Shows
MedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 10: Being a Lifelong LearnerLearning a little bit of something each day is a bit like dollar-cost averaging in the field of investing: keep doing them consistently over time, and you will end up becoming very rich in both marketable skills and savings. It’s also always been my belief that the best investment you can possibly make—better than any mutual fund or stock market return—is in developing your own skills. Nobody can take them away from you. In this episode I talk about some of the things that are useful to learn as a freelance medical writer. Here are the...
2022-02-1010 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 9: Having a LinkedIn PresenceThis week’s episode covers freelance medical writer success trait number 9, which is having a strong LinkedIn presence. I interviewed Dr. Kalpana Shankar a few months ago on this topic, and I think our conversation really covers most of what I would have to say (and includes several value bombs from Dr. Shankar), so I am reposting that here, along with a short intro on the topic. If you are a freelance medical writer and are interested in getting more clients, LinkedIn is definitely the place to be. You can have a fully built profile within a da...
2022-02-0343 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 8: Being Professional on Client CallsIn this episode, I talk about the many things we have to remember to pull off a successful video conference call with a client, including what to wear, how to set up the video, and other minutiae involved in a professional client call. This is trait number 8 of the 10 traits of successful freelance medical writers. Focused on what the client and reader wants and needs Follows directions Follows formatting Responsive Well versed in AMA style and rules of editing Organized and mindful of time Cheerful/forgiving/flexible Professional with clients on calls LinkedIn presence Lifelong learner ...
2022-01-2719 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 7: Being Cheerful, Forgiving and FlexibleThis week I am talking about being cheerful, forgiving, and flexible--freelance medical writer success trait number 7. How far do you have to go in this regard? Is the customer or client always right? When should you cut ties with a client? Here are the top 10 traits of successful medical writers as I see them: Focused on what the client and reader wants and needs Follows directions Follows formatting Responsive Well versed in AMA style and rules of editing. Organized and mindful of time. Cheerful/forgiving/flexible Professional with clients on calls LinkedIn presence. Lifelong learner You...
2022-01-2012 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 6: Organized and Mindful of TimeSo this week I have a touch of Covid (thankfully, the seemingly milder Omicron variety). And YES I got 2 vaccinations and a booster! Anyway, I don’t want you having to listen to my croaky voice, except for in the intro sections! I did a 3-part series on productivity a while back and thought I would repost the series as a single episode here as it pertains to success trait number 6, which is “organized and mindful of time.” In the first of this 3-part series, I describe productivity hacks that everyone can use. In the se...
2022-01-131h 23MedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 5: Being well versed in the AMA Manual of Style and rules of writing and editingFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 5: Being well versed in the AMA Manual of Style and rules of writing and editing In this week’s episode, I talk about the success trait number 5, and that is being well versed in the AMA Manual of Style and the rules of writing and editing. Qualities like having a science background, being detail oriented and having the ability to sit quietly at a computer are a given and not included in the 10 traits. Here are the top 10 traits as I see them: Focused on what the client an...
2022-01-0616 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastGoal-Setting Strategies for 2022Because it’s almost a brand new year, in this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about goals, specifically, the 5 steps of setting them and then actually pulling them off, which of course, is the hard part! Next week, I’ll resume the ongoing series about the top ten traits of successful freelance medical writers. We’re on trait number 5, "Well versed in AMA style and rules of editing." For the overview of the top ten traits, please listen here If you’re in healthcare or science and interested in transitioning into freelance me...
2021-12-3025 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastFreelance Medical Writer Success Trait Number 4: Being Responsive In this week’s episode, I talk about number 4 of the top ten traits of successful freelance medical writers: being responsive. For the overview of the top ten traits, please listen here If you’re in healthcare or science and interested in transitioning into freelance medical writing, check out 6weekcourse.com. Does your company need medical writing assistance? visit Nascentmc.com VisualMedComms is an upcoming site launching soon where you can learn how to make your medical and scientific communications visually appealing and benefit from incorporating a new set of in-demand skills...
2021-12-2318 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastThe Importance of Following Directions in Medical WritingIn this week’s episode, I talk about number 2 and 3 of the top ten traits of successful freelance medical writers: following directions and following formatting. I combined these because they are somewhat related. For the overview of the top ten traits, please listen here Free AMA Style reference sheet Free AMA Style cheat sheet If you’re in healthcare or science and interested in transitioning into freelance medical writing, check out 6weekcourse.com. Does your company need medical writing assistance? visit Nascentmc.com VisualMedComms is an upcoming site...
