medical education and communications: an agency overview mike gazeley director of training and...
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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?
PatientEducation
Internalcommunication
& training
Publication strategy and
planning
Congress & meeting
management
Branding and positioning
Communication strategy and
planning
E-healthcaresolutions
Strategicdevelopment consultancyPhysician
EducationProgrammes
Regulatory
Promotional Scientific
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 communicatorOrganized and good time managementMultitasking abilityTeam playerPositive attitude
Typical M&SS structure
Operations Manager
Team Leader
Principal MW
Senior MW
Medical Writer
Associate MW
Senior Scientific Director
Scientific Director
Associate Scientific Director
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…abstractsposterspapersslidesnewslettersexhibition panels…
…the list goes on!
…getting out and about!
Prostate cancer stand aloneGreece
2005
Satellite symposiumFrance2003
Advisory boardItaly2006
Oncology franchise stand aloneBrazil2001
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