the businessmedcommsnetworking.com/account_managers_guide_x.pdf · the business of medical ... at...

The business of medical communications

For more information about careers in MedComms see

www.FirstMedCommsJob.com

First Edition

January 2018



A guide to

getting started in account management

Written by Lindsey HeerPublished by Burntsky Ltd

Heer L. The business of medical communications. January 2018. For more information about careers in MedComms, see www.FirstMedCommsJob.com

The business of medical communications: a guide to getting started in account management

First edition published January 2018 by Burntsky Ltd Magdalen Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GA, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 784390 ©2018 Burntsky Ltd

Production/editorial: Gill Gummer, Proactive Editorial Services Ltd – [email protected]; Designer: Julie Stevenson – [email protected]; Printed by: Holywell Press Ltd – www.holywellpress.co.uk

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, recorded or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

The publisher and author have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this publication but cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Registered names, trademarks etc. used in this publication, even when not marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law.

AcknowledgementsMany thanks to the numerous members of the MedCommsNetworking.com Community and, in particular, to the sponsors of FirstMedCommsJob.com, who have contributed their thoughts and comments during the development of this publication. If you have any feedback please let us know.

Further copies are available to download directly if you visit www.FirstMedCommsJob.com

Printed copies of this guide are also available if you contact the publishers – [email protected]

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3Foreword to 2018 editionI’ve been running MedComms Networking activities for more than 10 years and along the way have collected together a wide range of free resources at www.FirstMedCommsJob.com to provide insights into the MedComms business and the working life of agencies. Medical writing is, of course, at the core of the business, and our annual careers guide, From academic to medical writer: a guide to getting started in medical communications, has been very successful; but it tells only part of the story. Managing and delivering projects on brief, on budget and on time through effective account management, the subject of this current guide, is crucial. We’ll update the information provided here on an annual basis, and we welcome your feedback.

Peter Llewellyn For more information see: www.linkedin.com/in/networkpharma

About the authorAfter 4 years in the pharmaceutical industry, glimpses of agency life convinced me to move into medical communications in 2003, where I have happily resided ever since.

At Envision Pharma and 7.4, an AMICULUM agency, I embraced account management as an opportunity to help build a business, see the world and maintain my keen interest in medicine. By working hard and learning from truly remarkable colleagues, I was leading the commercial team at 7.4 by 2012. As Client Services Director, I focused on line management, trainee recruitment and developing the team around me – their skills and careers.

That’s the abridged story so far. In 2017, I decided to try something else new – freelancing as an independent medical communications specialist. So, here I am, offering the best guidance I can after years of finding and working with bright, capable and inspiring people… perhaps people just like you?

Lindsey Heer For more information see: www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyheer

Contentsl Introduction 4l Why is MedComms important? 5l Where does MedComms fit in? 6l What do MedComms account managers do? 8l What agencies look for when recruiting an account manager 10l How to become an account manager 11l What should you look for in an agency? 14l Is there a future in MedComms? 15l Further reading 15l People in the job – in their own words 16l Directory – MedComms 29l Directory – Careers support 39


4 IntroductionMedical communications (MedComms) agencies are contracted by pharmaceutical companies to provide specialist support in communicating data, primarily to healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists). The agencies play an integral role in the companies’ efforts to launch and sell their medicines. A wide range of communication channels, from publications in scientific journals and presentations at large congresses, to small workshops and state-of-the-art digital tools, are harnessed to build an understanding of health, and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease worldwide.

MedComms agency careers therefore reflect a dynamic mix of science and business. This mix is a MedComms agency’s strength as a workplace, requiring people with a wide range of skills and personalities. One element of the mix is a need to manage clients’ projects effectively. In most agencies this responsibility rests with a dedicated account management and/or project management team (be aware, different agencies use different terminology). As a member of the account management team in a MedComms agency, one minute you will be discussing substantiation of marketing claims using citations from the scientific literature and how to fairly represent key data; the next minute you will be confirming flight times, budget revisions and pressing deadlines. The mix makes agency life interesting – full of challenges, career opportunities and friendships. If you work hard and well in a team, you will have the chance to liaise with clients, world-leading clinicians, academics and patient advocates in a rewarding, fast-paced environment, playing your part in better healthcare for all.

So, how do you start? Account managers in MedComms agencies are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, and progression routes through the industry vary. Look for entry-level roles, job titles for which can include words such as co-ordinator, executive, assistant or trainee. However you start and whatever your initial title, a challenging and rewarding career lies ahead of you.

About this guideAs we explain in this guide, the terminology, job titles and specific roles of account managers or project managers in MedComms agencies can vary, but effective account management is always critical. This new guide helps explain how that happens in practice and provides you with an understanding of both the challenges and the rewards that come from a career in MedComms. We believe reading this guide will give you the edge to getting that first job.

For more information about starting out in MedComms and details of careers events, past and future, visit:


Medical communications provides consultancy

services to the pharmaceutical industry to help

raise awareness of medicines


5Why is MedComms important?Imagine a ground-breaking new medicine – Treatment X. Compared with what is already available for doctors to prescribe, Treatment X holds substantial potential to improve patients’ daily lives. It might, for example, prevent infection, stop disease progression, or make debilitating symptoms or side effects manageable.

A pharmaceutical company has invested hundreds of millions of pounds in Treatment X’s discovery and development. Their scientists have spent years testing and eliminating thousands of other potential candidate drugs from their research to get to this point. Clinical trials have been painstakingly conducted to clearly establish the risks and benefits associated with taking Treatment X. And on balance, it seems to work, which is a rare and therefore exciting situation.

By this point, Treatment X will be patented, but the patent life is limited. For the time being, no-one else can manufacture it, but the clock is ticking. When the patent expires, any company can try to make, license and sell their own version of Treatment X. As new companies won’t need to conduct all the original research and development, they will be able to sell the same drug at a fraction of its original price.

So, the race is on to get this new medicine to patients as quickly as possible, and to recoup the pharmaceutical company’s investment. In fact, Treatment X needs to generate enough income to enable future research and development – science and business are inextricably linked when it comes to new medicines.

In order for patients to receive Treatment X (assuming it can be manufactured and distributed on an appropriate scale, and in compliance with the necessary regulations), the pharmaceutical company now needs to work with clinical experts to plan, support and deliver well thought-out information and education to a variety of audiences.

So, this is why MedComms is important: whether data herald a paradigm shift in patient care, report a rare side effect, or explain that a new tablet gives the same results as an injection, medical research is meaningless unless it is communicated well to the right people.

Throughout this guide, ‘pharmaceutical companies’ is used as a general term for the clients of MedComms agencies. Strictly speaking, however, ‘pharmaceutical’ refers to a drug manufactured from synthetic chemicals. Clients may also come from companies that market medical devices (e.g. stents used to open/strengthen arteries) or biotechnological products that are manufactured using living organisms such as bacteria or yeast (e.g. antibodies, gene therapy, vaccines). Once you join a MedComms agency, these companies will often be cumulatively referred to as ‘the industry’.

Medical research is meaningless

unless it is communicated well

to the right people


6 Where does MedComms fit in?Pharmaceutical companies will instigate different communication plans during Treatment X’s development and commercialisation. They will establish partnerships with a range of specialist agencies, to support the following.

1. Publications As with any scientific research, when Treatment X’s clinical trials are completed, the investigators will want their work published, providing new data for ongoing scientific debate, and adding context and discussion. Pharmaceutical companies work with the investigators to help ensure that data from the trials they have sponsored reach the widest audience possible, by providing professional editorial support and assisting with submissions to high-impact journals and presentations at medical congresses.

2. Medical education and scientific liaisonIf healthcare professionals are to prescribe Treatment X, they need to understand how it differs from existing options and how it might fit into established protocols and guidelines for patient care. Pharmaceutical companies work closely with leading clinical experts, seeking advice on how best to engage the busy medical community with this information. Their plans will include a variety of projects from literature summaries, printed materials and online training, to live events with presentations and workshops, videos and animations.

3. Regulatory approvalTo make Treatment X available to doctors and patients in any country, the company must secure a licence for that product from the relevant regulatory authority (e.g. the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] in the USA or the European Medicines Agency [EMA]). All available data are compiled into high-volume, high-stakes dossiers and submitted to regulatory authorities who assess the product’s ability to fulfil an unmet clinical need, balancing benefits against risks, and consequently decide whether or not to grant marketing authorisation.

