What’s this all about?

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We’re here to help you learn about careers in MedComms and then, if you decide it’s of interest, to help you get your first job! Good luck.

Sign up to our “Newbies” email alert for regular updates for news of careers events, internships, open days and other relevant information.

We’re grateful for contributions from many members of the MedComms Networking community and specifically the following Sponsors: AMICULUM Ltd, Ashfield Healthcare Communications, Envision Pharma Group, Fishawack Health, Helios Medical Communications, Highfield, and Oxford PharmaGenesis.

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I work in MedComms…

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Whilst preparing the new issue of our latest careers guide, From academic to medical writer: a guide to getting started in medical communications (published March 2020)  we invited people working in medical writing and editing positions in MedComms to tell us why they are doing so….

“I work in MedComms because it allows me to contribute to the development of new medicines for patients, and be up to date with the science, without having to do lab work anymore!”

Kerry Acheson, Editorial Director at Prime Global

“I work in MedComms because it provides challenges every day. Communicating complex ideas in a way that is engaging and innovative is often tough but, when it comes together, is always rewarding.”

Richard Anderson, Head of Creative Content at Synergy Vision

“I work in MedComms because it’s interesting and challenging to work at the forefront of clinical science, and to employ both scientific and creative mindsets in unison. No 2 days are the same, and the job definitely keeps you on your toes, but it’s really rewarding to see the results of the teams’ hard work and the positive impact it has on patients’ lives.”

Lizzy Andrew, Scientific Director at Ashfield Healthcare Communications Continue reading →

Upcoming events

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Relevant upcoming careers events:

Check out www.MedCommsNetworking.com for many more meetings that you might find of interest. Mnay of which are online and so you can attend from wherever you are based. The following are specifically intended for entry-level job seekers…

FirstMedCommsJob: Meet the agencies
Date: 18 May 2020
NOTE: Oxford-based meeting cancelled – to be replaced by an online meeting, details TBC
[If you any questions, please contact Peter Llewellyn.]

Careers guide – medical writing

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careersguidecover_369x524From academic to medical writer: a guide to getting started in medical communications

By Dr Annick Moon, 12th edition published March 2020

This guide focuses on medical writing careers in medical communications, in particular in MedComms agencies. The MedComms industry provides consultancy services to pharmaceutical companies, and the role of the medical writer is to use science and language to deliver these services successfully, while working to the highest ethical standards and adhering to industry regulations and guidelines.

The aim of this guide is to give you the 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.

This issue includes nine personal profiles written by current medical writing specialists in leading MedComms agencies, describing their personal journeys in to MedComms and the day-to-day work they now do as well as an updated directory of agency contacts. Continue reading →

The Allegro training programme – an update

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In this webinar, we are joined by Katie Johnson, Talent Acquisition Associate at Ashfield Healthcare Communications and Eleanor Thomas, Medical Writer and a graduate of the Allegro programme. We hear about the development of the Allegro programme for aspiring Medical Writers over the past two years – taking the total number of people who have started their medical writing careers with Ashfield to more than 100 since its launch in January 2018 – and about how it continues to develop and support the needs of the business. And we answer questions from the audience.

It should be of interest to anyone who is looking for insights into MedComms as a career, Ashfield Healthcare Communications as a company, and how to maximise their chances of gaining an entry-level job.

Recorded 11 March 2020 as a MedComms Networking webinar. Produced by NetworkPharma.tv
Continue reading →

Working in MedComms at Wave Healthcare Communications

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In this webinar, we’re joined by Linda Brown (Programme Director), Charlotte Wilkinson (Senior Programme Manager) and Ella Withey (Editor), of Wave Healthcare Communications, who talk about their own personal journeys into MedComms. We also explore the overall journey that Wave has taken as a company, and the work they do today to provide compelling traditional and digital medical education programmes to support ethical pharmaceutical companies. And we answer questions from the audience.

It should be of interest to anyone who is looking for insights into MedComms as a career, Wave Healthcare Communications as a company, and how to maximise their chances of gaining an entry-level job.

Recorded 4 March 2020 as a MedComms Networking webinar. Produced by NetworkPharma.tv
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In conversation with the account managers

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In this webinar, we’re joined by account management staff from different agencies who talk about their own journeys into MedComms and their current roles, the day-to-day working life of account managers, training opportunities and career prospects. The panellists are Ben Church (Account Executive at Oxford PharmaGenesis), Alice Fantom (Account Executive at Envision Pharma Group)and Charlotte Lupton (Scientific Project Leader at Helios Medical Communications). They have all been profiled in the new issue of our annual careers guide, “The business of medical communications: a guide to getting started in account management“, published January 2020 (see FirstMedCommsJob.com). And we answer questions from the audience. It should be of interest to anyone who is looking for insights in to MedComms as a career and how to maximise their chances of gaining an entry level job.

Recorded 5 February 2020 as a MedComms Networking webinar. Produced by NetworkPharma.tv

Continue reading →

I work in MedComms…

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Whilst preparing the new issue of our latest careers guide, The business of medical communications: a guide to getting started in account management (published January 2020)  we invited people working in account management positions in MedComms to tell us why they are doing so….

“I work in MedComms as I enjoy being part of an exciting and innovative industry that embraces diversity across both projects and employees. I have worked closely with fantastic teams on various projects ranging from writing scientific posters for congresses to designing the entire congress booth itself. Every project allows you to develop extensive skills in project management whilst nurturing client relationships. I come from a scientific background and I am extremely satisfied working in account management for the MedComms industry. I look forward to working my way up the career ladder!”

Lauren Alexander, Account Coordinator at CMC Connect

“I work in MedComms because I thrive on the fast-paced environment, and with no 2 days the same, you are put on a path of lifelong learning as you adapt and evolve to tackle the complex challenges you face each day. As an account executive for Phase II International, it is a privilege to work alongside such a huge diversity of people with differing skillsets to bring projects across a wide range of therapies to life. I get to do all of this daily, for a range of world-leading pharma clients – it’s incredibly rewarding!”

James Badman, Account Executive at Phase II International

Continue reading →