Upcoming Appearances

Session title:

Digital Marketing: Best Practices for Medical Writers

Session description:

Whether you're seeking full-time work or building out a freelance medical writing business, digital marketing is of enormous value for furthering one's career. The majority of vacancies and outsourcing needs aren't even advertised by companies any more—it's all about who you know and how you come across to those who are actively seeking help. Are you going to be top of mind when hiring managers, medical directors, and other important decision-makers are in need of writing support? Let's make sure you are! Learn the fundamental aspects of digital marketing in the modern age in this interactive roundtable session. Bring all of your burning questions, and we'll get into a discussion as a group. More advanced questions are welcome. Even if you've already established a strong online presence, there's always room for improvement!

Roundtable discussion title:

Discover Your Calling: Mastering Your Medical Writing Niche

Session description:

If you don’t have a niche for your freelance medical writing business, you’re definitely missing out. Building a strong brand around a well-defined niche is one of the best ways to open up new opportunities, as you become known as the go-to expert in your specialty area. Participate in this expert-led discussion to bring about a slew of new projects, collaborations, and partnerships by choosing a niche that fits your unique passions, know-how, and career goals. Then, learn how to target ideal clients and attract new business by confidently standing behind your niche and incorporating it into your brand.

Writing for Success: Breaking Barriers as an LGBTQ+ Professional in Healthcare

As someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, the idea of finding a workplace that isn’t filled with office politics, toxic management, and unmerited discrimination might be a particularly overwhelming prospect. Yet, you’re smart, ambitious, and have so much to give. What if there was a way to pursue healthcare without having to pretend to be someone you’re not, while still achieving huge success and feeling valued for your contributions? Freelance medical writing could be just the thing. Hear stories from several leaders in the medical communications field who have each overcome imposter syndrome to get where they are today. You’ll leave this talk feeling inspired, encouraged, and reassured that there is an ideal career path out there for you!

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the incredible opportunity that freelance medical writing offers to the LGBTQ+ healthcare community
• Distinguish between the lifestyles of full-time versus self-employment in healthcare and decide which is best for them
• Assess their options for pursuing a career path in freelance medical writing to ensure they have the best possible chance of success

Biographies

Former dietitian, Sophie Ash, BSc (Hons) has been inspiring, training, and supporting freelance medical writers from all walks of life for three action-packed years. As a survivor of domestic abuse and an immigrant who had to re-build her life and career on the other side of the world, Sophie is uniquely positioned to help aspiring health writers thrive in their career, as the Founder and CEO of Prospology.

Simi Burn, PharmD is a trailblazing entrepreneur, healthcare leader, and expert in medical communications. Having triumphed over numerous barriers and stigmas as a queer South Asian single mom and immigrant, Simi now specializes in mind-body medicine and health tech innovation in her own writing and consulting business. Through her work, she empowers heart-driven dreamers, healers, and entrepreneurs to reimagine medicine through the transformative power of storytelling.

Charting Your Way to the Top: The 12 Major Milestones of Freelance Medical Writing

As a freelance medical writer, it’s tough to know how well you’re doing—conventional career metrics don’t apply and you don’t have a boss keeping tabs on you. Yet, in order for your business to stand the test of time, with you at the helm, you need to be able to measure your success and know what’s next in terms of personal and professional growth. The good news is that countless freelancers have gone before you, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs to help you find your way. Learn how to identify and interpret these breadcrumbs and use them to your advantage by following our guided trail of important milestones to help you take your business to the next level at a pace you feel comfortable with.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the 12 most common indicators of growth in a freelance writing business 
• Use these growth indicators to make smart business decisions as your company grows 

Biography

Sophie Ash, BSc (Hons) has been inspiring, training, and supporting freelance medical writers as a Business & Writing Coach for three action-packed years. Throughout this time, Sophie has worked closely with first-time entrepreneurs from all walks of life, helping them reach their potential to the greatest degree possible. Her intimate familiarity with the distinct challenges of entrepreneurs uniquely positions her to advise freelance writers on strategies for advancement in the field, as well as introducing them to exciting opportunities that align with their brand.

How To Step Into Your New Identity As A Freelance Medical Writer With Confidence

If you’re a freelance medical writer coming straight from healthcare or academia you, likely, have never promoted yourself before. Yet, in order to succeed independently and achieve financial freedom, you must develop a personal brand that sets you apart from other writers and learn to sell your services with confidence. This challenge can bring about emotional upheaval and feelings of imposter syndrome. It is possible to overcome self-doubt and succeed in a freelance writing career, even if you’ve never done any paid writing before. Learn how to step into your new identity as a freelance medical writer through hearing shared experiences and adopting powerful, practical tools to help you thrive as an independent business owner.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize signs of imposter syndrome arising from entering the medical writing field
• Devise an action plan to thrive as a confident, independent business owner