appropriately, and ultimately improve the health of many thousands of people.

To appreciate the scale of the ‘from bench to benefit’ process, it is first necessary to consider the phases of clinical development.

Pre-clinicalBefore a new drug can be tested in people, it must undergo rigorous pre-clinical testing both in vitro and in suitable animal models, also known as non-clinical testing. During this phase, important pharmacological data are obtained about drug dosing, and potential hazards and risks are identified. This allows the regulatory authorities to make a risk assessment and consider the drug’s suitability for testing in humans.

Phase IOnce approved for testing in humans, Phase I can begin (sometimes known as a ‘first-time-in-man’ study). Phase I studies typically involve a small number of healthy human volunteers in whom the chemical toxicity and the clinical side-effects of the drug are investigated. Volunteers receive various doses of the drug, and the aim is to determine the drug’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in humans.

Developing a drug can take up to

15 years and the cost can run

into the £billions

© 2009 Imogen Childs


6 Phase IIAfter the initial safety testing in human volunteers is complete, the drug can be tested in patients. The aim of a Phase II trial is to provide ‘proof-of-principle’ and to assess the clinical benefits of the drug, in addition to the side-effects, sometimes in comparison with placebo. The benefit/risk profile of the drug is then used to plan the next phase of development.

Phase IIIIf the Phase II study shows the drug to provide a good clinical effect without producing unacceptable side-effects, then a larger Phase III study can begin. A Phase III trial must compare the new medicine to the current standard treatment for the disease (although comparison with a placebo is possible if there is no suitable active comparator). A Phase III trial is designed to show a statistical difference between the new drug and the comparator, and establish its therapeutic benefit and side-effect profile.

If efficacy is established in Phase III trials, then all data are submitted to the regulatory agencies who will decide whether the drug can be marketed based on the strength of evidence.

Phase IVPhase IV trials are often referred to as post-marketing surveillance studies – following a successful Phase III trial the drug will have been approved and marketed, so a Phase IV trial is used to gather information in large populations to assess optimal use and side-effects that may not have been identified in a clinical trial setting.

Lifecycle managementMost pharmaceutical products have patent protection for a limited number of years from launch, during which time the company must recoup the development costs as well as make a profit. Maximising sales involves regular marketing activities, while identifying additional diseases against which the drug could be used.

Why does the pharmaceutical industry need external consultants?The simple answer to this question is that it makes financial sense for a pharmaceutical company to outsource certain activities to external partners. From running a clinical trial to manufacturing a box for the medicine, the pharmaceutical industry is supported by organisations and agencies, each with specialist expertise.

A useful resource…A–Z of Medicines Research by Stephen Bartlett, published by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry in 2007. Available free of charge from www.abpi.org.uk


7A rough guide to agency servicesThere are a range of different agency services and it can be confusing trying to figure out which agency does what, especially as the terminology is often used inconsistently. Some agencies concentrate on legal and regulatory documentation, others support publications and medical education, and others focus on advertising and promotion. Some of the agencies offer a full range of consultancy services, such as medical education, public relations, market research and advertising, whereas some focus on a niche area.

Many of these agencies are part of a global group, with sister agencies covering the range of healthcare communications and marketing services, and there are also many small independent specialist agencies.

Medical communications agencies tend to have their roots in traditional medical education project work but position themselves as strategic communication partners with a wider spectrum of capabilities. You will often, therefore, find the terms medical communications and medical education used interchangeably.

Regulatory affairs:Clinical trial documentation (Clinical Trial Applications and Investigational New Drug Applications); Marketing Authorisation Applications; New Drug Applications

Health economics:Materials to support cost-effectiveness messages

Public relations:Materials to communicate with the media; issues management

Medical education:Support of publication activities, including: journal manuscripts and conference presentations; advisory boards

Advertising and branding:Trade press; consumer adverts; sales aids; direct mail; exhibition stand materials


8 What is a medical communications agency?Sometimes called a medical education agency or ‘MedComms’ agency, this type of company traditionally supports the development of materials such as journal manuscripts for peer review, learning resources, slide kits, and posters and presentations for conferences. However, the boundaries are often blurred, and medical communications agencies may also touch on media materials to support public relations activities, or more promotional materials at the commercial end of the spectrum (i.e. brochures, leaflets and animations). However, whatever the service offered, the objective is always the same – to educate and inform audiences such as doctors, patients, nurses and hospital managers about innovations and perspectives in healthcare.

Medical communications agencies also provide expert consultancy services to the pharmaceutical industry, advising them on maximising the dissemination of the available clinical data and devising campaigns to help the drug gain a slice of the limelight in a crowded marketplace. As far as medical education is concerned, the role of the agency is to advise the company on how best to educate and inform its customers (i.e. doctors, nurses, hospital managers, pharmacists, patients) about the benefits and risks of the therapy using clinical and economic data. All materials must comply with best practice guidelines, as issued by bodies such as the European Medical Writers Association and the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals.

Which job is for me?

Medical writing As a medical writer it is your job to write high-quality, scientific copy for the wide range of publications that a medical communications agency produces. It has been said that doctors leave university with a formulary in their head, which gets used for the rest of their careers; it is often said that a medical writer’s job is to ensure that new and improved drugs are added to that mental formulary. Although a PhD is not essential for a medical writer, it will be advantageous. A doctoral degree and maybe post-doc experience is particularly sought by agencies offering medical education, economics and regulatory consultancy services, and less so by public relations and advertising agencies.

Account ManagerNew media agencyYou will manage a diverse range of projects including on-line disease awareness and patient education websites, interactive medical

Editorial Project ManagerMedical Education Agency

Are you an energetic, ambitious and passionate individual with the desire and potential to join one of the largest healthcare communications agencies in the UK?

Medical WriterInternational MedCommsSuitable candidates will ideally have at least 18 months relevant writing experience with a background in Medical Communications, Clinical Research, Academic Research or Publishing. A life science degree is preferable. You will display excellent organisational skills and acute attention to detail.

Medical EditorHealthcare Communications AgencyProofing copy to the highest standard for a full range of medical education and communications materials including scientific abstracts, papers, posters, oral presentations, print items, and multimedia; professional liaison with pharmaceutical industry key contacts; managing and co-ordinating materials through design.


9Pharmaceutical companies require good strategies to help deliver effective campaigns: What are you going to say? Who are you going to say it to? When are you going to say it? As a writer in a medical communications agency, as well as writing, you will help develop the communication strategy and publication plan that, for most pharmaceutical products, will run alongside the clinical development process and support the commercialisation of the drug. This plan will help ensure that the drug remains on the doctor’s radar for the duration of its lifecycle. It will be your job to keep an eye on developments in any given scientific field, to recognise the big players in the therapeutic area, to assess the strategies used by your competitors by monitoring their publication activities and to identify opportunities to communicate your client’s information.