2021-12-1614 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastMeeting Clients' Expectations In Medical WritingIn this week’s episode, I talk about the first of the top ten traits of successful freelance medical writers, and that is being focused on what the client wants and needs so as to meet their expectations. For the overview of the top ten traits of which this is one, please listen to last week's episode here If you’re in healthcare or science and interested in transitioning into freelance medical writing, check out 6weekcourse.com. Does your company need medical writing assistance? visit Nascentmc.com VisualMedComms is an upcoming site...
2021-12-0919 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastTop Ten Traits of Successful Freelance Medical WritersIn this week’s episode, I talk about the top ten traits of successful freelance medical writers. Qualities like having a science background, being detail oriented and having the ability to sit quietly at a computer are a given and not included. I provide an overview in this week’s podcast and then I’ll be going into detail into each one over the next several weeks. Here are the top 10 traits as I see them: Focused on what the client and reader wants and needs Follows directions Follows formatting Responsive Well versed...
2021-12-0219 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastLinkedIn for Attracting New Medical Writing Clients—Dr. Kalpana ShankarIn this episode, I speak to medical writer Kalpana Shankar, PhD, and we talk about all things LinkedIn Marketing. Talking Points What’s so special about LinkedIn? - Specifically for the professional community and where your potential clients hang out. - Can create online professional brand and reputation and no one else can mess with it. - Can show your work directly. - Helps clients get to know, like, and trust you (and therefore hire you). - Often top of Google search. - Be car...
2021-11-0342 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastReview Articles--How to Organize and Write Them EffectivelyA must listen for any medical writer! In this podcast, I talk to three of our very experienced medical writers who regularly work on review articles. We talk about several aspects of writing review articles, including organizing references, synthesizing information, managing annotations and citations and all the other tasks involved. Nascentmc.com a team of highly skilled PhD- and MD-level writers for your educational programs, needs assessments, manuscripts, and more. https://6weekcourse.com/ Access the 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your medical writing business--since 2011, the course has helped hundreds of people tr...
2021-10-0640 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastPivoting and Finding Your Way—Jamelah MartinIn this episode, I speak to Jamelah Martin, who has a master’s degree in biomedical sciences and public health. She started looking into medical writing at the suggestion of a friend. Right now, she is working on connecting with other writers, developing her samples, and working on a blog and a podcast, and, oh yes, being a mom to her 4 kids. She hopes to help others, especially mothers and introverts, who want to pivot in their career. Check out the 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business at 6weekc...
2021-06-0317 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastThe Flexibility of Freelancing–Interview With Jennifer HerrinIn this episode, I speak to Jennifer Herrin who is originally from the US but has lived and worked in the UK for the last 10 years. She has a background in nursing, which she parlayed into a degree in technical writing. She then got a staff job as a medical editor, followed by a job in nursing while continuing to write. She now enjoys freelancing while setting her own schedule and working from anywhere. Check out the 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business at 6weekcourse.com. There, you can acc...
2021-05-2725 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastManuscript Writing 101In this episode, I delve into the nitty gritty of medical manuscript writing. If you are an experienced medical writer, you probably know most of this, but I hope it serves to reinforce your knowledge. -Get up to speed in the subject area. -Work from a detailed outline that has been approved by the “author(s).” -Establish the format up front—download author guidelines. Clarify the word count. -Understand why the paper is being written. -Use the basic of clear writing—topic sentences, signpost words. Lead your reader through the piece...
2021-05-2025 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcastTips for Pleasing Your Client as a New FreelancerIn this episode, I cover tips for interacting with clients as a new freelance medical writer or any kind of freelancer for that matter. Get the skills and feedback to make sure there is a reasonable chance that you will do a good job. Really try to make new projects your best work. Expect to get a lower hourly rate for this first project. If you are writing in a specific genre, such as a needs assessment, review the client’s guidelines extra carefully and Google “how to write …..” and follow along with the generally accepted b...
2021-05-1325 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4–Volunteer Medical Writing for Fun and Good KarmaIn this episode, Dr. Sharon Morjig and I discuss the power of volunteering as a way not only to do some good in the world but to add impact to getting started in medical writing and jump starting a career in medical writing. Visit Sharon’s website at smmedicalwriting.com. I also mention the following websites that may help you get started with volunteer medical writing: http://medangel.org/https://www.catchafire.org/ https://taprootfoundation.org/ https://www.volunteermatch.org/ Check out the 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your...
