Natasha Wadlington
Natasha Wadlington received her PhD in Neurobiology studying molecular changes during Parkinson’s Disease at University of Chicago. She has extensive experience as a freelance writer for health science content and is currently a medical writer at SB Pharma Solutions. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime, listening to music, playing video games, and learning photography. In addition, Natasha is an active member of the LGBTQ+ and African-American communities.
Can you describe your academic and professional background? What path led you to pursue this field?
Science was something I liked to do for fun. I loved it so much that I went to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to get a BS in general biology. The knowledge I gained psyched me up so much that I wanted others to see how cool science was and share it with the world. However, there has been this disconnect between people in STEM fields and the public. There had to be some way to translate these fields into something everyone could understand. So, I pursued a PhD to learn the language of scientists. After earning my PhD in neurobiology and completing a two-year postdoc at the University of Chicago, I decided to take the plunge into science communication. While I did not take a direct path, I eventually became a medical writer.
How did you find this particular position, and what was the hiring process like? Is there a typical structure for this in your field?
There is no set way to become a medical writer, especially if you are coming from academia. Each company is unique, and you will have to present what you can offer based on that. What helped me become a medical writer the most was networking. Whether it was friends that I knew from high school or people I worked with at temporary jobs, those connections helped me get to where I am today.
I got my current job at SB Pharma Solutions because an old coworker put in a recommendation for me. We had worked great together delivering various programs at a science museum and I was looking for a side job. After looking at my credentials and some phone interviews, I was hired as a contractor. I did well with my work and when a situation arose, I stepped up to the challenge. They recognized my work and eventually I became a permanent employee as a medical writer.
Can you tell us about your current responsibilities? What is a typical day or week like in your role?
My days are very flexible and there is not really a typical day. Since my work is for medical affairs, projects can ebb and flow depending on what our clients need. Most of my work right now is either writing or modifying standard response letters for one of our client’s call centers on a drug. We must write it in a way that healthcare professionals can understand without sacrificing the science behind the clinical trial data. I have also worked on AMCP dossiers, which helps health care decision makers understand the value of a drug for diseases.
What do you enjoy about your current job and work environment?
I like that the work is not monotonous and there is always something new to learn on the job. It is challenging work at times, but my boss and coworkers always show appreciation for what I do. I work remotely so I have the benefit of being flexible with my hours. As long as we get a project done, our hours can stagger each other. It has been the best job as far as work/life balance goes.
What are some of the challenging aspects of your job? Is there anything you wish you had known about your job or industry before joining?
When I started grad school, there really was not a clear path on how to pursue science communication. Many people that I talked to created their own jobs. So up until this point, I did better with oral science communication in public spheres. While I can understand the science, I still seek help in improving my writing communication style. That transition has been difficult at times.
Do you have any professional plans for the future? What are some future career paths that could open up for someone in your position, 5-10 years down the road?
Right now, my focus is learning on the job. It is rare to get this much hands-on experience in medical writing at my level. I plan on staying with SB Pharma Solutions for as long as I can. After another year, I can pursue the American Medical Writers Association certification, since their certificate might be the best next step to catch up on techniques people in journalism have already acquired. This kind of training would open opportunities for more senior level and possibly executive positions.
What’s changing in your industry? Are there any future trends we should be aware of?
The growth rate for medical writing markets is predicted to go up 10.9% by 2027 according to Grand View Research. This would make sense considering the increased need for pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices. With Covid-19, the demand could be higher just because of the need to get information out about clinical trials, new drugs, and outreach to the public. It may also be good career-wise if we continue the remote work trend.
What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?
I would recommend training with groups like the American Medical Writers Association or the National Association of Science Writers.
Is it common for people in your field to have a scientific/academic background (i.e. have PhDs)? Can you think of any advantages or disadvantages someone with a PhD might experience while pursuing or working in your field?
A lot of medical writers have degrees in journalism or English, so it is hard trying to compete with them writing wise. Trying to get into the field with a PhD can be challenging. If you do get in, you are going to excel at understanding the science so you can be a great asset as a translator. Researching information for projects will be much easier because you have trained hard to do this. It’s part of those transferable skills that you need to promote on your resume.
Do you have any final words of advice for those navigating these career questions? Is there anything you would have done differently given what you know now?
Talk to people in the field. Networking is going to be a critical key to your success. It will help inform you with what is happening, and it may present an opportunity for you in the future. Take advantage of associations and groups that will help hone your writing skills. Volunteer and blog for others or create your own. Try to create as many writing samples as you can and have them available to see either publicly or in a document that you can send to people.
Don’t be afraid to take a risk. I know it’s hard leaving that academic bubble. You may even question your identity as a scientist like I did. But don’t forget you will always be a scientist and because science is a part of our everyday lives, you are needed. Your value is not tied to your profession. It is inside you, always. So, you might as well share your talents and contribute to something that you love doing!