Attending conferences, and advisory board and stand-alone meetings is a large part of agency life, so if you like travelling, this is a definite perk. Most medical writers have visited a few of the major conference venues of Europe such as Prague, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Nice, Rome and Milan… not to mention some of the popular global venues such as Cancun, Toronto and Sydney. However, although you may find yourself staying at a nice hotel, you won’t necessarily get much sleep or see much of the scenery.

Medical editingMany agencies combine the roles of writing and editing. In such agencies, a medical writer is expected not only to produce original articles but also to be able to ‘edit’ other writers’ work – checking it for scientific accuracy, and grammatical and editorial errors. However, some agencies split these roles, employing both medical writers and editors. In such agencies, medical editors tend to have a wider function, adding proofreading and print production skills to their editing role. In terms of entering an agency as a trainee, agencies more commonly recruit writers than editors. Trainee editors are often known as editorial assistants.

Opinion leaders

Pharmaceutical client

Medical writer

• Writing and strategic development• Primary papers• Reviews• Case studies• Conference materials• Newsletters• Monographs• Websites• Videos• Slide kits

• Build relationships with clients and opinion leaders

• Liaise with designers, writers, editors, account managers, project managers

The early data are impressive

Can you get the data published by August?

A medical writer’s job is to ensure that

new and improved drugs are added to a

doctor’s mental formulary


10 Account managementAn account manager/executive is responsible for making sure that projects are delivered on time and on budget. This role includes tasks such as preparing cost estimates, tracking projects, liaising with internal team members and external suppliers, negotiating with clients and preparing invoices. Usually, account managers progress to become account directors, a position that may additionally involve looking for new business opportunities and promoting the agency to potential clients (although some agencies employ dedicated sales staff). Account managers often have a scientific background, but it is not essential.

Event managementAttending conferences, and advisory board and stand-alone meetings is a large part of agency life. Conference managers are involved in all aspects of event management, including the production of materials to promote the events, sourcing venues, programme development, and booking flights and hotel rooms for attendees.

A scientific background is not essential for this role, and many people come to the job from a background in hospitality or event management. Arranging the travel for 20 doctors, making sure that they are all assembled at a specific time on a specific day, while making sure the congress organisers supply coffee, and making sure the pens have been shipped on time, and ensuring the writer has brought the slides, and briefing the audio-visual technician – is somewhat of a challenge. However, if you like travelling and you can cope with stress, then this may be the job for you.

Why join a medical communications agency?When it comes to getting a broad experience, a medical communications agency is the place to be. One day you’ll be writing a highly technical document and using all of your scientific and research skills, and the next you’ll be using your creative powers to summarise the entire

document in one diagram. Also, in a medical communications agency, it is possible to find a job that suits you: some people prefer the more scientific, educational element of the job and are happy to write nothing but technical manuscripts that may focus very specifically on narrow therapeutic fields, whereas others enjoy the challenge of a new therapy areas.

Other people prefer the more creative element of writing a range of materials, or prefer to be out of the office talking to clients.

Career progressionWhatever position you choose as a starting point, once in the industry, there is scope to change direction and to progress in various ways. The editorial route leads from medical writer to senior writer; beyond this, job specifications tend to vary between agencies, offering the opportunity to define and develop your career according to your strengths. Some writers choose to focus on writing in roles such as principal writer and editorial team leader; others do less writing, focusing more on managing and directing accounts.

When it comes to getting a broad

experience, a medical communications

agency is the place to be


11So you want to be a medical writer…

There’s an equation to describe medical writers:

Likes science × likes writing = medical writer

Common characteristics of a medical writer in no particular orderEstablished scientist A doctorate and post-doctoral experience will be advantageous when applying for a job as a writer, although not essential. The basic entry requirement is a science degree.

Enjoys writingIt goes without saying that you’ll be the type of person who actually enjoyed writing your thesis rather than seeing it as a necessary evil.

PedanticIf the use of an apostrophe in a plural word makes your blood boil, or if you have ever told a checkout girl that it is ‘10 items or fewer’ not ‘10 items or less’ then you are a true pedant (mention this at your interview for extra points). This type of pedantry is often called attention to detail.

Good listenerWhereas in academia your opinion about Drosophila eyelids was valued, in medical communications, although you’ll be expected to have a good knowledge of numerous therapeutic areas, your opinion may not be asked for. You will be required to listen to the client and the medical experts, and to communicate their opinions.

Excellent research skillsYou will be expected to get to grips with numerous new clinical fields very quickly. Although it’s always nice to get a project that is related to your research background, this doesn’t happen very often. For example, your existing knowledge may be in microbiology, but you may be expected to become an expert in psychiatry. You will have to be able to research new areas, to take on board a large amount of information quickly and to discuss the diseases with confidence in a variety of situations. This may seem like a daunting task, but you’ll be surprised at how far the research skills you developed during your doctorate can carry you.


12 Comfortable with statisticsYou don’t have to be an expert in statistics, but presenting data and making them easy for doctors to understand will be part of your job. Medical statistics are a far cry from the odd t-test you had to do for your doctorate, and whereas you won’t be expected to number crunch, you will have to produce evidence-based arguments based on clinical data. A basic understanding of the analyses used in clinical trials will be essential, and you should find that you quickly get to grips with various statistical concepts.

Thick skinnedIt may seem like a step backwards going from being a respected scientist to being a trainee, and learning to be a writer will be tough to begin with. You will hand over a piece of work on which you have laboured, only to have it covered in red ink by a senior writer. Nevertheless, if you stick with it, you will gradually develop a set of much sought-after skills. However, once you become an experienced writer, this still doesn’t mean that people will coo and cluck over your every word: many a beautiful piece of work has been picked apart by a client, so you have to be able to take it on the chin, and re-write it numerous times if necessary.

Getting your foot in the doorPreparing a good CV is essential when applying for any job, but when applying to be a writer, editorial accuracy is extremely important. Unlike other sectors, your CV and covering letter will be assessed by a panel of editors who will spot grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and clumsy sentences, and these things will not be forgiven.

Additional experienceWriting experience outside of your academic work will help get you noticed and will show that you have a genuine interest in communications. Getting published is easier than you think. Many of the academic societies produce a publication for their members and the Editor will be happy to consider your contribution. For example, the Physiological Society produces Physiology News,

a quarterly magazine, and the Genetics Society produces Genetics Society News, a bi-annual newsletter. Or, if you are feeling really ambitious, you could enter the Wellcome Trust Science Writers’ Competition in association with the Guardian and the

Observer. Failing that, consider setting up your own blog – a good way to get published with no barrier to entry. If none of these options appeal, don’t worry, you still have plenty of transferable skills to use to sell yourself.

