Transcript Medical communications

Medical education and
communications: an agency
overview
Mike Gazeley
Director of Training and Consultancy
KnowledgePoint 360 Group
Why do MCE agencies exist?
To help the pharmaceutical industry
effectively educate healthcare professionals
about their products and services
Assist in provision and maintenance of
professional education to the healthcare
industry
Ensure highest ethical standards are
maintained in provision of medical education
to the healthcare industry
What services do MCE agencies
offer?
Scientific
Communication
strategy and
planning
Promotional
Branding and
positioning
Regulatory
Congress &
meeting
management
Publication
strategy and
planning
Internal
communication
& training
Patient
Education
E-healthcare
solutions
Physician
Education
Programmes
Strategic
development
consultancy
Our key pharma contacts
Product/brand managers

responsible for product marketing strategy
Medical managers

responsible for clinical and regulatory strategy
Clinical scientists

responsible for design and conduct of clinical trials
Other contacts

Economists


responsible for pharmacoeconomic assessments
Corporate

responsible for company image
Their goals
Maximise sales
Maximise product lifecycle
Demonstrate medical and marketing
competence
Protect credibility
Be successful!
How can agencies help?
Listen
Interpret and propose solutions
Confirm
Act quickly and decisively
Communicate regularly - even bad
news!
Deliver on-time and to expectations
Typical agency jobs?
Account/Project management



Project organization and schedule management
financial management
progress and status updates
Client and business services



client management
business development
proposal and service agreement negotiations
Medical & Scientific Services



scientific consultancy and advice
medical writing
Thought leader and client liaison
Typical entry requirements
Scientific qualification


Life-science
PhD or PharmD preferred for M&SS
Writing ability

Medical writing test required for M&SS job roles
Good communicator
Organized and good time management
Multitasking ability
Team player
Positive attitude
Typical M&SS structure
Operations Manager
Team Leader
Senior Scientific Director
Principal MW
Scientific Director
Senior MW
Associate Scientific Director
Medical Writer
Associate MW
What is an AMW?
Associate (trainee) Medical Writer:



First step on medical writing ladder
Work under close supervision of SMW/PW/TL
Undertake foundation training programme
Expectations:

Write high quality, scientifically accurate copy that
consistently meets communication objectives, regulatory,
styling and audience requirements
Assessment:



Set objectives and annual review
Coaching and continual on-the-job assessment
Formal assessment every 6 months
Agency medical writing
What’s it like?
From first impressions…to
What is all this jargon?
Clients, thought leaders, briefs, outlines,
procedures, timesheets…
What if I don’t have any particular therapeutic
area experience?
Don’t panic – lots of us didn’t when we
started!
What is expected of me?
Job description, objective setting, appraisals
…gaining experience…and
Writing, writing and writing…
abstracts
 posters
 papers
 slides
 newsletters
 exhibition panels…
…the list goes on!

…getting out and about!
Oncology franchise stand alone
Brazil
2001
Prostate cancer stand alone
Greece
2005
Satellite symposium
France
2003
Advisory board
Italy
2006
Learning to…
Prepare communication and publication
plans
Work with medical experts and clients
Present ideas, proposals and pitches
Manage a team
…and progressing
How fast?

it’s up to you!
Assessment?

absolutely!
Support?

managers, senior staff, training
Opportunity?

You bet!



competitive industry, experience valued
freelance and home/remote working opportunities
have laptop, can travel!
A rewarding career
For sure!
Applying science background to ‘something a bit
different’
Working with international clients and experts
Pressure and rewards of events, completing projects
Travelling
Opportunities for creativity
Identifying opportunities for improvements and/or new
business
Learning from and mentoring others
Variety
So….consider medical writing
if you like…
Scientific rigour
The challenge of service excellence (the hard bit!)
Language
Teamwork
Finding solutions
Being creative
Computers and tech
Being organised
Commercial application
Related career options
Commissioning editors
Managing editors
Health analysts
Pharma company publications and
communication managers
Medical information
Copy editing