2. Medical education and communications: an agency overview Mike Gazeley Director of Training and Consultancy KnowledgePoint 360 Group

3. 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

4. What services do MCE agencies offer? Patient Education Internal communication & training Publication strategy and planning Congress & meeting management Branding and positioning Communication strategy and planning E-healthcare solutions Strategic development consultancy Physician Education Programmes Regulatory Promotional Scientific

5. 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

6. Their goals Maximise sales Maximise product lifecycle Demonstrate medical and marketing competence Protect credibility Be successful!

7. 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

8. 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

9. Typical entry requirements Scientific qualification Life-science PhD or PharmD preferred for M&SS Writing ability Medical writing test required for M&SS job roles Good communicator Organized and good time management Multitasking ability Team player Positive attitude

10. Typical M&SS structure Operations Manager Team Leader Principal MW Senior MW Medical Writer Associate MW Senior Scientific Director Scientific Director Associate Scientific Director

11. 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

12. Agency medical writing What’s it like?

13. 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

14. …gaining experience…and Writing, writing and writing… abstracts posters papers slides newsletters exhibition panels… …the list goes on!

15. …getting out and about! Prostate cancer stand alone Greece 2005 Satellite symposium France 2003 Advisory board Italy 2006 Oncology franchise stand alone Brazil 2001

17. Learning to… Prepare communication and publication plans Work with medical experts and clients Present ideas, proposals and pitches Manage a team

18. …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!

19. 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

20. 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

21. Related career options Commissioning editors Managing editors Health analysts Pharma company publications and communication managers Medical information Copy editing