A useful resource…How to Publish in Biomedicine, Second Edition by Jane Fraser, published by Radcliffe Publishing in 2008. Available from www.radcliffe-oxford.com

Writing experience outside of your academic

work will help get you noticed


13Transferable skills When leaving academia it is very easy to understate your skills and experience. Something you may consider to be a mundane everyday task may represent a valuable skill to a potential employer:

Skill Example

Writing Doctoral thesis, peer-reviewed manuscripts, slide presentations, conference posters/abstracts, grant applications

Presentation skills Transfer talk, conference and other presentations, journal club

Project management Designing experiments and scheduling resources

Project leading and mentoring Mentoring project students, teaching/demonstrating

Teamwork Liaising with colleagues and collaborating with other research groups

Opinion leader experience Confidently discussing complex issues with leading experts (e.g. in the pub on a Friday night!)

The writing testAs part of the interview process, you will be asked to do a writing test. Sometimes this will be before you are invited to interview, and sometimes after your first interview. There is no industry standard for the test. Examples of what you may be asked to write include:

• an abstract for a poster or a manuscript

• a mini review based on a small number of papers that have been supplied

• a news article based on a conference report, manuscript or other background documents

• a conference report based on a slide presentation and abstract book.

Whatever the task, it is important that you prepare properly. Even if your writing skills are excellent, you are unlikely to be an expert in drafting clinical documents, and it is even less likely that you will be aware of the ins and outs of writing copy. Don’t worry though, because the reviewers will not expect you to be an expert, but they will be looking for:

• attention to detail – avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors

• structure and flow – provide a well-structured document with a logical flow of ideas

• simplicity – don’t overcomplicate the project by doing extensive background research about the disease: it is unlikely that a writing test will need this, and the test nearly always involves reporting the information you have been given.

The agency will probably give you a guide as to how long the test should take. You may find that it takes quite a bit longer, but this is fine and is often the case. If you go over the suggested time by days, rather than hours, maybe you should consider other roles within the agency.


14Using your initiative can make all the difference when it comes to getting through the writing test. For example, if you are asked to write a newsletter aimed at nurses, buy a copy of Nursing Times to get an idea of pitch and tone. Also, there are many guides to medical writing available that are definitely worth a read before attempting the test. How to Publish in Biomedicine, by Jane Fraser, gives excellent advice and tips.

However, sometimes using too much initiative can be an applicant’s downfall. If you already know someone who is a medical writer, it is fine to ask for advice, but do not ask them to do the test for you. The people reviewing your test will know what standard to expect based on the experience outlined on your CV. If you get offered the job based on dishonesty, you will be found out when the work you produce on your own falls below the standard of your test.

As well as a writing test, you may be asked to complete an editing test, to assess your eye for detail. If you use standard editing marks, this will be viewed favourably, although this is not what is being tested so it is fine to mark-up the mistakes using whatever method suits you.

Editing testThe following editing test contains 20 editorial errors – these include errors of spelling, punctuation, grammar, consistency or meaning. For fun, how many can you spot? (Answers on page 15.)

Over a median followup of 8.4 years, 64 patients (9.7%) experienced disease recurrence

(median time to recurrence 5.6 years). The 5, 10- and 15year recurrence-free probabilites

were 0.93, 0.87, and 0.81, respectivly. Using time-to-event estimates to adjust for

differences in follow-up between groups, radiotherapy was found to reduce tumour

recurrence in patients who received a sub-total resection (p<0.001) but not in those

undergoing gross-total resection of the tumor (p=0.63). Multivariate analysis identified

cavernous sinus invasion (hazard ration 3.6, 95% CI 1.5-6.4, p<0.001) and STR without

radiotherpy (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4–14, p=.01) predictive of an increase in disease recurrence.

Median follow-up for overall survival was 14.0 year. The 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year estimates

for overall survival were 0.91, 0.81, 0.69 and 0.55, respectively. Mortality was higher

in patients who underwent radiotherapy with or without SRT than would have been

expected in the general USA population.

Earning potentialStarting salaries vary between agencies, and depend upon your experience. As a ballpark, trainee writers can expect to start on £25–30K. However, this is just a starting point, and the rate at which your salary increases is entirely dependent on how you progress. It is often a source of frustration to trainees with many years of post-doctoral experience that they have started on a similar salary as someone straight out of their doctorate; however, don’t be disheartened. With more experience and knowledge, it is likely you will progress quickly. For example, some trainees can take a year or two to gain ‘experienced writer’ status, whereas others do it more quickly. Either way, your career and salary progression are in your own hands. Salary bands aren’t set in stone, and earning potential within the industry can be huge – it is not unknown for a writer to go from being a trainee to running their own department, or even their own company, within a few years.


15Further informationAnswersOver a median follow-up of 8.4 years, 64 patients (9.7%) experienced disease recurrence

(median time to recurrence 5.6 years). The 5-, 10- and 15-year recurrence-free

probabilities were 0.93, 0.87,_ and 0.81, respectively. Using time-to-event estimates to

adjust for differences in follow-up between groups, radiotherapy was found to reduce

tumour recurrence in patients who received a sub-total resection (STR) (p<0.001) but not

in those undergoing gross-total resection of the tumour (p=0.63). Multivariate analysis

identified cavernous sinus invasion (hazard ration [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval

[CI] 1.5–6.4, p<0.001) and STR without radiotherapy (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4–14, p=0.01) as

predictive of an increase in disease recurrence. Median follow-up for overall survival was

14.0 years. The 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year estimates for overall survival were 0.91, 0.81, 0.69

and 0.55, respectively. Mortality was higher in patients who underwent radiotherapy with

or without SRT STR than would have been expected in the general USA population.