MedComms agencies tend to support

publications, medical education and

scientific liaison… although some certainly

extend into other categories


74. Market accessOnce Treatment X’s efficacy and safety have been adequately demonstrated in patients, the pharmaceutical company needs to set a price and explain the drug’s value to policy makers, budget holders and insurance companies in healthcare systems around the world. Cost effectiveness might, for instance, be demonstrated by patients missing fewer days at work, or avoiding more expensive treatments, admissions to hospital, surgery or follow-up care.

5. AdvertisingMarket research and the use of a creative advertising agency will help the pharmaceutical company build a strong and recognisable brand identity that aims to differentiate Treatment X from its competitors. Once the drug has a licence, the company will use that branding consistently in promotional activities to sell their product via their marketing and sales teams.

6. Public and/or professional relations (PR)In many countries (including the UK), promoting prescription-only products to patients is strictly forbidden. Communicating with the public, however, can help raise awareness of diseases and the fact that treatments and support are available. Specialist medical PR agencies work through a variety of media channels to share their communications. They also manage issues, perceptions and industry support for patient- or charity-led activities.

On the whole, MedComms agencies tend to support publications, medical education and scientific liaison from this list, although some certainly extend into other categories depending on the skillset of their team and experience in the industry.

Also available from www.FirstMedCommsJob.com

From academic to medical writer: a guide to getting started in medical communications

Written by Dr Annick Moon

Updated edition March 2018



Updated Edition

March 2018



From academic to medical writer

A guide to

getting started in medical communicationsWritten by Dr Annick MoonPublished by Burntsky Ltd


8 What do MedComms account managers do?As well as using differing job titles, the way individual MedComms agencies are organised also varies. Often, however, agencies are structured according to account teams, where each ‘account’ refers to one pharmaceutical brand, such as Treatment X.

If you consider all the publications and medical education activities supported by pharmaceutical companies, it is easy to appreciate the need for professional medical writers in researching and summarising scientific literature, or meeting with clinicians to talk about key points to be conveyed in a conference presentation.

Now put those writers into an agency team delivering a vast array of projects, and you can picture a thriving business around them. Within each account team, or possibly alongside it, there will be people who specialise in a wide range of roles, including editors, designers, event organisers and digital programmers, as well as office operations, human resources and technical support. Crucially, in most agencies, there are also account managers.

Each account team will typically have commercial and scientific leadership, represented below by an account director and a scientific/editorial team leader. Account managers may work on one or more accounts at a time, depending on the volume of work involved.

Structure of a typical account team

Account director

Scientific/editorial

team leader

Medicalwriters

Account and/or project managers

Some agencies employ event

managers to organise meeting logistics (e.g. to liaise with

venues and arrange travel)

Editors and editorial

assistants support approval

systems, copyright permissions,

print and production


9In a nutshell, account managers support the day-to-day running of their account. They are the glue in a team who make sure projects are completed on brief, on time and on budget. As you learn the ropes, many tasks involve a substantial amount of administration – setting up and attending meetings, sharing minutes, mapping out timelines, conducting basic research, and preparing budgets and invoices. These are fundamental aspects of the business on which each account is built; mastering them will stand you in good stead for any commercial role.

With experience comes increasing responsibility, independence and proactivity within the team. You will liaise with clients and the account team to:

• plan the best way to complete each project, work out how long each step will take, who will be involved and how much it will cost

• ensure all team members have a clear brief and understand their roles and responsibilities

• monitor progress – help others (clients and colleagues) to plan and prioritise their work; chase missing information, materials or decisions

• review processes upon project completion – was it successful? How could things be improved next time?

Increasing responsibility typically translates into promotion within a MedComms agency – from account executive, trainee, assistant or co-ordinator, to account manager, senior account manager, account director and beyond. As your role changes further, it may involve:

• working as an integral part of a client’s brand team – sharing ideas, plans, recommendations and feedback based on your experience

• briefing account team members and suppliers; reviewing their work to ensure it is in line with its objectives, representing the brand and your agency well

• gradually shifting from managing individual projects to managing several projects, then leading an account and, ultimately, overseeing several accounts

• developing proposals and pitches to win new business

• strategic and tactical planning – defining overarching goals (and possibly financial targets) for your team and how they can be achieved

• managing agency resources, improving profitability and operational processes.

What remains is development of a crucial skill in any team-based role: the ability to work effectively with people. You will meet colleagues, clients and clinical experts driven by the big picture, minute details, results, personal interactions, recognition, creativity, science, career milestones and so on. To excel as an account manager, you will need to understand, respect and work with all of them. Once you accomplish this, your career prospects and options escalate. You can become an effective mentor, manager and leader... or have you ever thought about freelancing or even running your own agency one day?

Account managers are the glue in a team who make sure

projects are completed on brief, on time and on budget

The ability to work effectively with people

is a crucial skill in any team-based role


10 What agencies look for when recruiting an account manager To succeed as an account manager, a science degree is not always essential, although you will need to demonstrate several core skills throughout the application process.

Communication As an account manager, much of your role will involve liaising with busy people via telephone, email and in meetings. You will need to convey your points clearly and professionally, ask sensible questions, verbalise ideas and explain plans so that people will listen and understand. How you interact with potential employers – in person, on the telephone and in writing – is critical.

Attention to detail Account managers need eagle eyes when checking correspondence, budgets and project-related materials. An agency will be put off by poor language skills, accidental typos or a lack of professionalism at any stage of your application. You have every opportunity to check your CV, cover letter and emails several times before hitting ‘send,’ so make sure you do.

TeamworkAs well as ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to a high standard, strong teamwork and good relationships between colleagues make work enjoyable. It’s easy for anyone to say they ‘work well independently or as part of a team,’ so consider carefully some examples that will back that up in your CV or interview. Agencies are usually looking to develop account managers who are confident enough to share ideas and ask for help, who listen carefully and make the effort to understand how their role fits into a bigger picture, and who can adapt their approach to work effectively with a diverse range of people.

OrganisationImagine a client calls you to say they are planning to take a week’s holiday at short notice, just as a high-profile project is nearing completion. As an account manager, you don’t panic; you spring into action and, because you are organised, you know exactly where to start. You have a status document or tracking tool that shows exactly what needs to be done by when. You know who is lined up to be involved in each step, so you can discuss the changes with them. You understand the impact of shifting deadlines on other projects, so you can re-prioritise tasks with the team and keep your client updated. Organisation has a pivotal role to play in MedComms, so your application needs to reflect it as one of your abilities.

When recruiting trainees, employers know that applicants will have little or no direct experience of MedComms or agency life. They can look for core skills in all manner of activities though, so include the social committee you joined, the hockey team you captained, the customer complaints call centre you worked in or the summer you spent volunteering. It all builds a picture of your strengths, interests and work ethic, which helps employers to identify outstanding applications.


11How to become an account managerThriving agencies are often looking for new team members to support growth and changes in their business. Not all will take on candidates without agency experience though, so trainee or entry-level commercial roles can be hotly contested.

Online research, networking and participating in careers events will help guide your application. Here are some top tips for finding and applying for the right opportunities.

Research

FirstMedCommsJob.com Read the content, sign up for email alerts, investigate the agency directory and see what entry-level jobs are currently available. The articles, links, interviews, information and videos shared here are specifically for people considering entry-level MedComms roles.

MedCommsNetworking.comThis site provides broader MedComms information, with links to resources, relevant events and further reading.

Agency websitesGather a few agency names from FirstMedCommsJob.com and MedCommsNetworking.com, and dig deeper into the agencies’ own websites to get a feel for differences between companies, their approach to their business, and whether they will consider speculative applications.

LinkedInHere you can find articles of interest and job advertisements; you can join groups and follow relevant organisations if you wish. Be aware, though, that any information or images you share publicly online will be viewed by others, including potential employers and, in this case, a plethora of recruiters. Your LinkedIn profile needs to represent your qualifications and ambitions well, standing up to professional scrutiny without openly sharing your direct contact details.

Online research, networking and

participating in careers events will

help guide your application


12 NetworkingFirstMedCommsJob.com is associated with several popular UK careers events throughout the year, specific to MedComms and hosted near hubs for UK agency life, such as London, Cheshire and Oxfordshire. These events offer an unrivalled opportunity for you to talk directly to people working in different MedComms agencies, and to make a good first impression on potential employers.

