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 →

From 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 →

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 →

The question: “Do you need a PhD to get an entry-level job in #MedComms medical writing in the UK?”

The answer: “Possibly. But not necessarily.”

So, that’s crystal clear then! Can we do better?

During January 2019 we collected data on entry-level writers employed by UK MedComms agencies in 2018. The short report was posted on Linkedin and has attracted some useful comments from others.

[Read the full article on Linkedin]

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.

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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.