2021-05-0631 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4–Doctorate in Chemistry Seeks Work-Life Balance and Finds it in Freelance Medical WritingDr. Kalpana Shankar sought flexibility in her schedule to raise her children, and after researching her options and considering her innate talents, she turned to freelance medical writing to achieve that. We talk about the types of work she does and how she has found some clients by revamping her LinkedIn profile. For more information and to hire Dr. Shankar please visit her website at 3cmedicalwriting.com. Check out the 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business, at 6weekcourse.com, where you can access free content on medical writing. Al...
2021-04-2923 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4–Medical Illustrator Turned Medical WriterIn my conversation with Dr. Cheryl McCutchan, we talk about her pathway from her PhD studies in botany and biochemistry, to becoming a scientific illustrator for academia and education, to now delving into a career in medical writing (which also includes the use of her visual medical communications skills). Check out the 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business, at 6weekcourse.com, where you can access free content on medical writing Also go to learnamastyle.com if you're interested in medical editing. The course is currently available and the...
2021-04-2238 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4-Factchecking for Medical WritersIn this week’s podcast episode, I chat with Dr. Sheila Patterson, who has a PhD in molecular biology. After entering into the field of medical writing, she discovered that she prefers factchecking to medical writing (although she still does some of the latter). We talked about what types of skills factcheckers need. These include the ability to understand the content being reviewed, editing skills, as well as the possession of a certain level of empathy when inserting her comments. We talk about the pay rate, how to get work, and how to price projects. We also talk about th...
2021-04-1528 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4-PhD in Microbiology Transitions From a Postdoc to Medical Writing In this week’s podcast episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Crystal Austin, who has a PhD in Microbiology but is also transitioning into medical writing. When she heard about medical writing from a coworker in her lab, at first she thought it was too good to be true that you could do something working from home with a science degree. Then, during a post-doc she discovered she enjoyed grant writing and got some funding with her efforts also. Although she is finishing up her current post-doc, Crystal is also doing subcontracting work for Nascent and other cl...
2021-04-0821 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4-A PharmD Transitions Into Freelance Medical WritingJanna Afanasjeva, PharmD, BCPS realized early on that patient care was not for her and through a drug information residency she ended up on her current path of medical writing. Her website is https://www.aptewrite.com/. She signed up for Dr. Hitt Nichols’ editing course and has just finished up the 6-Week Course (Everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business), and at the time of this recording was in her first couple of weeks as a full-time freelance medical writer. Check out the 6-Week Course, everything you need to kn...
2021-04-0123 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4-Mid-Career UK Veterinarian Makes the Leap to Medical WritingDr. Louisa Marcombes a mid-career veterinarian from the UK and living in France transitions into medical writing. She describes her reasons for making the transition and what her plans are for the future. Check out my 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business, at 6weekcourse.com. The new version is launching soon, so sign up now to get a discounted rate. You'll get immediate access to the current course at a lower price than the new version. Also go to learnamastyle.com if you're interested in me...
2021-03-2517 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4-Pediatrician Recently Turned Medical WriterIn this episode, I talk to medical writer Morgan Leafe, MD, who has recently transitioned from clinical practice as a pediatrician. She talks about some of her first projects in medical writing, as well as her interest in medical informatics, which may be of interest to some of us medical writers as a parallel “non-clinical” career. We also talk about the power of volunteering as a way of getting started in medical writing (it’s one of the most effective things you can do to make connections!). If you’re interested in medical writing, check out the 6-Week Co...
2021-03-1721 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast4-Medical Writing in AfricaIn this week's episode, I talk to 4 people who are living and working as medical writers in Africa--two in Gambia who live just blocks from each other (random!), one in Mozambique, and one in Kenya. It's a huge continent, but we have both coasts covered. I ask them about what it is like, and what they would want you to know here in the US. --- Check out my 6-Week Course, everything you need to know to start your freelance medical writing business, at 6weekcourse.com. The new version is launching soon, so sign up now...
