employee stories
Life as an Associate Medical Writer
Rachel | Associate Medical Writer | Manchester, UK | June 12, 2024
Rachel, based in Manchester, is an Associate Medical Writer in our Medical Communications team. Here, she shares the experiences she has gained during her placement year, including how she has grown and developed in her role.
Why did you decide to pursue a placement year during your university studies?
Deciding to take a placement year was a huge milestone for me. Being committed to a role for an entire academic year, pulling myself out of student life, and accepting that I wouldn’t graduate at the same time as my peers were challenging prospects. I knew that if I was going to pursue a placement year, three key things had to align perfectly with my individual growth and career goals: the job, the industry, and the company I was working for.
I had heard during career events and from returning placement students about the opportunity for personal and professional development during a placement year; however, many placements aimed at biosciences students were based in the lab—which didn’t particularly appeal to me. I wanted instead to explore the overlap between my enjoyment of writing and utilizing my biosciences background, as well as working in a supportive, employee-focused company. Medical writing at Avalere Health (then Fishawack Health) revealed itself as that perfect fit, and I quickly made the decision to apply. I haven’t looked back since!
What attracted you to Avalere Health’s Medical team?
Avalere Health’s Medical team stood out for several reasons. Initially, during my research into the company, I was impressed by the calibre of the work and Avalere Health’s partnerships with many renowned pharmaceutical companies. The Medical team’s commitment to scientific excellence was inspiring, and the team appeared well integrated into the rest of the company and their various capabilities. I was impressed with the number of therapy areas they specialised in, as well as the range of services they offered. Even from afar, the team seemed to be effective, professional, and organised—which was confirmed through my application process.
In my interview, I met two members of Avalere Health’s Medical team, and I was delighted by how passionate they were about their work. I was immediately made to feel welcome, and it was clear that they were very knowledgeable and fully engaged in the Medical Communications industry. I was asked questions about my previous work experience and future career aspirations(I noticed they were both excellent communicators and listeners), and at the end, I was thrilled to receive my placement offer.
What skills have you developed during your placement?
From a technical standpoint, I’ve improved my ability to synthesize complex scientific information into clear and concise written content. I have learned a vast amount of medical terminology, more about the intricacies of various therapeutic areas, and the different ways to interpret and communicate clinical data. I have also learned to appreciate the importance of attention to detail and consistency, ensuring accuracy and integrity in my writing.
Although I am delighted with my technical progress, I am also pleased with the development of my interpersonal and soft skills. My time management and team-working skills are better than they have ever been, and I feel a dramatic improvement in my confidence when speaking and expressing my professional or academic opinion. I can’t wait to use these enhanced skills when I return to university next year!
What has been a key highlight of your placement experience so far?
During my placement, each day has been a new opportunity for growth and to develop valuable professional and personal skills. I’ve had the opportunity to take accredited online professional development courses sponsored by the company, I have received excellent one-to-one feedback during my ‘Medical Academy’ training meetings, and I have also enjoyed great friendships with my co-workers, including my fellow placement student. One thing that stands out, however, was the opportunity to become a co-author of both an abstract and poster for the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) 2024 Medical Congress. Aside from having a publication (or two!) under my belt, the most moving aspect was how helpful each of my colleagues were throughout the process. A true highlight was and is being perceived as a true member of the business and having my ambitious requests for networking, opportunity, and further experience taken seriously. Every colleague I spoke to about my idea to attend the ISMPP 2024 Congress in Washington DC in person was encouraging and enthusiastic. I feel lucky to be a part of a company so ready to support my individual and professional success.
If you could summarize your placement experience in three words, what would they be?
Dynamic, transformative, and engaging.
How has your placement with Avalere Health supported your professional growth?
Aside from developing countless key skills and gaining technical experience, the exposure to real-world challenges, mentorship from my colleagues, and the opportunity to work on meaningful projects with Avalere Health has been an invaluable part of my professional growth. Moreover, through working alongside industry experts I have gained a broad view of the pharmaceutical and Medical Communications landscape. Learning more about the regulatory frameworks that govern drug development and the marketing strategies employed by pharmaceutical companies has been fascinating and transformative. In summary, I would highly recommend the Medical Writing university placement at Avalere Health, and I can’t wait to reapply here for a full-time position after I finish university!