Increasingly, agencies are seeing the value of hosting their own open days. These events aim to raise awareness of MedComms career options and entry-level training programmes. They also function as an efficient screening process to identify new recruits from a pool of candidates. Check FirstMedCommsJob.com and LinkedIn for details of upcoming open-day opportunities. Attendance may be conditional on completing a small task or passing a test.

Universities usually have general careers information and advice resources; Science Faculties are starting to form links with specialist agencies. University careers events might feature presentations by former students now working in MedComms or healthcare PR, for example. If not, it might be worth investigating whether something along these lines can be arranged. Better still, contact a few local agencies and arrange it yourself.

Specialist qualifications and work experienceAlthough certainly not an entry requirement for MedComms careers, postgraduate qualifications in scientific communication are available, providing opportunities to study a range of relevant topics, understand which career paths might be for you and, in some cases, forge links with industry partners.

Similarly, work placements and internships are becoming more commonplace. These should offer genuine work experience – opportunities to get involved in daily agency life on a short-term basis, and gain valuable insights and experience for future career decisions and job applications. These placements are rarely advertised by agencies and may require a number of speculative enquiries on your part before you can find a suitable role. It is also worth checking FirstMedCommsJob.com for relevant opportunities.

The recruitment processApplication Most entry-level candidates will attain their first role in MedComms by applying directly to agencies. Specialist recruiters are active in this area and many will help if they can, but they are more typically engaged by agencies that are searching for experienced staff. Individual agencies may have online application forms for you to complete. Many will simply ask you to send them your CV. It can be difficult to know what a role entails until you are doing it, and therefore a challenge to know what to focus on in your CV. Reading this guide, doing some online research and participating in careers events are great places to start. These steps will highlight, for example, that your experience in a summer customer service job, a mentorship role you took on at university or a successful event you organised as part of a team is more relevant to your application than the assays you can run in a laboratory.

While your CV summarises your qualifications and experience, adding a short cover letter (whether one is specifically requested or not) gives you the chance to show your understanding and genuine enthusiasm for the role at stake by addressing some key questions.

• Why do you want to work in MedComms?

• Why are you applying to this particular agency?

• Why do you think you will be a good account manager?


13Bear in mind that your CV and cover letter both reflect your ability to summarise information succinctly, present your work clearly and demonstrate top-notch attention to detail. For instance, once you have taken time to prepare and check your documents, it would be a shame to attach them to a hastily-written email, especially one that begins with ‘Hi.’

TestIf your application impresses its recipients, you may be asked to complete a short task or test as a next step. This is standard practice for medical writer applications, but agencies may vary in their approach to recruiting account managers at entry level. Initial tests (either completed at home or when you visit the agency) may check your attention to detail or basic numeracy skills. If you reach later stages in the application process you may also be asked to prepare and give a short presentation, to check your ability to summarise and convey information clearly and with confidence.

Interviews The number and style of interviews required to secure a MedComms role varies between agencies. You may have a telephone discussion at first, and then be invited to the office to meet senior managers, your potential line manager and colleagues, human resources team members and so on. There will usually be more than one interview, giving everyone concerned a chance to think carefully and have an opportunity to raise new questions during your return visit.

Common interview question topics

• Your understanding of MedComms and the role you have applied for

• What you know about the agency you have applied to

• What makes you suitable for a trainee account manager role

• The information you included in your CV and cover letter

• Examples of your ability to be organised, use your initiative, resolve conflict, contribute to a successful team

• What aspects of working/studying you are best at, and what you find challenging

• Your ambitions

Join the conversation...

#MedComms


14 What should you look for in an agency?Not all agencies are the same. It is important to think about the types of work you are most interested in so that you can investigate various agency websites and target your applications accordingly. Here are a few things to consider.

The company• What makes this agency different from others? Is it, for example, the work they deliver, their

structure and goals, or their ethos and approach to business?

• Is the agency well established or starting up? Does it have a mix of accounts at different client companies?

• How many people work for the agency overall, and in the specific office that you would be joining?

• Where are the agency’s clients based – in global headquarters or a local office?

Not all agencies are the same

The work• What types of projects comprise most of the business? What does the agency specialise in?

• Are you likely to work on one or more accounts for the agency? In what field(s) of medicine?

• Will there be much international travel with the role?

Your support and development• Is there an established induction scheme and/or formal training programme to help you get

started if you join? Will this provide you with exposure to different roles and functions in the agency?

• What ongoing learning and skills development opportunities does the agency provide?

• Who will be your line manager? What is their role in the business?

• Are there opportunities for working with colleagues from different accounts/parts of the business?

• How is career progression managed?

• What makes the agency an enjoyable place to work? Are there activities organised outside the office environment, such as team-building days or social events?

Of course, you will also have personal considerations such as where you will live, how you will get to work and how much you will earn. Starting salaries vary between agencies, and depend upon your qualifications and experience. In the UK, entry-level account management roles tend to be in the £20–25K ballpark. Bear in mind that your starting salary is not an indication of your earning potential and increases depend on how you progress in your career.


15Is there a future in MedComms?If you have been reading any industry news, you may get the impression that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for pharmaceutical companies to find new drug candidates and build promising pipelines of new treatments. It is also progressively more expensive to conduct clinical trials to meet thresholds for marketing authorisation. Meanwhile, product prices and promotional activities are heavily regulated, and pharmaceutical company procurement teams are tasked with minimising the cost of any services they request. So, does all this leave MedComms with a gloomy outlook?

Far from it! Despite its challenges, the pharmaceutical industry continues to grow – people are living longer than ever before and will unfortunately always need healthcare. Scientific advances, especially in preventative medicine, treatments targeted at specific subtypes of disease and digital healthcare tools, represent promising advances. The relative benefits, risks and value of new pharmaceutical products remain complex subjects requiring scientific understanding and clear communication through multiple channels. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies need to stay lean and work efficiently – it makes financial sense for them to engage MedComms agencies. Perhaps one of those agencies is a good place for you to start too.

If account management is where your career is headed, take time to find a company where you think you will fit in well. Enjoyment largely comes as a result of the team around you, so choose carefully and then give it your very best shot.

Take time to find a company where you think you will fit in well

Further reading

Careers support• FirstMedCommsJob

www.firstmedcommsjob.com

• NextMedCommsJob www.nextmedcommsjob.com

Professional bodies• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

www.abpi.org.uk

• Healthcare Communications Association www.hca-uk.org

• International Society for Medical Publication Professionals www.ismpp.org

Pharmaceutical industry• MedComms Networking

www.medcommsnetworking.com

• PharmaFile www.pharmafile.com

• pharmaphorum www.pharmaphorum.com

• PharmaTimes www.pharmatimes.com

• Pharmaceutical Executive www.pharmexec.com

• PMLiVE www.pmlive.com

• The Publication Plan www.thepublicationplan.com


16 Laura GillAccount Executive Envision Pharma GroupI was torn between choosing science or business when deciding which university degree/career path to take, and I am delighted that I have found a career that is a mix of both. I ended up going down the business route, studying marketing, design and communications at Nottingham Trent University. The summer I left university, I secured myself a job as a project assistant at a MedComms agency. I was quite lucky as a family member suggested that this would be my perfect career based on my

interests, and they had helped me secure a placement at a MedComms agency the year before I finished university, so I knew this was the route for me.

I started my MedComms career in the world of publications, where I gained project management skills working on over 50 projects ranging from abstracts and manuscripts to poster presentations. After a year, I was promoted to an account executive, and this is when I was introduced to medical affairs. I was grateful for starting my career in publications, as it gave me a great understanding as to where all drugs’ journeys start: published research. However, I found that I was more suited to medical affairs; I worked on projects such as advisory boards, satellite symposia and train- the-trainer meetings. The best thing about working in medical affairs is that you’re exposed to

a wide range of projects! Looking back, I also appreciate that I have worked my way up from a project assistant role as I feel I was eased into learning the basics and, with experience, I then expanded my knowledge of the world of pharma.

It’s OK to not know what you want to do by the time you have finished university, or even years into your career! Don’t be afraid to try new things until you find something you love. For a short period

of my professional career, I actually took an opportunity in another field; however, it made me realise how much I valued working for an industry where the end goal was to help patients, and I managed to land myself back in the pharma industry as an account executive at Envision Pharma Group. In the past 6 months, I have already worked on a range of medical meetings and commercial projects, including the launch of a new e-learning platform.