Useful booksA-Z of Medicines Research Stephen Bartlett, ABPI, 2007 Available free of charge from www.abpi.org.uk

Creating Effective Conference Abstracts and Posters in Biomedicine Jane Fraser, Louise Fuller and Georgina Hutber. Radcliffe Publishing, 2009. Available from www.radcliffehealth.com ISBN-13 9781846193118

Getting Research Published, An A-Z of Publication Strategy Second Edition. Elizabeth Wager, Radcliffe Publishing, 2010. Available from www.radcliffehealth.com ISBN-13 9781846194085

How to Publish in Biomedicine Second Edition Jane Fraser, Radcliffe Publishing, 2008. Available from www.radcliffehealth.com ISBN-13 9781846192630

Specialist Jobs BoardseMedCareers – www.emedcareers.com

NextMedCommsJob – www.nextmedcommsjob.com

NextPharmaJob – www.nextpharmajob.com

Pharmiweb – www.pharmiweb.com

Professional bodiesAssociation of the British Pharmaceutical Industry – www.abpi.org.uk

European Medical Writers Association – www.emwa.org

Healthcare Communications Association – www.hca-uk.org

International Society for Medical Publication Professionals – www.ismpp.org

Pharmaceutical industry news, views and informationMedComms Networking – www.medcommsnetworking.co.uk

PharmaFile – www.pharmafile.com

pharmaphorum – www.pharmaphorum.com

PharmaTimes – www.pharmatimes.com

Pharmaceutical Executive – www.pharmexeceurope.com

PMLiVE – www.pmlive.com

The Publication Plan –

www.thepublicationplan.com


16 Steven BarberiniMedical Writer, Watermeadow Medical

In last year’s edition of the aptly named “From academic to medical writer” guidebook, I provided a brief overview of my own journey from PhD graduate to medical writer. After the completion of my PhD, I opted not to continue a postgraduate career in academia, notwithstanding several interesting offers, due to the financially unstable nature inherent in this career path. Instead, I took on the role of an appraisal scientist/medical writer for the Welsh Medicines Partnership for 1 year, and then relocated to start as

an associate medical writer at Watermeadow Medical in Oxfordshire. I settled in relatively quickly, blinked… 2 years later, I’ve been promoted to medical writer and I continue to gain the necessary experience to grow and succeed in the MedComms industry.

During my first 2 years at Watermeadow Medical I have been trusted with a diverse array of projects. To name a few, the development of original articles and scientific reviews relating to novel drug studies and important medical issues, putting together content and providing on-site support for local and global conferences, brainstorming and developing modern interactive solutions to deliver key marketing messages, creating apps and games through tablet technology to spice-up traditional meeting formats, and managing the delivery of 3D visuals to help patients understand how to use a given medication. Regardless of the type of project, as the owner, I always feel a great responsibility towards both client and employer to ensure the project is

managed correctly and always delivered to the highest quality. The successful delivery of a project relies on several factors, but one that stands out for me is good communication with the client. At first, the prospect of directly dealing with clients was rather daunting, but the more I did it, the easier it became, and now friendly relationships have been forged – and this really makes the job a lot more enjoyable!

Plenty of guidance was provided when I first started at Watermeadow Medical as I struggled to grasp the lingo, and although I’m still learning, I work a lot more independently now, often juggling 10–20 projects simultaneously. Yet, help is always just a stone’s throw away! I’m part of a great team of people who all have an inspiring sense of camaraderie; I find this very comforting, particularly when faced with an ever-increasing workload.

Importantly, my life so far as a medical writer has not interfered with my personal life. I often measure the success of a day’s work by the amount of work I have to take home or lunch breaks I have to miss; thankfully, most days have been pretty successful! I’ve also been lucky enough to travel to some exotic destinations, such as Qatar and Colombia, while doing what I get paid to do. Furthermore, Watermeadow Medical takes a keen interest in the personal development of their employees, and I’ve maximised this ‘interest’ in an attempt to improve my golfing skills (still awful though). Watermeadow Medical received the Investors in People accreditation this year, and I truly believe such an accolade was deserved given the amount they care, not just for me, but for all their employees.

I’m very proud of my achievements thus far in the MedComms industry, and although, at times, I miss academia I do not regret my decision to change lanes and give this relatively new industry a go. I look forward to blinking again, and seeing where I am in another 2–5 years’ time!

I do not regret my decision

to change lanes and give this

relatively new industry a go

Peop

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17Kay ChapmanSenior Medical Writer, Darwin Healthcare CommunicationsI originally chose to study biological sciences at university because I thought that all aspects of biology were interesting, although this notion was severely shaken when I encountered the kingdom of plants. Having learnt all about their physiology, anatomy, morphology, development and classification, I was ready to accept that perhaps not all aspects of biology are equally interesting. Nonetheless, I completed my studies and in search of excitement, went kayaking and camping in the

Canadian wilderness. I didn’t see any bears or wolves, but at night the sound of their calls silenced the jokes and chatter to hesitant whispers.

Returning to England, I enrolled in an MSc course in applied genetics, which in turn led to an offer to do a PhD in population genetics. I soon found myself at Oxford University investigating the genetic basis of osteoarthritis. The time flew by as these were intoxicating times. We were in a race to be the first group to find the gene(s) predisposing to osteoarthritis. One day, in the middle of a 5-year fellowship, I realised I had been involved in this work for 15 years. During that time, I had become increasingly specialised and had forgotten my basic biology. For example, I went to a seminar on cell signalling and was baffled after the second slide because my knowledge base had become so narrow. That wasn’t what I wanted, and something had to change.

I wanted to do something that would allow me to use my science, but would offer more variety. Something interesting, exciting and different. Something with a career structure would also be nice, as I was locked into a cycle of getting the next paper published in order to achieve success with the next grant application. Out of curiosity, I went to a workshop on medical communications, and became convinced that it’s what I should have done all along. Luckily it wasn’t too late to change careers; in fact, the skills acquired during my academic years are extremely useful to life as a medical writer. You need to be curious, enthusiastic and organised, with good attention to detail. You also need to think on your feet and be flexible, to deal with clients and their ever-surprising requests.

I have enjoyed the work immensely since I started at Darwin Healthcare Communications in October 2011. Life as a medical writer is full of variety, both in therapeutic areas and in the kinds of materials produced, from primary manuscripts and meetings abstracts to marketing aids and slides for advisory boards. From the start I was assigned a mentor who continues to provide support and encouragement along with helpful suggestions and guidance. I was placed within a team based around an individual client. This provides a working environment that facilitates collective responsibility on meeting objectives. It also meant that I met the clients from the beginning. Something I appreciated as it helps ensure a good working relationship. The transition from the academic to the commercial environment has been a challenge, but one that has reinvigorated the love of science that started my journey all those years ago.

Transition from the academic to

the commercial environment has

been a challenge, but one that has

reinvigorated the love of science that

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18 Shelley DaviesSenior Medical Writer, CircleScience – a division of the KnowledgePoint360 GroupAfter my post-doc I realised… the lab really isn’t for me! What I did take away from the bench, however, was that I relished unravelling data into a scientific argument around how molecular changes can evolve into diseases/symptoms, and how targeted pharmaceuticals can intervene to reverse, or even prevent, these changes. So, what next? Medical writing – obviously!

