I am a medical writer and health communications consultant with over 18 years of experience. I gained a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Manchester), post-graduate diploma in Journalism (London) and doctorate in Molecular Genetics (Oxford) before focusing on Public Understanding of Science within public affairs (Southampton). A stint in Press Relations (PR) at the Wellcome Trust (London) sealed my commitment to communicating about health and disease to a variety of audiences. Since 2000 I have been working as a medical writer mainly within oncology, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease. Writing about these 'chronic' conditions, highlighted how people affected must deal with the constant challenges they face and how they need to be involved from the get go in solutions to these challenges. Working with PFMD is a unique opportunity to make a difference by helping to ensure patients' needs and priorities are at the heart of medicines and health interventions that aim to make their lives better.
Organizations
The Synergist runs programmes aimed at solving challenges which others ignore or have been unable to resolve. Our approach is a bit different. We’re not issue experts. We focus primarily on bringing the most important stakeholders together and building shared value, rather than trying to do it all ourselves. Given the complexity of the world we live in and the challenges we face, we’re convinced there is no better way.
The Patient Focused Medicines Development (PFMD) group, established in 2015, is an independent multinational coalition, managed in collaboration with The Synergist. Its goal is to bring together initiatives and best practices that integrate the voice of the patient throughout the lifecycle of medicines development, thereby speeding up the creation and implementation of an effective, globally standardized framework. PFMD seeks to have a balanced representation of stakeholders to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility. Stakeholders include patients and patient organizations across diverse areas of health and industry. We also intend to invite regulators, payers and other professional organizations to the global group to ensure diversity of perspectives.
IsMedica is a freelance medical writing service that is personal and professional. I understand the specific needs and objectives of my clients and deliver projects to meet those needs.
Badges
Social media
Initiatives
SYNaPsE Patient Engagement Global Landscape, Expert Network and Repository
Co-creation of the Patient Engagement "Meta-Framework"
Resources
Understanding stakeholders expectations for patient engagement - Qualitative Survey
28 Mar 2018
Culture and Process Change as a Priority for Patient Engagement in Medicines Development - Article
12 Jan 2018
Partnering With Patients in the Development and Lifecycle of Medicines: A Call for Action - Article
12 Jan 2018
What do stakeholders expect from patient engagement: Are these expectations being met? - Report
03 Sep 2018
Co-creation of patient engagement quality guidance for medicines development: an international multistakeholder initiative
07 Mar 2019
Commitments
Scientific editor
As Chair of the Patient and Public Involvement group at my local health trust, I will ask at least 1 patient representative 1 question at each meeting
Work in progress
Scientific editor
For every publication planned, I will work with at least 1 patient or patient organisation representative from outline to completion
Work in progress
Scientific editor
I will ask patients/patient organisations to contribute their views and perspectives through editorial blogs and commentaries at least every 3 months
Work in progress