My day-to-day tasks include financial management, tracking projects, liaising with internal teams and developing relationships with clients. At Envision Pharma Group, alongside our key roles and responsibilities, it is hugely important to maintain a strong work–life culture that balances fun and hard work; this is as important as the actual work you deliver. Try to get involved with extracurricular activities – it could mean getting involved in your company’s social responsibility initiatives, starting/joining a committee or arranging charity events. This will help you gain recognition and get you talking to people outside of your circle.

So, to conclude, I would 100% recommend a career in account management within MedComms!

Peop

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– i

n t

heir

ow

n w

ord

s

Day-to-day tasks include financial

management, tracking projects,

liaising with internal teams and

developing relationships with clients


17Gemma HeathSenior Account Manager Ashfield Healthcare CommunicationsDuring my high school years, I never really knew what I wanted to do for a career. I stumbled my way through GCSEs and A-levels, combining the subjects I enjoyed, and finally went on to study sports psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. After my first year, I decided it was not really for me, so I took a year out to consider my options. During that year, I was able to get a job as an admin assistant in order to give me a bit of money. Within the first few months, I found that

I was actually quite good at organising and the first inkling of a career in project management became apparent.

Loving the office atmosphere and the team I was working with, I decided this may be something I was interested in doing, and from there I was lucky enough to be able to work my way up to project manager. After 18 months in project management, I decided that this was the career for me and I wanted to gain qualifications to enable me to progress further. Over the next 3 years, I completed a part-time degree in business management alongside working full-time.

After 7 years at the same company, it was time for a change! Having known a few people already working within Ashfield, I was attracted to pursuing a career there. I was lucky enough to get a job as an account executive.

The first day of my new job came and I don’t think I was fully prepared for what I had let myself in for. Having thrown myself into the world of healthcare communications it came as a bit of a shock. Not having a scientific background, it took a while to understand the industry and terminology, but slowly it started to make sense and now I couldn’t think of any other industry I would rather work in. I love my job and I love working for Ashfield. The experience and knowledge I have gained over the years in more than eight different therapy areas is incredible, and the team I work with are amazing and supportive, pulling together through the busy periods and having fun along the way.

I have now been with Ashfield for more than 7 years and have loved every minute. During that time, I have moved house three times, had two children and have worked my way from account executive to senior account manager. No 2 days are ever the same, but for starters duties include managing teams, supporting and mentoring my line reports, developing budget proposals, account planning, managing digital and creative projects, and delivering meetings. I work on a wide range of projects so it never gets boring.

I have also been lucky enough to travel the world experiencing things I would not have done working anywhere else. This is just an added extra to the fact that what we do really does make a difference to patients’ lives, which gives me a great sense of accomplishment in my job.

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Duties include managing teams,

supporting and mentoring my

line reports, developing budget

proposals, account planning,

managing digital and creative

projects, and delivering meetings


18 Natasha HowardSenior Project Manager Oxford PharmaGenesisBefore joining Oxford PharmaGenesis, I studied biological sciences as an undergraduate at the University of Exeter. I always knew that I wanted to work in a scientific field but I soon discovered that there were many career paths I could take following my degree.

When I learnt of a position as a project assistant at Oxford PharmaGenesis it sounded like a great opportunity in a scientific

profession that I hadn’t previously considered. Although I was starting in an entry-level position, I was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to clients and awarded real responsibility from day one. I soon understood what MedComms was all about and how crucial my role was within the team.

Following the opening of PharmaGenesis London, I was offered the chance to work at the new office, and although I enjoyed life in Oxfordshire at the time, it was too good an opportunity to turn down. On moving to the capital, I was able to play a central role in developing the framework that allows our London office to run smoothly and efficiently.

Oxford PharmaGenesis has a great track record for rewarding good performance with career progression and, since joining the company over 7 years ago, I have been promoted several times,

into my current position of senior project manager. In this role, I am responsible for the management of several publications and meetings accounts across a variety of therapy areas for one of our key pharmaceutical clients.

As a senior project manager, I am involved in the whole project life cycle, managing everything from account logistics and finances to the establishment and maintenance of relationships with clients and healthcare professionals. Part of my role is to understand the client’s strategic objectives for their accounts and ensure that these are applied to individual

projects. I am also involved in business development for the company, and have been part of several pitch teams implementing new growth opportunities.

I would certainly recommend Oxford PharmaGenesis as the ideal company for a career in project/account management in the MedComms industry. The company has supported my career development throughout, providing me with all the necessary training and enabling me to develop some invaluable skills and succeed in my role.

Oxford PharmaGenesis is a fantastic company to work for – not only does it offer opportunities for career development but it also provides a great environment in which to work alongside dedicated, like-minded colleagues.

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As a senior project manager, I am

involved in the whole project life

cycle, managing everything from

account logistics and finances to

the establishment and maintenance

of relationships with clients and

healthcare professionals


19Lindsey Pritchard Account Manager Highfield Communication MedComms at Highfield Communication is much more than just medical writing – in fact none of the varied projects would be delivered without the organisation and planning by our dedicated account teams. I was therefore delighted to hear that there would be a MedComms careers guide focused exclusively on account management.

I joined Highfield Communication more than 5 years ago as an administrative intern – only 3 short days after completing the final exams of my degree in history! While I really didn’t give myself much of a break, I was keen to start working and to get my teeth stuck into some real projects.

The comprehensive internship provided by the Highfield team gave me a great first impression of MedComms, and taught me much about the structure and organisation of agency teams. Initially, I sometimes worried that being a ‘non-scientist’ could limit my professional progression in this industry; however, my manager at Highfield gave me the best career advice: “the only person holding you back will be yourself”. I stopped worrying, worked hard and learnt all I could about MedComms. Since those first days as an intern, I have taken on key responsibilities within the company, and have progressed to being a fully-fledged account manager – I’ve never looked back!

I really enjoy the variety of my job. One day, I might be arranging a 300-delegate stand-alone meeting, or working with a team of designers to create a new client website (there are so many things to think about – from ’look and feel’, to content and target audience). On another day, I might be diving deep into my account’s finances – preparing budgets, invoicing or reconciling completed projects. As an account manager at Highfield, I am an integral part of the team – and often the main communicator between the many stakeholders involved in each project: my clients, their customers and suppliers, and of course my colleagues.

Clearly, good account management is essential to enable the team to meet our client’s brief and to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget. By now, you can probably tell that account managers carry a lot of responsibility, but this is rewarded with the satisfaction of having real ownership of your projects. You’ll need your best organisational skills to keep all the balls in the air.

When I started university, I had no idea that I would one day be working in MedComms. I’m pleased to say that joining Highfield has given me so many exciting opportunities, and the company has really invested in my skill training and knowledge base.

If you enjoy learning new things, like the idea of working on cutting-edge programmes to support pharmaceutical companies, and have some interest in the life sciences, account management in MedComms might be the perfect career move for you!

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Clearly, good account management

is essential to enable the team to

meet our client’s brief and to deliver

high-quality work on time

and within budget


20 Sarah TheobaldEvida, an AMICULUM agencyA road less travelledAt AMICULUM there is no such thing as a ‘standard’ career path, you plot your own course based on interests, skills and aspirations. This means each journey through AMICULUM is altogether different!

Here’s my route through the business, not quite your standard account management journey.

Starting out: I found my way into MedComms from a lab-based role at GlaxoSmithKline. I wanted to get away from the bench and try something new, but I couldn’t quite let go of the science; MedComms seemed to offer the perfect balance.

My first step on the journey: With my scientific background, a role as a trainee medical writer seemed a good fit. I joined Mudskipper (an AMICULUM agency) and had a great introduction to the industry, right in the middle of a busy publications account. I loved the fast-paced nature of the business and the challenge of making things happen at the right time and with the right

quality. I realised fairly quickly that it was client service and account management that really made me tick.

Changing direction: Having performed a hybrid writer/account management role, an opportunity came up to take over as the account lead. This was my first full commercial role and I knew I was making the right move. I thrived on building relationships with my clients and expanding the

account in new directions. I also discovered an enthusiasm for financial management and found motivation in the challenge of meeting targets.

Expanding my horizons: Up to this point my experience was primarily focused on the medical side of the business. A role came up leading one of our biggest commercial accounts and I leapt at the opportunity. It brought a completely different perspective and a fresh set of challenges; a great chance to keep learning, broaden my skillset and further understand where I wanted to take my career.

A strategic step: Coming back from maternity leave, it was time to step away from an account-based role and focus on strategy direction across the business. This allowed me to share my strategic expertise with more colleagues and clients across pharma companies and therapy areas. At the same time, I took on a commercial team lead role, supporting our outstanding team of account handlers and recruiting the Mudskippers of the future.