After finding the career ‘medical writer’ on-line I started to network and got some very sound advice from a lady working in clinical research – you need to know what you’ll be dealing with on a day-to-day basis! What she meant was clinical trial protocols and CSRs; as these were alien to me after years of monitoring cells, I embarked on a voluntary internship at her clinical research organisation to learn more about how these massive documents contained all the data to create the medical communications for one drug, in anticipation of its launch as a new therapy.

This set me in good stead to get my first medical writer role with an agency in the UK – KnowledgePoint360 (ACUMED; Tytherington, Cheshire). To get through the interview process I really drew on my experience to date. If I could give a candidate medical writer any advice, it would be to make sure that you really share what you have done with your potential future

employers. Never assume that an agency will already know that you are good at communicating scientific data just because you are a scientist: show it! Think about how your experience translates to the role of a medical writer… and if you’re not sure what the role really entails, be sure to get networking and asking questions!

My role with KnowledgePoint360 has evolved greatly over the years – I really feel I have been given the opportunity to develop a lot of business acumen and knowledge around publication planning and best practices. There is also a real buzz around digital communications and doing things differently, which is inspiring. The best bit is that my company really values the spirit of teamwork, whether it’s day-to-day work, congress support in a foreign land or raising money for charity.

I did take a break from MedComms to live life as a University Lecturer for a few years in the Midlands, where I am originally from. I was really happy that on re-evaluating this move KnowledgePoint360 offered me a new position within their CircleScience division. This time my circumstances were different – as a result of my move to the Midlands I had picked up a lovely husband and a not so lovely mortgage, therefore relocation back to Cheshire was not an option. The ability of KnowledgePoint360 to provide remote IT facilities for home working meant that I could start work again as a writer from home without causing too much strife to family life! Despite working from home I still feel connected to my colleagues – we catch up regularly via video conferencing, and monthly visits to the Cheshire or London offices are always a nice change!

Never assume that an agency will

already know that you are good at

communicating scientific data just

because you are a scientist: show it!

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19Gary DeverSenior Medical Writer, McCann Complete MedicalAccording to my peers at the time, I was “one of those annoying PhD students whose experiments always worked” (apparently this isn’t common?), I had an excellent supervisor (still friends today) and I was between two departments so everyone always assumed I was in the other building (handy when it came to the need for a long lie in and a late start). So, all hunky-dory. It came as a bit of a surprise to me when I started to write my thesis, I was really enjoying it! This was the first hint.

Then there was my viva. Three hours and 45 minutes: 3 hours of chat, 5 minutes of “You’ve passed, well done, congrats” and 40 minutes of me asking the examiners what they thought of my creative input and writing style (the topic was lipid oxidation and atherosclerosis; I somehow had based the thesis on the theme of evolution). This was the second hint.

I kind of knew by this point that the pen-to-paper part was of much more interest to me than the pipette-to-platelet aggregometer part. However, everyone told me to give a post-doc a try (less pressure, more responsibility, more ownership, more freedom), and I did. The post-doc position was enjoyable. However, 14-hour days in a dark room waiting for a laser to scan a 280-μm z-stack over and over took its toll – and gave me time to think.

As it turns out, while I enjoyed talking about positive-ionisation electrospray mass spectrometry and multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy, I cared more for the compound adjectives in there than the compounds being oxidised or being labelled fluorescent green (respectively). Friends of mine in the medical communications business informed me of an opening for an associate medical writer, and I went for it.

Wow. Being in academia for 9 years doesn’t allow you too many interviews, but the one with CMC was by far the best. For the pre-interview writing test, I got to learn all about a new therapy area (without spending 6 weeks reading about it and having to write a ‘literature review’ for my supervisor), and I was able to use PubMed for something new for the first time in a decade. And then the interview itself. I must have smiled for 3 hours afterwards. I just couldn’t believe that someone actually tested me – as part of an interview and to assess me for a job that I would be paid to do – on writing an abstract and finding dodgy punctuation. Someone actually cared about the attention to detail. Wonderful. If only I had had my external viva examiner’s number.

So the interview part was okay. The (really!) tough part was making the decision to leave academia and move to medical communications. However, after considering the revelation of the interview and the exciting prospect of actually enjoying my work, I knew I never again wanted to see another pipette.

I started as an associate medical writer with CMC, an agency within McCann Complete Medical, in 2009. I quickly took to the nature of the business like a duck to water, and thoroughly enjoyed the new challenges (having clients, speaking with key opinion leaders, having to get to grips with new therapy areas, being part of an account). I was promoted to medical writer in 2010 and to senior medical writer in 2012, with new responsibilities, challenges and expectations at each stage. I’m now doing a secondment in the US, in CMC’s New Jersey office. And, I’m working on completely different therapy areas, meeting brand new clients to the business and delivering new types of communications. Exciting times.

… considering … the exciting

prospect of actually enjoying my

work, I knew I never again wanted

to see another pipette

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20 Lisa HenryMedical Writer, Choice Healthcare SolutionsGrowing up, I was always fascinated by science and medicine so studying for a BSc at the National University of Ireland, Galway, was the perfect choice for me. During my degree I studied physiology, pharmacology and microbiology, with a focus on physiology in my final year.

While researching what I would like to do after my degree, I stumbled upon medical writing. Along with my interest in

science, I enjoy writing and have good attention to detail, so medical writing seemed like a perfect fit for me. After doing some initial research, I became disheartened as many medical writing jobs required the applicant to have a PhD. At this point, I wasn’t quite sure if a PhD was right for me, so I decided to apply for an MSc in molecular neuroscience at the University of Bristol. Of all the areas in science I had studied during my degree, neuroscience always interested me the most, and I felt this course would allow me to discover if a career in research was what I wanted. The course was mostly lecture-based, with the summer spent carrying out a research project. After killing almost every batch of cells I tried to culture, I knew for certain that the lab was not for me! I wanted something more varied, where I could focus on the science, but not spend the rest of my life with a pipette in my hand!

My thoughts reverted to medical writing. Knowing that this was the industry I really wanted to work in, I started to research the field in more depth, and to my delight found that some companies offer entry-level writing positions which do not require applicants to have a PhD. I applied for a position as associate medical writer with Choice Healthcare Solutions and, after completing a comprehensive selection process, I was offered the job! As part of this process, I was

asked to complete a writing test, develop a short slide deck and discuss the slides during an interview. I was offered the position when I was in the middle of my research project, and was able to start once I completed my MSc 3 months later, and I’ve been here ever since!

