Current Agency
InterComm International
My qualifications
BSc, PhD
My career path
Ashley Publications: Editor
Librios Ltd/Book Creation Services;
Managing Editor/Specialist Medical Editor
Cambridge University Press;
Commissioning Editor, Life Sciences
Hayward Medical Communications;
Publications Manager/Publisher
Intercomm International Ltd;
Editorial Director
My first healthcare communications Agency role
Publications Manager, Hayward Medical Communications
After looking into the general field of med comms, I discovered medcommsnetworking.co.uk, and found Hayward (among others). I spent a long time looking through corporate websites, making a list of potential employers and what was on offer. The role at Hayward was an opportunity for me to use my existing skillset and prove myself.
My typical week
A combination of meetings; internal, client and senior management, work (inputting/advising on projects, proofing final content, scheduling and resourcing, new business, managing the team, mentoring, etc) and admin.
What advice would you give someone looking to join a healthcare comms Agency
Be determined but modest and, if transitioning, you may be expected to prove yourself.
My proudest moment
Not sure I have just one – meeting my academic heros and publishing my first book. With regards healthcare agency work specifically – securing journal sponsorship from a major pharma company, publishing my first website, seeing my team grow and flourish.
My greatest challenge or frustration
Overcoming perceptions in med comms, and convincing agencies that you don’t have to have worked your way through rank and file to lead a team – but equally, and as Editorial Director, acknowledging that there are some things my team can do better than me.
What 3 skills do you think are most important in your role?
Listening
Understanding audiences
Keeping an open mind
Where do you want to be in 5 years’ time?
I’ve been in this role less than a year, so I still have much to achieve as Editorial Director. I wouldn’t ever want to be too distanced from content creation but we’ll see what the next couple of years brings …