Reaching my current destination: After 11 great years at Mudskipper it was time to flex my fins and try something different. With the support of the AMICULUM leadership team, I was able to take a newly created role as commercial lead for our new healthcare consultancy, Evida. It’s given me all sorts of new experiences, setting up a new team and taking on a role as a healthcare consultant. I’m 6 months in now and it’s been great to keep on developing and making the most of what I’m best at!

So, it’s been an interesting journey to where I am now with lots of sights to see along the way! Who knows where my next steps will take me….

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It’s been an interesting journey

to where I am now with lots of

sights to see along the way!


21Jenny WarrenSenior Account Manager Lucid GroupI came across a career in communications purely by chance, applying for a job advertised in the local newspaper just a few weeks after graduating from university. This job saw me working as a project coordinator at a scientific publishing company; it gave me a real flavour of the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare, and it was this that inspired me to side-step into MedComms 5 years later. I’m now a senior account manager at Lucid, a medical education company that is a pioneer in the health world. I love what I do, and here are a few reasons why.

The role of an account manager is so varied. One day might consist of client calls and internal team meetings, where you are responsible for generating agendas, updating status reports and developing timelines. The next, you might be onsite in Barcelona, coordinating experts and clients to deliver a symposium or stand-alone meeting to hundreds of attendees. It’s this variety that I love and thrive off; it means I’m never watching the clock, waiting for 5 pm to come around.

I love being involved in a project at every stage. Account managers always need to have oversight and input into the entire project, from initial concept creation and proposal development, right up to project delivery. This means juggling multiple deadlines to make sure the project is delivered on time and to budget. It requires you to be organised, and while it can prove quite challenging at times, it’s so rewarding when something comes together in the end!

I regularly review and input on content. I love the opportunity to feed into a piece of work that a writer is developing, or create some of the less heavily scientific content myself. I really value this aspect of my job; it allows me to use my creative side, and for me it gives the perfect balance.

I’m lucky enough to work with some amazing people. The people who work at Lucid come from all sorts of backgrounds, and bring with them a wealth of experience. Working with them to bring the Lucid magic to our programmes is fantastic. Lucid has a wonderful culture with a true sense of teamwork, and we also have a bit of fun along the way!

We transform lives. Our clients and expert colleagues are passionate about improving patient care. By partnering with them, we have created some hugely successful and award-winning programmes that have been shown to change clinical practice and improve health outcomes. Ultimately, it is this that makes what we do so worthwhile, knowing that we truly make a difference to patients’ lives.

These are just some of the many reasons why I love what I do. If you have an interest in science, love a challenge and are passionate about improving patient outcomes, then a career in MedComms might be for you!

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Account managers always need to

have oversight and input into the

entire project, from initial concept

creation and proposal development,

right up to project delivery


22 Kamila WhitmanAMICULUM USAThe right fit: After more than 10 years in MedComms, and having worked with more than a few agencies, joining AMICULUM was, and still is, one of the best career decisions I’ve made. MedComms is a fast-paced, highly competitive industry. It can be challenging at times, but most importantly this career path can be very rewarding, especially when you find the right team. At AMICULUM I’m surrounded by a leadership team that takes pride in delivering excellent work, supports my individual career goals, invests in my professional growth, and encourages

a true balance between my work life and my most essential job as a mother. Shortly after joining AMICULUM, I was certain I had finally found the right fit, but the journey that led me here was equally important.

Introduction to MedComms: My introduction to MedComms happened by accident. I was a few years out of graduate school, unsure of my direction and searching for a job. When I was hired at

a small MedComms agency in New York, I had zero knowledge of the industry and was unaware that my new job had started me on a career path that would shape me in many ways, both professionally and personally. At my first agency, I received a great introduction to the pharmaceutical industry and the role that MedComms agencies play in this field. I was inspired and motivated to be able to play a part in educating healthcare professionals about new treatment paradigms that were instrumental in successfully treating/preventing HIV, and to create content focused on helping expectant mothers in underserved populations understand critical risk

factors in pregnancy. I had found a career that would allow me to make a difference in healthcare and, most importantly, to help people, which has always been my passion.

Failing upward: Over the next 10 years, I received a crash course in MedComms; I would fail and succeed many times, but I would also learn tremendous lessons about what it takes to be a successful account leader and businesswoman in this industry.

Reflecting on the journey: When I reflect on my journey, determination and hard work were certainly key components to success. As an account director, it’s also been extremely important to be a great communicator, lead with confidence, poise and enthusiasm, inspire and encourage others, and maintain high standards of integrity, excellence and accountability. In addition, I’m constantly focused on understanding and anticipating client needs, always paying attention to the details many clients will miss; this is a skill that is developed by experience and honed over time by simply listening and being thoughtful/strategic and solution focused.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in terms of finding the right agency fit is to understand my worth and be mindful of how an agency perceives my value. I’m thankful to have found an agency that acknowledges my contributions and shows me that I’m valued as a professional and as a person. My team supports and instills confidence in my abilities as an account director, which inspires me to go to work and give 100% every day.

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MedComms is a fast-paced,

highly competitive industry. It

can be challenging at times, but

most importantly this career

path can be very rewarding…

Let’s get you startedWe’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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I work in MedComms...

For details of careers events, plus much more, visit: www.FirstMedCommsJob.com

“I work in MedComms as part of Fishawack’s ever-evolving project management team. Whether it’s in the office or on the

football pitch, I’m a team player and believe that communication and cohesion are crucial to bringing about the right result. I enjoy working with clients, colleagues and numbers, and get a kick from managing projects from inception right up until the final whistle.”

Pete Aidley, Technical Lead, Project Management Team at Fishawack Communications

“I work in MedComms and although I don’t have a scientific background, it really allows me to feel close to the development of life-saving drugs, and knowing

that the work I deliver ultimately ends in the care and needs of a patient is beyond rewarding.”

Kim Barber, Account Executive at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because there is a real variety of project types, which are interesting, current and inspiring, and therefore I’m constantly learning something new. Each day is full of exciting challenges, and even after 15 years,

one day has never been the same as the previous. Working across different therapy areas also means you learn about

new advances in science, which can make a real difference to patient lives; this makes me proud to work in MedComms.”

Clare Bibby at Delta Kn, an AMICULUM agency

“I work in MedComms because it is varied, challenging and rewarding. Every day is different so it never gets boring, and seeing a project come together successfully after a cohesive

team effort is very satisfying. There is also a great ‘team spirit’ in MedComms, particularly during busy peaks, which

makes the office a friendly and enjoyable place to be.”

Maria Bickerton, Senior Account Manager at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because this career allows me to use skills that I have acquired from a range of different working environments, whilst making use of my university

degrees. I am passionate about the importance of scientific discoveries; each day I am involved in projects that have

the potential to change healthcare treatments as we currently know them! I also thrive in a fast-paced, high-

pressured, but rewarding work environment – with plenty of opportunity to develop and have fun!”

Alice Blackler, Account Executive at Real Science Communications

“I work in MedComms as a programme manager and it is the best decision I have ever made. I love the versatility my job

offers me; I am constantly on the go, constantly learning and developing and no 2 days are the same. I get the opportunity to work with world-leading pharmaceutical companies, and

experts at the forefront of their field, whilst putting the project management, communication (and multi-tasking!) skills I

developed during my chemistry PhD into good use. I feel very privileged to have a job which fulfils all these different aspects.”

Lorna Bosdet, Programme Manager at Wave Healthcare

“I work in MedComms and the role of a senior account executive at Porterhouse Medical is varied and challenging;

as you are client-facing, you must be a confident communicator and good at juggling many tasks at once. My role is fast-paced, and I took on responsibility very quickly and felt ownership over my projects within the first month. However, having to learn so rapidly was not easy and required determination and grit. Now, over a year in, I feel like a valued member of the team, I have

been promoted and have worked at many on-site events around Europe. I am still learning so much; the medical communications

industry is complex, with many rules, regulations and processes, but for someone like me who thrives in a challenging

environment, working in this industry is the perfect job.”

Nina Bull, Senior Account Executive at Porterhouse Medical

“I work in MedComms because it combines scientific knowledge with creativity, has enormous diversity of projects, and can span multiple disease areas. It’s a growing industry,

with great opportunities to develop and try your hand at new skills – from managing projects through to

medical writing and instructional design.”