A year and a half on, I’ve been promoted to medical writer and am really enjoying

my time at Choice. I’ve been able to use my scientific expertise and apply it to a wide range of projects, including abstracts, posters, slides decks, workshops and advisory board reports, and have even developed a product monograph. There is a clear path for career progression within medical communications. With the right training and guidance, and determination to succeed, not having a PhD shouldn’t hold you back. If you love science, but can’t see yourself in the lab, a career in medical communications may be worth considering. The hours can sometimes be long and the work can be challenging but seeing a piece that you have written being used by the medical community makes it all worthwhile.

There is a clear path for career

progression within medical

communications

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21Amy JacksonSenior Editorial Manager, Fishawack CommunicationsI was an unutterable square at school. Secondary school that is – at primary school I was delightful, happily skipping for hours on end and ordering and re-ordering my excellent rubber collection; there was no sign at all of the unfortunate quadrilateral that was later to emerge. I loved learning. I loved everything – English, languages, sciences, maths and the humanities. This (considerably less gifted) love child of Newton and Austen was born for GCSEs. But what was to become of me? Choosing

A-levels and then a degree course was tough as I vacillated dramatically between wanting to concentrate on the arts and the sciences. So I did what any sensible vacillator would do – I did a mishmash of A-levels and went on to study archaeology and anthropology. Plenty of science in archaeology (no, really), none in social anthropology (yay!) and lots in biological anthropology (clue’s in the name). I then went on to do an MPhil at Cambridge in biological anthropology (my favourite). So, like most medical writers, I was a square, but unlike most writers I neither have a strong science background nor a PhD.

Still pursing my dream of not wanting to specialise, I fell into scientific publishing in London. It was a solid training ground: I honed my eye for detail and mastered the skill of getting to grips with totally unfamiliar subjects quickly. However, after a few years, I sought a new challenge, this time in medical communications (somehow, editing the Lichenologist didn’t feel like the glamorous publishing job of my dreams). I would never have heard of the industry unless a friend (with a proper science background) had made the leap. He took me on, forgetting that I was cut from a different cloth. From solid editing, I took a hybrid editing/writer job and then changed agencies to work at Medicus International as a medical writer.

Forced out of London by the cost of housing, we fell upon ‘value-for-money’ Oxford (so naïve!) and I secured a senior writer job at Fishawack. After more than 7 years, I’m still here. I am now involved in line management and resourcing but still enjoy being able to write a wide variety of materials for a range of media. It continues to be a thrill to interact with world-renowned experts, and it’s also an eye-opening experience at times. It is humbling to take their gift – their ideas – and wrap it up in prose that is accessible. At times I am even able to see how what we do makes a difference.

My message is that it doesn’t matter what you’ve studied at university or what you’ve studied since, if you like writing and can pick up new areas quickly, medical writing could be for you. Throw your mass spectrometer in the air and apply today!

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If you like writing and can pick up

new areas quickly, medical writing

could be for you

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I work in MedComms, on tasks so varied that within the 6 months to date, no two have been the same...

Stuart Avery attended a careers event in 2013 and is now working as a medical writer at Fishawack Communications.

I work in MedComms because when reflecting on the aspects I enjoyed most about my PhD, I realised it was the challenge

of preparing materials for sharing my scientific knowledge in a meticulous, clear and accessible manner that I found the most

rewarding and set me apart from many of my academic colleagues.

Julia Cope attended a careers event in 2014 and is now working as an associate medical writer at Envision Pharma Group.

I work in MedComms as a medical writer at GCC, KnowledgePoint360 Group in Macclesfield. I joined GCC shortly

after attending a MedComms Networking event in July 2011 at the Institute of Education in London and have remained at the company

since then, having been promoted from AMW in April 2013.

Ian Grieve attended a careers event in 2011 and is now working as a medical writer in Gardiner-Caldwell Communications, KnowledgePoint360 Group.

I work in MedComms, which means my hobby of editing and writing articles (previously for student science magazines) is now my job!

Tamzin Gristwood attended two careers events in 2013 and is now working as a medical writer at Oxford PharmaGenesis™ Ltd.

I work in MedComms because it challenges me to learn new things about science and myself, every day.

Gillian Groeger attended a careers event in 2013 and is now working as a medical writer at Fishawack Communications.

I work in MedComms and no two days are the same – I love the wide range of projects and diverse therapeutic areas we work across at congresses and meetings around the world.

Jessica Harrold attended a careers event in 2012 and is now working as a medical writer at 7.4 Limited.

I work in MedComms because I love science, but lost my mojo for research during my postdoc. Working in MedComms means

that I can still be involved in interesting scientific research.

Liz Hartfield attended two careers events in 2013 and is now working as a medical writer for Oxford PharmaGenesis™ Ltd.

I work in MedComms because I’m a writer trapped in the body of a scientist.

Tania Kotsokechagia attended a careers event in 2008 then worked for two MedComms agencies and is now a freelance writer.

I work in MedComms and I’m confused. I thought it was all about writing articles. It’s not. The creative side of me has exploded. Developing iPad applications and creating content for global advisory board meetings has been fun, challenging

and rewarding. MedComms is far better than I expected.

Carl Owen attended a careers event in 2013 and is now working as a trainee medical writer with Porterhouse Medical.

I work in MedComms as a medical writer after spending 22 years in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The change

in pace has been a bit of a shock, but the variety of work and challenging nature of the work has certainly kept me on my toes.

Jim Purvis attended a careers event in 2013 and is now working as a medical writer at Oxford PharmaGenesis™ Ltd.

I work in MedComms where no one day is ever the same! It is an interesting and challenging career that allows you to work at the forefront of science, in a variety of therapy areas,

in a team environment. The MedComms career days are invaluable for providing the opportunity to meet MedComms

professionals and to learn more about the industry.

Samantha Raby attended a careers event in 2013 and is now working as an associate medical writer in Gardiner-Caldwell Communications, KnowledgePoint360 Group.

I work in MedComms after researching potential non-laboratory-based career options and discovering that medical communications is a platform for using my scientific knowledge in a writing capacity.

Rachel Rankin attended a careers event in 2013 and is now working as a medical writer at Darwin Healthcare Communications.

I work in MedComms and with each day comes a new challenge. Intellectually stimulating, creatively demanding and time pressured, but with a real sense of achievement

through hard work and team effort. I love it!

Rebecca Taylor attended a careers event in 2012 and is now working as a medical writer at Fishawack Communications.

I work in MedComms, doing the things that I enjoyed most during my PhD, such as learning and writing about new therapy areas.

Carolyn Tubby attended two careers events in 2013 and is now working as a trainee medical writer at Caudex Medical.

I work in MedComms...

For details of careers events, plus much more, visit our Starting Out page at: www.medcommsnetworking.co.uk/startingout

I work in MedComms following an internship which gave me a great introduction to agency life, with the opportunity to work on projects as diverse as an animation, a clinical trials database app and a publication plan, and led to a permanent role with the company.

