FirstMedCommsJob: In conversation with the account managers

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In this webinar, we’re joined by account management staff from different agencies to 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 Melissa Kelly (Senior Account Executive at Envision Pharma Group), Tessa Rowland(Senior Account Executive at Lucid Group) and Matthew Smith-Andrews (Senior Account Manager at Ashfield Health). 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“, which was published in January 2021. 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 27 January 2021 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 2021)  we invited people working in account management positions in MedComms to tell us why they are doing so….

“I work in MedComms, which offers a fast-paced and exciting environment to work in. We are supporting the launch of a product in phase 3 development, so the projects we deliver really matter!”
Nicola Baines, Account Director at Oxford PharmaGenesis

“I work in MedComms and enjoy it because it allows me to work with such a wide range of people. It is rewarding to know you are working as part of a team to produce something that could make a difference to someone’s life.”
Georgina Barber, Client Services Executive at Adelphi Communications Continue reading →

I work in publications management…

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Whilst preparing the new issue of our latest careers guide, Ensuring timely dissemination of research: a guide to working as a medical publications professional (published October 2020)  we invited people working in publications management with the Sponsors, Envision Pharma Group, to tell us why they are doing so….

“I work in publications management not only to be engaged in the science, but for the opportunity to work with medical experts to distil key points from complex information and tailor its presentation to the audience for the most effective communication.”

Kathryn Condon, Scientific Director and Team Lead, Envision Pharma Group

“I work in publications management because the scientist in me loves that there is always something new to learn (and that I can do this without lifting a pipette!); because there is endless variety, therapy areas, projects, clients, experts and challenges; because I get to partner with clients in big pharma and speak with experts all over the world; and most importantly, because everything requires teamwork – the sense of camaraderie is profound.”

Gary Dever, Portfolio Director & Team Lead, Envision Pharma Group Continue reading →

Starting a MedComms career in self-isolation – leave it to allegro!

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Screen Shot 2020-06-18 at 11.10.35This article has been contributed by Cassidy Bayley, an Associate Medical Writer at Ashfield Healthcare Communications.

In March 2020, the sudden and all-consuming worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 marked a very interesting beginning to my first job in medical communications. In the weeks leading up to my official start date as an Associate Medical Writer, I was enjoying my honeymoon in a small beach town along the South African coast. Due to lockdown restrictions instated while I was there, I made it back to the UK with little time to spare. Ironically, back home in Manchester, I was no closer to entering the front doors of Ashfield Healthcare Communications (AHC) than I would be had I remained on the beach – either way I would start my first day virtually! Continue reading →

Reflections on the first two weeks of the allegro training programme

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Screen Shot 2020-06-18 at 11.08.09This article has been contributed by Selma Rayon, an Associate Medical Writer at Ashfield Healthcare Communications.

When I started seeking employment in the medical communications sector, I knew I was drawn to the medical writing path. The difficulty was that there were few entry-level positions that offered training, relative to the amount of applicants! Almost every position being advertised required some level of professional experience in medical writing, in which I was lacking – so when I was offered a place at the allegro programme, I knew this would be a fantastic opportunity to receive the necessary training, support and opportunities to develop the skills and mind- set for medical writing. Continue reading →

I work in HEOR/market access…

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Screen Shot 2020-06-16 at 09.20.06Whilst preparing the new issue of our latest careers guide, Evidence generation and communication: a guide to getting started in HEOR/market access medical writing (published June 2020)  we invited people working in HEOR/market access to tell us why they are doing so….

“I work in HEOR/market access as I am continuously able to build my skills and challenge myself to combine science, creativity and commercial experience to provide strategic guidance and support clients’ needs, which is very rewarding.”

Kate Anstee, Associate Value Consultant at Adelphi Values | PROVE

“I work in HEOR/market access as I enjoy the exposure to a diverse range of projects. From costed-pathway tools to launch programmes to pricing research, I have an opportunity to help patients gain access to medications whilst continually learning in my role.”

Sonika Awasthy, Market Access Consultant at OPEN VIE (part of the OPEN Health Group) Continue reading →

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 →

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

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Six things I would tell myself on my first day after my first 3 months as a medical writer

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tilly_shackleyTilly Shackley is an Associate Medical Writer with Real Science and has reflected on her first three months working as a medical writer in MedComms.

It is always challenging to know what to expect when entering into a new career, especially if it is in a niche field, such as medical communications. 3 months ago, I had my first day as an Associate Medical Writer at Real Science Communications, fresh from the labs after completing my MPhil in clinical medical research. Since then, I have been on a very steep learning curve and I have loved every minute of it, despite some challenges. I had a think about what advice I would give to myself on my first day and compiled six points that I wish somebody had told me. Continue reading →