Jenny Cann at Delta Kn, an AMICULUM agency

“I work in MedComms and it provides me with a varied and rewarding experience, working alongside exceptional

people who are driven to improve healthcare.”

Melanie Chisholm, Account Manager at HealthCare21

“I work in MedComms because I found working in a commercial laboratory monotonous and mechanical. I wanted a career

that I was engaged with and love the diversity of my job. No two projects are the same and the therapeutic areas differ. I

continue to learn with each event, enjoy having a client-facing role and being able to develop my interpersonal skills.”

Lily Clague, Account Executive at mXm Medical Communications


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“I work in MedComms because, despite not having a scientific background, I can contribute to initiatives that have a positive impact

on patients’ lives by supporting our clients with effective project management. I like to think of it as an office job with good karma.”

Oliver Cole, Project Manager at Oxford PharmaGenesis

“I work in MedComms because it’s great! Like many others who studied a science-based degree I wanted to stay close to

science but didn’t want to be in a lab. MedComms is the perfect medium and I get exposed to a huge variety of therapeutic areas, people, information and amazingness every day.”

Joe Dickson, Senior Account Executive at Real Science Communications

“I work in MedComms because there’s something quite magical about using the perfect mix of science and art to

create transformative medical communication programmes that improve health outcomes for patients.”

Laura Gaskell, Senior Account Director at Lucid Group

“I work in MedComms as it allows me to combine my passion for science with my passion for people. It allows me to be at the forefront of life-changing therapies and there is nothing

more rewarding than knowing you are improving lives.”

Suha Ghandour, Project Assistant at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms and I love that no 2 days are the same. You really could not ask for a job with more variety than that of an account handler in medical communications – working with

different people both internally and externally, learning new skills, completing diverse projects across therapy areas and travelling to many places across the world. It’s a tough job and I wouldn’t say it’s a 9–5, but the reward of an enriching career with tonnes

of opportunity for progression is well worth the effort.”

Tori Goodger, Senior Account Manager at Real Science Communications

“I work in MedComms because it allows me to continue to pursue my passion for science outside of the lab! I love working as part of such a dynamic, talented team and the comradery that comes with this. Your role never stands still and we are always pushing ourselves to deliver novel and innovative solutions for our client

partners. I learn something new every day – amazing!”

Kathryn Gray, Client Solutions at Envision Pharma Group

“I work in MedComms because you are exposed to a wide variety of projects and you continue to learn something new with each one.”

Laura Heaney, Account Manager at Prime Global

“I work in MedComms because it enables me to support the activities of experts and clients at the forefront

of science to advance patient care.”

Nicola Hewlins, Account Director at HealthCare21

“I work in MedComms because I am passionate about making science accessible. As an account manager I oversee a variety of projects designed to communicate data and key messages to varying audiences. From helping patients gain

a better understanding of a disease area, to supporting pharmaceutical companies to develop cascading medical

and publication plans. Honestly, no 2 days are the same and I relish the challenges that working in this industry brings.”

Betty Hillhouse at Mudskipper, an AMICULUM agency

“I work in MedComms because I was keen to take on a new challenge, and I now have the pleasure of working

with a fantastic team and each day brings new opportunities and experiences!”

Isha Humphrey, Senior Account Executive at Elements Communications

“I work in MedComms as it is very rewarding to know the work I do is ultimately helping patients. I like that there is

a great sense of teamwork both internally and with the client. Everyday can bring a new challenge and a

new problem to solve, which I love!”

Lauren Idnani-Powdrill, Account Manager at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because it’s nice to be in an environment where you feel like you are helping to make a difference. Despite being quite far down the chain, I enjoy that what

looks like a ‘day job’ to some, can mean a world of difference to someone who is suffering further down the line.”

Harriet King, Client Solutions at Envision Pharma Group

“I work in MedComms as an account manager but initially started out on the editorial side. After 2 years I decided to

switch over to the client service side of MedComms, and I enjoy continuing to learn daily about diseases and new treatments

– without having to get into hard core data crunching!”

Rachel Lafbery, Account Manager at Virgo Health Education

“I work in MedComms because of the variety – no day is the same. One day we may need to travel to support an advisory board and the

next we may be preparing for the submission of a manuscript.”

Laura Mackey, Associate Client Services Manager at Adelphi Communications

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I work in MedComms...“I work in MedComms because I get to work on diverse

projects, raise disease awareness, and educate people on the newest developments in a wide range of therapy areas. I get to use my organisation and interpersonal skills, and

stay close to science without having to be in the lab.”

Sophia Makki, Account Executive at integrated medhealth communication (imc)

“I work in MedComms because I enjoy working alongside medical writers, designers, editors and account managers to help to

achieve our clients’ strategic goals on time and within budget.”

Erin Mallegol, Project Manager at Oxford PharmaGenesis

“I work in MedComms because I enjoy the diversity of the projects and the clients we work with – you can

guarantee that no 2 days will be the same, plus the feeling of knowing that what you do on a daily basis has a positive

effect on other people’s lives is priceless. An additional bonus is also on occasions you get to see the world.”

Kate Marshall, Account Manager at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because I love the fast pace and varied workload. No 2 days are ever the same and you get to tackle different challenges and work with such a wide variety of people, from global

medical experts to financial accountants to creative agencies.”

Clio Maynard, Client Services Manager at Adelphi Communications

“I work in MedComms providing support to my client to help raise awareness of their drug, everything from advisory boards

and symposia at congresses to organising logistics onsite, being seen as their partner to bring success to their drug.”

Sara Mellor, Account Manager at Paragon, a Prime Global agency

“I work in MedComms purely by chance, but I love it. The innovation going on, and the evolving communication strategies needed in a fast-paced therapy area provide a wealth of exciting programs for a project manager to coordinate with the rest of the team.”

Tom Middlebrook, Senior Project Manager at Fishawack Communications

“I work in MedComms at Porterhouse Medical. I love the amazing company culture, the global travel

and the engaging work with real impact.”

Tom Murray, Account Manager at Porterhouse Medical

“I work in MedComms because I get to use my social and interactive skills whilst improving on the scientific knowledge I

learnt at university. It’s great to be able to work in an environment where you are learning about new drugs and their therapy areas, as well as helping Pharma companies to convey their message

to a specialised audience. I enjoy working in MedComms because you feel like your work is appreciated by clients and also your team, and that’s something I find very rewarding.”

Goldie Osei, Account Executive at mXm Medical Communications

“I work in MedComms, which has allowed me to travel to international medical congresses and communicate exciting scientific breakthroughs!”

Sarah Owen, Senior Account Executive at HealthCare21

“I work in MedComms because I love the fast-paced environment and the variety of projects in which I can get involved. I also find

it incredibly rewarding to be able to be part of a team working on projects that have a real impact on people’s lives.”

Maica Pons, Senior Account Manager at Lucid Group

“I work in MedComms as it is great to know the work I do is ultimately helping healthcare professionals to make more informed

treatment decisions, which greatly impacts patient’s quality of life. Knowing that my day-to-day work can have such a positive impact on people’s lives really helps me to get out of bed on a morning. Every day is never the same and new challenges

are always around the corner so it never gets boring!”

Matthew Smith-Andrews, Account Manager at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because no 2 days are the same. As an account director I love leading a team to plan and deliver projects for

our clients, and often that involves overcoming a number of barriers and challenges along the way to ensure that the client’s objectives will be achieved and the project will add value to patient care.

MedComms offers the opportunity to work on such a large variety of projects and therapy areas and I love the fact that, day to day, I am continually learning new things and developing new skills.”

Nicholas Spence, Account Director at NexGen Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms as no 2 days (or even 2 hours!) are the same – it is faced-paced, dynamic and challenging. It gives you enormous scope

for development and growth, building team and client relationships and helping to deliver a variety of projects across a variety of media

(publications, meetings, medical education, digital etc etc!).”

Victoria Taylor, Senior Client Services Manager at Adelphi Communications


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“I work in MedComms because I love the variety of work and being able to work as a team, as well as the

opportunities to travel and attend interesting meetings.”

Rebecca Thomas, Senior Account Executive at Porterhouse Medical

“I work in MedComms because every day is different, there is always a new challenge and I am constantly kept on my

toes, there is never a dull moment – and I love that!”

Lauren Townson, Project Manager at Oxford PharmaGenesis

“I work in MedComms because I wanted to use the skills and scientific knowledge I had developed during my degree outside of the lab

environment. During my time in this industry, I have worked across a number of diverse projects, which each had their own challenges and provided opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge further.”