2021-03-111h 00MedicalWritersSpeak's podcast3-Emerging Opportunities in Medical Writing: Medical Writing Support Services Download Dr. Emma Hitt Nichols’ article on MWSS here. Check out LearnAMAStyle.com for information on the course Become a Freelance Medical Editor. Check out 6weekcourse.com Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Freelance Medical Writing Business here. Music: Frozen Summer by Hypp fractal
2020-12-2118 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast3–AMA STYLE: 10 Things Medical Writers and Editors Should KnowDownload the AMA Manual of Style checklist here. Checkout LearnAMAStyle.com for information on the course Become a Freelance Medical Editor. Music: Frozen Summer by Hypp fractal
2020-12-1016 min
Physician NonClinical Careers with John JuricaHow Did Episode One Hundred Arrive So Damn Quickly?In this 100th episode, John looks back over the previous 99 shows and celebrates by presenting updates from nine of his outstanding guests. We hear about the ongoing work and future plans from: Mike Woo-Ming, MD, MPH Mandy Armitage, MD Charmaine Gregory, MD, FACEP Sylvie Stacy, MD, MPH Tom Davis, MD, FAAFP Sue Zimmermann, MD Savi Chadha, MD, MPH Peter Steinberg, MD Emma Hitt Nichols, PhD Each guest provides encouragement, an update on their careers, and useful advice. You can access all of the resources mentioned in today's episode by going to vitalpe.net/episode100.
2019-07-3143 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-011 Writing To Be Understood—Interview with Anne JanzerIn this episode, I’m talking with Anne Janzer, who has written a book Writing To Be Understood. Anne’s book dissects what it is that makes nonfiction compelling. She talks about using stories and analogies and several other strategies that translate also to writing about medical topics. Anne Janzer is an award-winning author on a mission to help people communicate more effectively through writing. As a professional writer, she has worked with more than one hundred technology companies, writing in the voice of countless brands and corporate executives. She is author of four books, including Writing to b...
2019-03-1527 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-009 AMA Manual of Style Tips: References and CapitalizationWhat the American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style has to say about reference style and rules for capitalization. Warning: make sure you have had your coffee. It’s a lot of info crammed into a few minutes! Also a good idea to have your AMA manual loaded into your browser. Visit http://6weekcourse.com/ama-manual-of-style-tips/ for these tips in video format. Check out the PowerPoint course for scientists and medical writers and use PPTDISCOUNT for a discount. Check out nascentmc.com for medical writing assistance and 6weekcourse.com for free info on getting i...
2019-03-0117 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-008 AMWA’s Educational Offerings – Interview With Lori Alexander, Education DirectorLori Alexander is the American Medical Writer's Association (AMWA) Past President and their current Education Director. She discusses, among other things, AMWA's plans to expand their educational offerings, especially with respect to online educational activities. She talks about some of AMWA’s current offerings, such as online webinars, interactive activities, and fast interactive training “FIT”—a nugget of training delivered in 15 minutes. Check out the PowerPoint course for scientists and medical writers and use PPTDISCOUNT Check out nascentmc.com for medical writing assistance and 6weekcourse.com for free info on getting into medical writing.
2019-02-2220 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-007 Will Pass, DVM, Veterinarian Turned Medical WriterIn this episode, I interview Dr. Will Pass who recently transitioned from being a veterinarian to being a full time medical writer. He talks about how being a vet helped him prepare to be a medical writer and some of the benefits of working as a freelance medical writer. Check out the PowerPoint course for scientists and medical writers and use PPTDISCOUNT Check out nascentmc.com for medical writing assistance and 6weekcourse.com for free info on getting into medical writing.
2019-02-1532 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-006 All About P Values and What’s in That AMA Manual Anyway?American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style P value pointers and overview of the AMA Manual of Style contents. In this episode, I briefly describe what P values are; it’s a deep topic better left to statistical experts, but still, as medical writers, it’s important that we have a basic understanding. We also need to know how to format P values in the documents we write. I'll also, in this episode, give an overview of the contents of the manual, talking about how the different sections are organized and which ones are most useful to us as...
2019-02-0815 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-005 Making Money With PowerPointToday I'm talking about PowerPoint. Some clients request this skill, either creating PowerPoint slide decks from scratch or reorganizing and reworking a previously created slide deck to make it more visually appealing. Creating engaging scientific and medical PowerPoint presentations is a skill in addition to writing that can benefit medical writers and their clients, and it's quite lucrative! Definitely worth adding to your toolbox. Find out more and how to learn the skills you might need. Check out the PowerPoint course and use PPTDISCOUNT Check out nascentmc.com for medical writing assistance and 6we...