Cleo Hall used the MedComms Networking Starting Out page and is now working as a medical writer at Darwin Healthcare Communications.

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Aspire Scientific offer paid work experience to talented and suitably qualified UK-based individuals who have or are working towards a PhD.

If you would like to find out more, then please email Jane Woodrow ([email protected]), with a copy of your CV and, to showcase

your writing skills, a 250-word summary of your current research focus.

Quote from a former member of our team, now working for a medical communications agency:"Working with Aspire alongside my academic role has been a fantastic experience. I have been involved in a range of oncology-based medical writing projects, which has given me a unique

insight into the industry. I thoroughly enjoyed completing each assignment and really benefitted from the constructive feedback I received from Aspire. I am now leaving academia having been offered a position with a MedComms agency. My time with Aspire not only helped to confirm my

career choice of medical writer, but I believe really helped with my interviews, allowing me to demonstrate a genuine interest in MedComms and my familiarity with the industry.“

Looking for paid work experience in medical communications/medical writing?

www.Aspire-Scientific.com Tel: 01625 575101

mailto:%20richard.allcorn%40amiculum.biz?subject=

http://www.amiculum.biz

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oxford T +44 (0) 1865 822555 london T +44 (0) 20 3037 3630


It takes talented people to be Darwin –strategists, planners, medical writers,editors, client service managers.

We deliver medical education that’sinformed and informative, coherentand persuasive.

We offer challenging roles, variety ofwork, stimulating company, careerprogression, personal growth andindustry recognition.

www.darwinhc.comcontact: [email protected]

Global Excellence in Medical Communications

Choice Healthcare Solutions is an award-winning globalmedical communications agency. We combine scientific

understanding, market knowledge and commercial insightto get straight to the core of every challenge and deliverfocused communications solutions. We employ bright,

talented and enthusiastic individuals who wish to pursuean exciting career in medical communications.

Contact us now to kickstart your career

w choicehs.come [email protected]

t +44 (0)1462 471811

Choice Healthcare Solutions is part of

Chicago • London • Dubai • Hong Kong

TOGETHER WE CAN

We are a global agency providing comprehensive and innovative

medical communication services to the healthcare industry.

With a vibrant team environment, intensive on-the-job coaching

and a programme of targeted training, Adelphi provides the right

environment for professionals who want to make a difference.

Contact email: [email protected]

Adelphi Communications Ltd

Adelphi MillBollington

MacclesfieldCheshire

SK10 5JB

IMAGINE ENGAGE ARTICULATE EDUCATE

Want to have your cake and eat it?

Finding the right place to build your career is like finding your perfect house, it’s about discovering the place where

you feel at home. At the home of AXON Communications, we love baking and eating cake. We also love healthcare communications, whether that’s medical

communications, public relations or clinical trial support.

If that sounds like your perfect recipe for a dream home, give Krista

a call on +44 (0)20 3595 2444

http://www.choicehs.com

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Fueling great conversations in health

Excerpta Medica is a medical communications agency, serving the global pharmaceutical industry with medical strategy consultancy and innovative medical communications programs. Our work is based on combining scientific insights with best practices in communications to develop programs that are engaging and impactful.

Do you have something great to bring to our conversations?

email: [email protected]

web: www.excerptamedica.com

United Kingdom • United States of America • Austral ia • Japan • China

Think all medical communications agencies are the same? Think again.The Envision Pharma Group is unique. We not only have an enviable heritage of industry-leading innovation in global medical communications, but in 2013 we became independent again. With a vision for continued growth, we are already realising our goals, which include an expanded service offering to our clients. This is an exciting time for our organisation, and a great time to join our team.

From our offices in the UK, US and the Asia Pacific region, we support an international portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotechnology company clients, providing a comprehensive blend of service offerings spanning:

We are seeking ambitious and talented medical writers to be part of our continued success.

So, what’s it like to work at the Envision Pharma Group? Well, it isn’t all about our clients – we are committed to developing and supporting our team members, enabling them to excel in their roles, and to maintaining a culture that recognises and rewards achievements. We offer excellent benefits and a friendly, supportive and dynamic work environment. To find out more visit www.envisionpharmagroup.com

Envision your future with us

• Strategic and tactical publication planning and implementation• Medical communications • Strategic communications consultancy

• Market access• Social and web media • Complementary technology platforms, including DatavisionTM

Facilitate has been providing high-quality medical education services to

the pharmaceutical industry since 2002. We are always on the lookout for high-quality staff, so if you are considering a career as a medical writer, please get in touch with our Editorial Manager.

Based in the centre of Brighton, our offices are a short walk from the station. We offer interesting and varied work, an informal

working environment, and one of the best benefits packages in the business.

Contact: Aree Cheshire Email: [email protected]

Facilitate Ltd 28–30 Robert Street, Brighton, BN1 4AH

Web: www.facilitate-uk.com

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– bringing life to medicine through improved

understanding of disease and products and supporting our clients with clarity of

thought and great communications.

If you are interested in being part of an expanding team to develop

successful and innovative medical communication programmes, contact

Carolyn Welsh for more information about current and future opportunities.

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.highfieldcommunication.com

is a truly global team with a reputation built on scientific expertise, strategic

insight and professional integrity.

We recognise that our success is driven by the talented individuals that work within our organisation.

Are you interested in being part of the medical communications

partner of choice?

Contact:


Web: www.insciencecommunications.com

group of companies

The Fishawack Group is an independent global organisation of medical

communications agencies providing fresh thinking and a bespoke service.

We value individuality and openness, and offer comprehensive training and career progression across a diversity of roles.

According to American Indian folklore, those who encounter the Fishawack River are blessed with good fortune. If this could

be your destiny, then please contact:


Tel: 01235 462 820 Twitter: @fishawack

Web: www.fishawack.com

Knutsford • Oxford • Basel • Zofingen • Pennsylvania

At Havas Life Medicom you’ll work with inspiring people, in our fab offices

with wall-to-wall windows overlooking the Thames, where creativity and

scientific prowess blossom.

In the ‘Medicom family’, we’ll support you to develop your career.

Use your love of science on all sorts of accounts and LOVE your job.


Web: www.havaslifemedicom.com

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.insciencecommunications.com

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In medical communications, education, digital services, and consultancy, KnowledgePoint360 is a

global leader and innovator.

We add value by providing authoritative information and actionable insights to healthcare practitioners

and to our pharma and biotech clients.

That added value is derived largely from the exceptional skills and experience of more than

700 professionals.