Emily Tracy, Account Executive at Porterhouse Medical

“I work in MedComms because it gives me great satisfaction to work in a sector that directly impacts upon the health and

wellbeing of individuals and you feel like you’re making a difference in your day-to-day job. Coming from a non-scientific background, it provides an opportunity to learn about scientific and medical advances which I would otherwise not be exposed

to. Job satisfaction for me is helping clients achieve their objectives and then seeing those projects come to life.”

Nicola Turner, Account Manager at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because no 2 days are the same. As an account manager, my work is varied and wide ranging. I can

be doing anything from resourcing to roundtables, symposia to stand-alones, timelines to tactical planning. I enjoy working in an

agency environment, as part of a wider team of professionals, supporting clients to achieve their objectives. The work is interesting

and expands my scientific knowledge on a daily basis.”

Jill Ware at Mudskipper, an AMICULUM agency

“I work in MedComms because I love the variety and challenges it brings, as well as the opportunity we have to improve patients’ lives.”

Jenny Warren, Senior Account Manager at Lucid Group

“I work in MedComms because I want to make a difference. Illness and disease affect everyone in some way and at some

time. Whilst I am not a researcher, a doctor or a scientist, I help deliver important and sometimes life-changing messages to

healthcare professionals who can directly impact patients’ lives.”

Shelley Will, Senior Project Manager at Fishawack Facilitate

“I work in MedComms because every day is different, there isn’t a day goes by where I don’t learn something

new and exciting that helps me continuously build strong working relationships with our clients. It’s a fast-paced environment with new challenges and there is always

the opportunity to work on a variety of projects!”

Lyndsey Willsher, Account Executive at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because of the passionate and committed people who never forget that the little things

they do each day make a big difference. The nature of the industry means we’re facing new challenges every day,

and the way we tackle these by pulling together as a team makes coming to work each day really enjoyable.”

Beth Wise, Project Assistant at Ashfield Healthcare Communications

“I work in MedComms because it is a dynamic and diverse world that offers exposure to a variety of different project types. Despite only recently graduating from university, the supportive team here at mXm Medical Communications has welcomed me with open

arms. Meeting the needs of pharmaceutical professions and helping contribute to the education of specific target audiences on

innovative therapies has been rewarding, especially within such a friendly and highly professional working environment. I think

MedComms should definitely advertise more to creative, science-based graduates who are too often unaware of alternative career options other than those based in laboratories and academia.”

Alice Wood, Account Executive at mXm Medical Communications

“I work in MedComms because it allows me to work across a variety of projects and international accounts, all focused on

developing innovative programmes to improve patient outcomes.”

Emma Woollhead, Account Manager at Vivid MedComms, part of Lucid Group

“I work in MedComms because I enjoy being involved in developing compelling stories to help people understand research.

I thoroughly enjoy the fast-paced nature of the work, and getting the chance to develop relationships with colleagues and clients from all over the world. Of course, the travel is a bonus too!”

Victoria Wright at 7.4, an AMICULUM agency

“I work in MedComms because it combines my scientific, project management and communications skills all into

one really interesting and varied role. I hope that what we do makes a real difference to the wider community.”

Alison Young, Project Manager at Oxford PharmaGenesis


All about #MedComms Free for everyone, everywhere

We’re building a collection of free video content here for the global #MedComms community. Some of it we produce ourselves, and some is curated with permission from the owners

• Agency showcase

• Business management

• Careers support

• Compliance

• Digital solutions

• Events management

• Medical education

• Professional groups

• Social media

• Scholarly publishing

visit www.NetworkPharma.tv

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EMPOWERED CAREERSWE CARE

#WECARE

*Company size: Medium

At AXON, we partner with global pharmaceutical and device companies to make a real difference to the lives of patients and their loved ones. We are committed to achieving meaningful results through our science-based, engaging medical communications and public relations campaigns.

We’re always keen to hear from passionate, bright individuals who might fit into our collaborative and creative London-based AXON team (one of the UK’s Top 10 Best Workplaces in 2017*).

Curious? Time for a change? Find out why our team chose AXON at www.axon-com.com/careers or get in touch via [email protected] – reference ‘Careers’.

We simplify complex information to improve outcomes in healthcare

We are a global agency providing comprehensive and innovativemedical communication services to the healthcare industry. Adelphi provides the

right environment for professionals who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, including a vibrant team environment, intensive

on-the-job coaching and a program of targeted training.

Interested in joining us?

Please contact [email protected]

www.adelphicommunications.com

Adelphi Communications Ltd, Adelphi Mill, BollingtonMacclesfield, Cheshire, UK, SK10 5JB

+44 1625 575500

We are expert communicators.We work with global and regional brand teams to conceive and deliver inventive, high-impact communication campaigns. Our clients are some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

Our Account Management team understand that to deliver great work, you must love what you do and our passion infuses everything we do.

If you’re interested in joining our large and dynamic team, working to inspire change, influence clinical practice, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, then get in touch at [email protected]

www.asandk.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/236486/

https://twitter.com/AdelphiComms

https://www.facebook.com/AdelphiCommunications/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/axon-communications/

https://www.instagram.com/axon_uk/

https://twitter.com/AxonComms

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Bedrock’s audience-focused approach enables the delivery of impactful (and often unusual) communication and education solutions for our clients. It is our team’s insight, energy and free-thinking approach that makes this both possible and exciting.It is just part of what makes us an award-winning, independent med comms agency.If you have a passion for science and have a wicked, fun streak, we want to hear from you.

Get in touch:

Is career boredom the elephant in your room?

+44 (0)1252 240200 [email protected]

T

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171219_BDRK_Medcomms Network_Guide_ad_v0c.indd 1 19/12/2017 16:03

At Elements, we’re proud to do things differently…

...and the difference we make is clear

...because the way we achieve success matters

Elements Communications Ltd is part of the Obsidian Healthcare Group

Elements Communications is an independent, ‘boutique’ medical communications agency with offices in Westerham, Kent and Victoria, London

We believe in doing business the right way – with the needs of our clients and our people at the core of everything we do

So if you’re looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career in account management/client services, within a thriving, industry-leading agency that cares, we’d love to hear from you!

[email protected]

www.elementscommunications.com

Acc mgt advert.indd 1 15/01/2018 14:57

...good enough isn’t good enough.

At Ashfield Healthcare Communications...

When you’re surrounded by talented people, excellence is the norm

Go to lifeatAHC.com and hear Amber’s story about what life is like working at an agency full of ingenuity

AshfieldHealthcare Communications

lifeatAHC.comUDGHealthcare plc

Ashfield Landscape Adverts_LLv2.indd 1 21/12/2017 15:49

http://www.lifeatahc.com

http://www.lifeatahc.com

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Tom, Senior Project Manager

Start your Fishawack journey:

@fishawack [email protected] • Oxford • Brighton • London • Basel • Pennsylvania • California

www.fishawack.com/contact-us/recruitment

group of companies

Infectious ideas required

We are hiring account handlers

Please contact the recruitment team at [email protected]

Great ideas. Doing good.

Havas Lynx hiring ad 125x87.5.indd 1 21/12/2017 11:31

Envision your future with usEnvision Pharma Group is a global leader in medical

communications, with a heritage based on scientific

excellence and exceptional client service.

We are always looking for ambitious and talented

individuals to be a part of our continued success. If you

are looking for your first role in medical communications,

please send your CV and a cover letter to

[email protected] or

contact us to request an informal discussion about

current opportunities.

Envision Pharma nurtures a culture that encourages

professional development where we recognize and

reward each other’s achievements. We are a dynamic and

caring company to work for, offering excellent benefits,

a share ownership scheme and a friendly and

encouraging work environment. The opportunity to work

alongside established passionate experts in medical

communications provides an ideal environment for your

career progression.

We are growing fast – in fact we grew by 25% in the past

year. The company employs more than 600 team

members globally, with 5 offices in the UK, 1 in Serbia,

6 in the US and 2 in Asia Pacific – Tokyo and Sydney.

www.envisionpharmagroup.com - Making the world a

healthier place as the leading global partner for life

science Medical Affairs departments.

© Envision Pharma Group 2018. All rights reserved.

https://twitter.com/Fishawack

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CareerOpportunities

Insight MW are experts in clinical and regulatory writing. Our highly motivated and talented team provides an unparalleled service to the pharmaceutical industry.