2019-02-0114 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-004 Healthcare Businesswomen's Association and Gender Parity in the Healthcare IndustryIn this episode I talk to HBA president & CEO Laurie Cooke. we talk about gender parity issues in the health care industry as well as what we can all do to improve the working environment for all participants. Laurie also describes the mission of the HBA and how medical writers specifically can benefit from the organization. Please visit https://www.hbanet.org/ for more information. Please visit 6weekcourse.com for more information on medical writing. Please visit nascentmc.com for assistance with medical writing.
2019-01-2526 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-003 Getting Started and Newbie Medical Writing Mistakes Dr. Jessica MartinIn this episode, I interview freelance medical writing Jessica Martin, PhD martinmedicalwriting.com. Dr Jessica Martin earned her PhD from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her research background is in human infectious diseases and cancer-causing viruses, including HIV-1 and related retroviruses. During her time in an academic setting, Dr Martin successfully published multiple first-authored research and review papers. Using her scientific and writing skills, Dr Martin began freelance medical writing in 2015. She is experienced in planning, writing, and editing continuing medical education and promotional medical education, both branded and unbranded. Deliverables have included slide decks...
2019-01-1821 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-002 AMA Manual of Style: Searching and Formatting Tables and FiguresThis week, Dr. Emma Hitt Nichols discusses searching strategies, in particular 4 different approaches to get the results you want from the AMA Manual of Style. She also discusses formatting tables and figures according to the manual. To see the written blog versions of these recordings, please go to nascentmc.com/blog. Please subscribe, rate and review if you like this podcast. Thank you!
2019-01-1116 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast2-001 Relaunching Podcast!Dr. Emma Hitt Nichols talks about the format of the new Medical Writers Speak podcast.
2019-01-0408 min
PhD Transition Report On-DemandCareers In Medical Writing
Are you ready to step away from research but are unsure what alternative careers are available?
Have you thought about a career in Medical Writing but assume you don’t have the right qualifications?
In this episode of the Industry Careers for PhDs podcast, we interview Dr. Emma Hitt Nichols, founder of Nascent Medical LLC, which serves the continuing medical education and medical content publishing industries while helping PhDs and MDs with writing ability start their own businesses as freelance medical writers. Emma teaches us the ins and outs of Medical Writing and how PhDs ca...
2017-04-1328 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Understanding the Healthcare Value DossierUnderstanding the healthcare value dossier. How to accelerate revenues and expand markets. Virtual or corporate onsite training for MSLs, MA professionals and Medical Writers. Nascent Medical LLC to offer a Six-week Course on Health Economics and the Health Outcome Liaisons on April 20th. The course will be led by Jennifer Williams PhD, JD, MBA, RN, MS a veteran leader in the field of Medical Science Liaison and Market Access. Corporate onsite training available. more info at http://nascentmc.com/blog/2017/01/11/msl-market-access-course/#more-3419 Six-Week Course on Health Economics and the Health Outcome Liaisons Course content includes: Th...
2017-01-1913 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-How to Cover an Ad Board With Dr. Ginny VachonEmma talks about the ins and outs of covering an ad board with Ginny Vachon, PhD
2016-10-0625 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Delegating strategies to get some time back in your lifeFeeling overwhelmed with your ever expanding workload? Get your life back by learning how to delegate effectively! In the third of a 3-part series on productivity, Emma talks about delegating, the key to being uberproductive and having enough free time!
2016-06-1017 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Five Medical Writer Productivity HacksIn the second of a 3-part series, Dr. Emma Nichols talks about MEDICAL-WRITER-specific productivity hacks. In the first episode, she described productivity hacks that EVERYONE can use, and in third episode, she will talk about the art of delegating.
2016-05-2725 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Five Productivity Hacks Everyone Can UseIn the first of a 3-part series, Dr. Emma Nichols talks about general productivity hacks for writers. These are 5 things that we can all do to increase our productivity. In the next two episodes, she will talk about medical writing specific hacks and then in the third episode, the art of delegating.
2016-05-1747 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-The Pharmapreneur Academy--Flexible Careers with Blair Thielemier, PharmDToday, I am talking to Blair Thielemier PharmD who founded the Pharmapreneur Academy, which is a course hosted on her website, BT Pharmacy Consulting (http://www.btpharmacyconsulting.com/). This will be a very interesting podcast for any clinician (not just pharmacists) wanting to learn more about Medication Therapy Management (MTM). MTM is medical care and counseling that aims is to optimize drug therapy and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients. According to Dr. Thielemier, any clinician can perform these services, and she can show you how.