This is the place to grow your career – with an industry-leading training Academy and a supportive

mentoring programme.

Contact: Jane Barton, HR Advisor

01625 664272


Web: www.knowledgepoint360.com

McCann Complete Medical is a group of expert agencies delivering customer insight and evidence generation, regulatory support, strategy development, medical communications and multi-channel stakeholder engagement. We provide global and national hubs in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific to deliver insightful, evidence-driven strategies and communications for our clients.

McCann Complete Medical works in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, providing a wide range of

innovative and class-leading services. We work on some of the most exciting healthcare products globally and provide a positive and challenging working environment for our staff.

Our comprehensive training will give you the best possible start to your career. With great opportunities and competitive salaries

across our network, we could be the company you are looking for.

LOVE SCIENCE?COMMUNICATE IT!

Macclesfield: T +44 1625 624000 Oxford: T +44 1865 254300 [email protected] www.complete-grp.com

Insight MW are experts in clinical and regulatory writing. Our highly motivated

and talented team provides an unparalleled service to the pharmaceutical industry.

Located in Oxford, we offer exciting career opportunities for individuals looking to

move into medical writing, with extensive in-house and external training.

For further information visit:

Web: www.insightmw.com

or contact


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Powerful thinking, dedicated to clients’ success

Built on a solid foundation of scientific excellence, high editorial standards and a firm belief in ethical practices, Oxford PharmaGenesis™ has grown to be one of the most respected independent global

medical communications consultancies in the world, with offices in Oxford, London, Basel

and Philadelphia.

We recruit and retain exceptional people by giving them the space and support to do a great job. We

value high-calibre life scientists who are passionate about communicating and who want to be part of a

creative and stimulating team.

Please call Annie Beagent on 01865 390144 or e-mail [email protected]

for further information.

Web: www.pharmagenesis.com

Our industry-leading Fellowship Programme provides structured ‘on-boarding’ and professional skills development. So if you are considering a med comms career, MedCom could offer you just the right opportunities and mentoring.

Diane SherriffRecruitment SpecialistE-mail: [email protected] call: 01895 614595www.PAREXEL.com

THE PERFECT START

PAREXEL’s Medical Communications group (MedCom) is thriving with career opportunities for life sciences postgraduates with a talent for medical writing

W0468 PAREXEL Careers Guide S04.indd 1 28/02/2014 14:17

Nucleus Global is a group of international healthcare

communications companies. We have approximately

500 employees around the globe, and have a

At Nucleus Global you will:• Work at the cutting edge of medical science

• Develop and expand your expertise

• Explore opportunities for internationaltravel and secondment

• Experience a challenging and rewarding career

www.nucleus-global.com Alternatively, please send a copy of your current CV and covering letter to [email protected]

BASEL LONDON MANCHESTER OXFORD ATLANTA HAMILTON SANTFRANCISCO SHANGHAI SINGAPORE SYDNEY

www.meditechmedia.com www.healthinteractions.com www.articulatescience.comwww.intmedpress.com www.clinicalthinking.com www.scientificpathways.com www.scientificpathways.com www.medicalexpressions.com

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Virgo Health Education is a division of the award-winning Virgo Health, a leading

global healthcare communications agency.

With offices in Richmond, Central London, New York and Singapore, Virgo is leading

the way in addressing the changing dynamic from traditional didactic education

towards facilitating creative learning.

We are always on the lookout for bright, creative, and enthusiastic team players, so if you are interested in joining our medical

education division please get in touch.


Tel: 020 89392450

an ashfield company, part of udg healthcare plc

Thinking about becoming a junior medical writer?It’s hard to find reasons not to join us! www.watermeadowmedical.com/careers

For

Won prestigious Communiqué Med Comms Consultancy of the Year award twice in the last five years and been a finalist on another occasionIIP accredited (Investors In People)Opportunities for international travel. Plus they have offices in Oxfordshire, Cheshire, NY and Copenhagen

Part of one of the world s largest healthcare comms organisations.

AgainstGULP! Last award I won was for swimming. Aged 9.

Like I havenˊt had enough of learning.Mr Tiddles would miss Mummy.

Little olˊ me.

Porterhouse Medical is a medical communications agency based in Reading, working with UK, European and global clients.

We’re looking for talented and creative people to add flair and imagination to our brilliant editorial and account management teams.

If you’re looking for a job that’s fun, demanding and exciting, look no further.

[email protected] | www.porterhouse.biz

Sometimes, it makes

sense to start at the top. Prism Ideas is an independent

company providing drug development consultancy and medical affairs support to the pharmaceutical

industry. Our account management and medical writing teams offer a full

range of medical communications services to our global client base.

If you would like to know more about life in medical

communications, please contact:

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 01270 621724

Web: www.prismideas.com



http://www.prismideas.com

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Entry-level Consultancy and Recruitment

I offer a specialist consultancy for anyone looking for trainee medical writing, editing or account management

roles in the medical communications industry.

This is a new service specifically set up to support entry-level candidates.

Services include:

• Overview of medical communications companies

• Assistance with CV preparation

• In-depth assessment of a practice writing test

• Support with job applications

• Interview preparation

For a preliminary discussion, further information about consultancy and recruitment services, or a no-obligation

quote, please email or give me a call.

Karen Kent PhD Tel: 01474 853 987 / 0778 626 1259

Email: [email protected] Web: www.windhorseservices.co.uk


http://www.windhorseservices.co.uk

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Professional development for medical writersEMWA offers training in all aspects of medical

writing and related topics, including:

• Manuscript writing/publications

• Language and writing skills

• Drug development

• Statistics

• Regulatory writing

Each half-day training workshop has a pre-workshop exercise and an assessed post-workshop assignment. By successfully

completing workshops you build up credits in your personal training record; 8 credits earns you a respected EMWA Certificate.

Workshops are run at EMWA conferences in May and November. Come along and learn new skills or

update old ones – and make new contacts too!

Join EMWA and receive the journal Medical Writing each quarter – it’s a great way to learn more about the profession.

www.emwa.org

Training and supporting medical writers in Europe

We won’t lie to you: agency life is busy. Doing an amazing job to a crazy deadline is never going to be easy. What makes the difference? Looking out for each other.

At Darwin, we know that having the right people around our hearth is the most important factor in our success. But if you have the talent and the motivation, we promise you the warmest of welcomes. Let’s talk.

come on over

No 2darwin’s theoryof collaboration

[email protected] www.darwinhc.com

oxford Sterling House Oxford Road Kingston Bagpuize Oxon OX1 3 5AP UK T +44 (0) 1865 822555london Lynton House 7–12 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9LT UK T +44 (0) 20 3037 3630


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