Located in Oxford, we offer exciting career opportunities for medical writers looking to move into account management or motivated individuals seeking a new role in account management.

For further information:W: www.insightmw.comE: [email protected]

knowledge. experience. expertise.

Starting something new can seem like a huge step, but by joining the supportive team at highfield:communication – working in partnership with great clients – you can make it the right choice.

Our vibrant medical communications consultancy always delivers creative, high-quality programmes – aiming to surpass client expectations every time.

Let us help you take that leap.

Come and join our friendly, enthusiastic and growing team.

Take the leap

For details of all current vacancies and our internship programme, please contact Carolyn at:

+44 (0)1865 [email protected]

59 St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1ST, UK

mailto:cliff.wyatt%40healthcare21.co.uk?subject=

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Dreaming about improving patients’ lives?Imagine being able to prove that you did.

Why imagine?

Lucid London, Island Studios

We are the dream makers.

lucid-group.co.uk

We like to get our hands on drugs

In fact, we are completely addicted to them.

Creating extraordinary human-centric medical communication programmes since 2006. Addictively.

Join us in our craving.

Be Compelled.Be Part of Extraordinary.

[email protected]

http://www.lucid-group.co.uk

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Our reputation for excellence is built on the perfect ecosystem of scientific expertise and strategic acumen, combined with a splash of creative flair

To support our growing business, we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team – contact Jane Smith

([email protected]) to find out more

Go on, tell us what we’re missing...


Mudskipper-What's missing advert December 2017 CLv1.1.indd 1 16/01/2018 13:50:16

GLASGOW • LONDON • MACCLESFIELD • MANCHESTER • OXFORD • CHICAGO • NEW JERSEY • NEW YORK • PHILADELPHIA • SAN FRANCISCO

LOVE SCIENCE?COMMUNICATE IT!

McCann Complete Medical are excited to work in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, providing a wide range of innovative and class-leading services. We work on some of the most exciting healthcare products globally and provide a positive and challenging working environment for our staff.

Our people have clever and curious minds, courageous and committed hearts. We are incredibly proud of our people and we aim to provide them with careers, not just jobs. Interested?

Email: [email protected]

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NexGen is a creative dynamic team helping

clients with bespoke Medical Communications, Patient

Engagement and cutting edge Med-Tech communications solutions. If you are

passionate about the future of healthcare and can help us deliver solutions and services to our clients, then get in touch.

Head to our website: www.nexgenhc.com to find out more, or send your CV to [email protected]

www.mxmcommunications.com

The eXpertise you need, when you need it

Let’s get you startedWe’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

• Audio interviews

• Videos

• Webinars

• Agency showcase

• Jobs

• Careers events

• Careers guide

• News

• Specialist recruiters

• Email alerts

visit www.FirstMedCommsJob.comFirs

tMed

Com

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.com

Firs

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A rewarding career inproject managementFollowing another impressiveyear of growth, we are lookingfor talented entry-level orexperienced project managersand account handlers.

Do we havethe perfectrole for you?

For information on all opportunities, please contact Annie Beagent or Lesley Beveridge

[email protected] Oxford | London | Cardiff | Basel | Philadelphia | Melbourne

INTERESTED?WWW.NUCLEUS-GLOBAL.COM

NUCLEUS GLOBAL IS COMMITTED TO CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE

TALENTED PEOPLE THRIVE

KICK START YOUR CAREER IN MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH OUR

TRAINING ACADEMY

FREE YOUR GEEK

http://www.nucleus-global.com

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Millions saw the apple fall;Newton asked why

www.thisisrealscience.net Part of the Publicis network

Bernard Baruch

If you’re like Newton, we’d love you to join us on our journey of discovery

Real Science is always on the lookout for bright, enthusiastic and curious people to join our integrated medical writing and account handling teams

To jump start your career in a place with a small agency feel but large network opportunities, please send your CV and covering letter quoting ‘Real Science’ to: [email protected]

VIPPVery Important Prime Person

London • Knutsford • New York • San Francisco • Macclesfield

@PrimeGlobalBuzz

PrimeGlobal

Become a ...

To access all areas of your career,call +44 1565 752 100 for a chat today.

We’re on the hunt for the next generation

of med comms superstars. Who, just like us,

are passionate about innovation, creativity

and original thinking.

Intrigued? Tell us what you think this image

could be and send along with your CV to

[email protected].

Ready to get Seriously Imaginative?

Winner of PharmaTimes Communications Team of the Year

publicisresolute.com #WeAreResolutePowered by curiositySeriously ImaginativeExtraordinary Ideas

Resolute Grad Scheme Ad v4a.indd 1 08/03/2017 12:20

https://www.publicisresolute.com

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+44 118 913 9100 www.porterhouse.biz [email protected]

“I love the amazing company culture, the opportunities for global travel and the engaging work with real impact.”

For a career with...

Working with our partners to improve people’s lives

Get in touch

PROMISE • PASSION • PURPOSE

Challenging and rewarding careerIndustry-leading trainingCareer progressionAttractive salary and benefitsFlexible working hoursOpportunities for global travel World-class team Open and friendly culture

What we offer

Recruitment marketing | FirstMedcommsjob & Account manager ads_v0.10.indd 1 04/01/2018 10:35

VIRGOwww.virgohealth.com

Renowned for being loyal, hard-working perfectionists, Virgos are attracted to confidence and ambition

Do you think we’d be a good match?Send your profile to [email protected]

We are a marketing-led medical education company that avoids layers of management, bureaucracy and politics. We invest our energies in producing high-quality UK and international programmes for our clients who include 5 of the top 10 global pharma companies.

We know that it is the quality of our people that differentiates us and makes us successful.

We are a marketing-led medical education company that avoids layers of management, bureaucracy and politics. We invest our

Your next step in medical education

Wave Healthcare Communications Ltd, The Griffi n, 12 The Broadway, Amersham, Bucks HP7 0HP T. +44 (0) 1494 434 431 www.wavehealthcare.co.uk

THAT’S WHY OUR PROGRAMME MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS:

have a broader role than the traditional account handler

are responsible for programme development along with programme ownership

are the powerhouse of our teams delivering everything from symposia to animated fi lms

If this sounds like an environment in which you could fl ourish and you have the experience, qualifi cations, energy and drive to be part of our team, please send either Rod or James an email with your CV.

[email protected]

[email protected]

HUG2984 Network 125 x 180mm Pharma ad PM v4.indd 1 16/01/2018 09:54

https://twitter.com/porterhousemed

https://www.linkedin.com/company/porterhouse-medical/

https://www.facebook.com/PorterhouseMedical/

https://www.facebook.com/virgohealth/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/394251/

https://twitter.com/VirgoHealth

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www.media-contacts.co.uk

Media Contacts, one of the most respected agencies in

healthcare communications recruitment, has been placing

medical writers and account handlers in MedComms, healthcare

PR and advertising agencies for 20 years, all over the country.

Julia Walton and her team provide a truly consultative career

service to writers and account handlers wanting to get into

MedComms, so whether you want someone to run a professional

eye over your CV, some interview tips or to just point you in the

right direction to get your first job, this is the agency to call.

A happy candidate said:-

Julia is one of the best recruitment consultants.

She is very knowledgeable about getting into

MedComms as a career. When you decide to

make a change, it can be a bit scary but Julia

inspires confidence and can be trusted to do her

very best for you. She isn’t pushy, allows you to

set the pace and is a pleasure to work with.

To arrange a confidential discussion,

please call or email Julia on +44 (0) 20 7359 8244 or

[email protected]

and she or one of her team will get back to you.

0-200 in 16 years

We know what you’re thinking. That’s not brilliant acceleration.

But we are not talking about a car, we’re describing a different type of vehicle. From a standing start in 2001, AMICULUM now comprises a cluster of 7 specialized healthcare communications and consulting

agencies. Our team of 200 professionals work with our global pharmaceutical industry clients in Asia, the Middle East, UK, Europe

and the USA.

Unlike most of our competitors, AMICULUM started life as, and remains, an independent business fuelled by the passion and

professionalism of our colleagues. Lift the bonnet (that’s hood for those in the USA) and you’ll find a finely-tuned AMICULUM engine, not one

borrowed from a mass-produced model.

Want to kick our tyres and take a test drive? Please visit our showroom at www.amiculum.biz


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0-200 in 16 years_v0.7_CL.pdf 1 15/12/2017 10:52:16

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