2016-05-1024 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Kristine Scruggs, MD, talks about her new book, a medical thrillerIn this interview, I talk to Kristine Scruggs, M.D. Dr. Scruggs is a medical doctor practicing in North Carolina and who wants to transition into medical writing. She is also completing a book, a medical thriller, called “What They Don't Know". We talk about the process of writing a book, what it takes, and some of the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing. Kristine has also recently written a blog that has been picked up by the Huffington Post, and she discusses the process whereby she submitted it to Huffington Post. Her website is https://kvscruggs.com/...
2016-04-2617 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Michelle Guillemard--Health Writer Hub founder, consumer health writerMichelle is based in Sydney Australia, and is the founder of Health Writer Hub. She is also the President of the Australasian Medical Writers Association (AMWA). Over the past decade, Michelle has worked with medical journals, medical publishing companies, cancer research foundations, associations, hospitals, medical specialists, health professionals, health insurance companies, digital agencies, wellness brands, health coaches and more. After recognising the need for a specific resource to help health writers enhance and develop their specialty skills, Michelle created Health Writer Hub. Since 2013, Health Writer Hub has helped thousands of writers through advice, courses, training...
2016-04-2127 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Consumer health writing with Wendy MeyeroffWendy Meyeroff, is president of WM Medical Communications, and has been providing health communications for national and international clients--both print and then online--for over 25 years. She’s located in Baltimore, MD, and will talk to us about writing for a consumer audience. Her website is http://www.wmmedcomm.com/ She tells some very interesting stories from her long and varied career, and actually she predicted a health trend that is wasn’t obvious 20 years ago, but now it certainly is….
2016-04-1236 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Brian Bass and Emma talk about subcontracting!Today I talk to Brian Bass about building your medical writing business with subcontractors. Both Brian and I work with subcontractors in our business, and it was fascinating to talk with him, because while we have a similar business model, we approach things in quite a different way. He uses only highly experienced writers but doesn’t spend as much time on training, but possible charges more to his clients. My model on the other hand has a training component (the 6-week course—check out 6weekcourse.com). Not everyone gets selected to work as a subcontractor, and the...
2016-03-2240 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Getting your business ready for sale--part 3 with Chrystie LeonardThis is the third and final episode in the series where I interview my business partner, Chrystie Leonard, about buying and selling a business, specific to medical writing. These three episodes cover 1) What to look for when buying a business; 2) How to grow a business; and 3) How to get your business ready for sale. In this third episode, Chrystie and I talk about the following: What makes a business attractive for sale? Why would a company buy a business rather than just hire employees? What to do to prepare your business for sale.
2016-03-1518 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-How to grow your business--part 2 of 3 with Chrystie LeonardIn this episode, Emma Hitt Nichols talks to her business partner Chrystie Leonard, co-owner of Nascent Medical. This is the second part of a three-part series. In this part, we talk about strategic planning, how to grow a business, and the key metrics that are needed to evaluate the growth of a business. In the first part, aired a week ago, we talked about what to look for when buying a business. Next week, in the final third, we'll talk about getting the business ready for sale.
2016-02-2340 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Thinking about selling your medical writing business? What??Join me as I talk to my business partner Chrystie Leonard about what to look for in a business purchase and also what to consider if you ever want to sell your business. Maybe as a freelance medical writer, you have never thought about how your business is going to end, but end it must at some point! Chrystie, who has formerly conducted several mergers and acquisitions transactions in corporate America, bought into Hitt Medical Writing, LLC, in August, 2015, and together we formed Nascent Medical, LLC.
2016-02-1650 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-AMWA's President and President Elect Talk about the latest offeringsCurrent AMWA President, Stephen Palmer and President Elect, Lori Alexander, join me today and talk about all of AMWA's offerings. We discuss the 2015 salary survey, the Medical Writers Certification, the new online forum called Engage, and how we can best contribute to AMWA as medical writers. Great episode!
2016-02-1026 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-SEO and Google rankings--what it takes to get to the top--Amy Tippins with RTL Digital MediaIn this episode Emma talks to Amy Tippins CEO of RTL Digital Media http://rtldigitalmedia.com/, a company that helps with SEO, blogging, social media strategy and provides a range of other services. Amy provides lots of useful info on how we can all promote ourselves through our web strategy. You can't afford to miss this!!
2016-02-0232 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Medical Science Liaison--a Career Choice for Medical Communicators?Today we are going to talk about the medical science liaison role, specifically from the perspective of medical writing—how can medical writers explore MSL work as a career option. Our guest is Dr. Jennifer Williams. Jennifer holds a law degree from Western Michigan University Law School. She also brings twenty-five years of experience working within the healthcare industry. She has been both a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) and has implemented an MSL program. Dr. Williams serves on the Advisory Committee for the MSL Society and currently she represents Nascent Medical as our MSL Advisor. CO...
2016-01-1927 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Spanish/English bilingual medical writing with Dr. Stacy Matthews BranchEmma talks to Dr. Stacy Matthews-Branch, an American born medical writer who learned Spanish in her late 30s. She is now fluent in Spanish and does both Spanish and English language medical writing. Please rate and review this podcast on iTunes! Thank you! Visit our website at www.nascentmc.com email with questions info@nascentmc.com
2016-01-1331 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Covering medical conferences-latest technology--Michelle Dalton, ELSMichelle Dalton, President-Elect of AMWA's Delaware Valley Chapter, discusses modern day conference coverage. What are the latest trends, and most helpful apps? Where have we been and where are we going?
2016-01-0623 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Debra Gordon, MS--Seasoned Medical Writer and TeacherLearn more about Debra at http://debragordon.com/ Debra Gordon, MS is a seasoned healthcare communications professional who specializes in speaking, teaching, and communicating about various clinical topics and the US healthcare system, healthcare reform, and health policy. Debra started her company in 1999. Previously, she was a newspaper reporter for The Virginian Pilot in Norfolk, Va., and the Orange Country Register in southern California, where she covered health and medicine. While at the Pilot, she was one of six journalists around the country awarded the prestigious Kaiser Family Foundation Media Fellowship, which enabled her to spend a...
2015-09-1924 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Juliette Siegfried, MPH -- an American now living in the Netherlands, focusing on Spanish-English editing/translating Juliette Siegfried has been in the medical communications field for over 20 years, but has specifically been doing medical editing, writing and translating for the last 10 years. In 2005 she launched her business, ServingMed.com. She has a Bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in public health.
2015-08-2817 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Harris Fleming -- journalist turned pharmaceutical industry editor now freelanceHarris Fleming has traveled a circuitous route in his professional life, leading to his founding Manzer-Fleming Communications, LLC, at the start of 2014. Harris began his journalism career in television news in New York City. He was working as a newspaper editor in northern New Jersey when the pharmaceutical industry called; he spent 7 years in communications positions with Lederle Laboratories before it was absorbed by Wyeth and, ultimately, Pfizer. After several years on the senior editorial staff of Drug Topics magazine, he served in various editorial and managerial posi...
2015-08-1320 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Dr. David Woods -- from ink stained wretch to vice president of publications at a medical publishing company David started as an ink stained wretch with Canadian Doctor in Montreal then to the editorship of Canadian Family Physician in Toronto, and eventually to be the first––and still only––nonphysician editor-in-chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. He wrote a history of the College, and a syndicated column, Today's Health, which appeared in some hundred plus weekly newspapers, and a second book, Paging Doctors. He came to the US as vice president of publications for a medical publishing and research company, and after 5 years formed H...
2015-07-3023 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Dr. Gill Sellick -- primary care doc turned freelance medical writerIn this episode, I talk to Dr. Gill Sellick, a primary care doctor who started recently into freelance medical writing after going through the 6-week course, “Everything you Need to Know to Start Your Freelance Medical Writing Business.” She describes the joys of working from home with young kids and how she gets new clients.
2015-07-1616 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Jan Bowers -- writes for medical specialty societies and has more work than she can handle!In this episode I interview Jan Bowers, who stays busy writing for medical specialty societies. After a journalism degree, she got her start in medical writing by taking the University of Chicago medical writing and editing certificate. In this episode, Jan gives helpful advice about ways to get your first assignment and shares her greatest success and failure as a freelancer.
2015-07-0217 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Maria & Phil Vinall -- husband and wife medical writing team with decades of experience. In this interview, I talk to Maria and Phil Vinall, who both have backgrounds as medical writers in pharma. We talk about publications planning, what it’s like to work together as a married couple, and the joys of being able to work from anywhere, including an island off the coast of Panama! Their: website http://medcomdepot.com/ . They are members of the Delaware Valley AMWA chapter and happy to help new writers.
2015-06-2552 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Steve Tiger, PA, a now retired veteran of medical communications agencies In this episode, I talk to Steve Tiger, a long time, now retired, medical writer who has worked for many years at medical communications agencies. He talks about the fine balance that medical writers face of pleasing the pharma client as well as maintaining “pristine” ethics.
2015-06-1929 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Eric Metcalf, MPH, freelance health writer living in Indianapolis In this episode, I talk to Eric Metcalf, a long-time freelance health writer about the importance of diversification, how he gets new clients, and some of the pros and cons of freelancing.
2015-06-0428 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Brian Hoyle, PhD, talks about transitioning from academia and living in Canada In this episode, I talk to Canadian medical writer Brian Hoyle, PhD. Brian talks about how he transitioned from academia, how he gets new clients, and the potential advantages and disadvantages of working in Canada. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
2015-05-2837 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Emma Hitt Nichols, PhD, talks about medical writing, freelancing, subcontracting, and other stuff Ha! The tables are turned! Stef Stendardo interviews me, Emma Hitt Nichols, and she stumps my with my own question! Aaaarrgg. Now I know what I’ve been putting people through! Seriously though, it was a great time--thank you Stef. I talk about what got me in to medical writing, my thoughts on hiring and using subcontractors, and the importance of integrating activity and people into one's medical writing day. My website.
2015-05-2131 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Heather Fork, MD, dermatologist turned coach helps docs find enjoyment in their careersHeather Fork, MD, has a coaching practice (www.doctorscrossing.com) that helps clinicians find more enjoyment in their career or find a different direction, for example medical writing, that more closely aligns with their passions and skill set. In this interview, we talk about the importance of doing what you love, and doing the next right thing by listening to your inner voice when it comes to making the right career choices. It's helpful for everyone, not just burned out MDs! Listen in and be inspired!
2015-05-1521 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Elizabeth Haynes, RN, a nurse writer who likes to help nurses get into writing! Hello! I am Emma Hitt Nichols. Thank you for joining me on Medical Writers Speak. Today I had the pleasure of talking with Elizabeth Haynes, RN. Elizabeth is a nurse writer and has put together an amazing site called rn2writer.com that helps nurses transition into writing. Please listen in!
2015-05-0834 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Jennifer Kelly, PhD, recent 6-week grad turned successful medical writer1Jennifer Kelly, PhD, held various jobs in academia and industry and found she always gravitated towards the writing side of things. She took Emma Hitt Nichols' 6-week course, "Everything you Need to Know to Start Your Freelance Medical Writing Business," and with much hard work and reading of books on business and freelancing, she launched a successful freelance business.
2015-04-2723 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Kathleen Doheny, long-time health journalist in Los Angeles.In this interview with long-time journalist Kathleen Doheny, we talk about the importance of staying positive about your work and doing what you love. Take a listen!
2015-04-2224 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Brian Orelli, PhD, cancer biologist turned biotech writerWith a PhD in cancer biology, Brian Orelli started writing about biotech stocks when his writing got picked up by the Motley Fool investment site. Among other things, he talks about the importance of asking the right questions, the benefits of using TextExpander, and how he balances his work life with his 4(!) school-aged children.
2015-04-1922 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Allison Muller, PharmD and toxicologist turned med writer/expert witnessAllison Muller, PharmD and toxicologist, discusses her transition into a solo practice after having worked at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a poison control center for 20 years. Dr. Muller talks about being an expert witness as well as a medical writer. She also talks about the benefits of networking and hiring a marketing assistant.
2015-04-1835 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Lori De Milto, author of AMWA's Toolkit For New Medical WritersIn this episode, Lori De Milto describes what it takes to be a successful freelance medical writer (hint: alot of HARD WORK!). Lori is also a great example of what it means to be an involved AMWA member. In our interview she describes her book "The Mighty Marketer," which outlines the steps that freelance medical writers can take to boost their income and have a successful career.
2015-04-1625 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Stef Stendardo, freelance CME writerIn this episode, Emma Hitt Nichols talks to long-time freelance medical writer Stef Stendardo about how she accidentally got in to medical writing with a humanities background and the pros and cons of working the at home freelance life.
2015-04-1541 minMedicalWritersSpeak's podcast1-Marilynn Larkin, NYC health writerNew York City medical writer Marilynn Larkin talks about how she got into medical writing with a humanities background, how she gets new clients, and how she stays enthusiatic about her work.
2015-04-1338 min