Patricia Izbicki
Patricia Izbicki, PhD, wears many professional hats concurrently working in both industry and academic positions. She received her PhD in Neuroscience from Iowa State University where she studied neural mechanisms, clinical implications, and educational benefits of music and music training on the aging brain and Parkinson’s disease. While in graduate school, she bolstered her scientific communication skills which has enabled her to transition to positions working as a Medical Writer for SB Pharma Solutions, LLC, an Adjunct Professor at University of West Florida Department of Psychology, and formerly as a Research Manager for the University of Miami and Adjunct Professor at University of West Florida Department of Psychology. Patricia is currently a Medical Science Liaison in Migraine at AbbVie.
Can you describe your academic and professional background? What path led you to pursue this field?
I've had a very inter- and trans-disciplinary path in my life. My formal degrees are a Bachelors in Music Performance (Piano) summa cum laude and a PhD in Neuroscience. Since I started my career, I've had the fortune and opportunity to combine both science and the arts. There is a place for both to not only become a better scientist and artist but also a better human being.
How did you find this particular position, and what was the hiring process like? Is there a typical structure for this in your field?
I found my positions through networking, persistence, and luck. This was critically important as my fiance and I were both freshly minted PhDs searching for jobs during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hiring process for each of my positions was completely remote (i.e., phone and Zoom interviews).
Can you tell us about your current responsibilities? What is a typical day or week like in your role?
In March 2021, I transitioned into a full-time medical writing/medical information role at SB Pharma Solutions, LLC At SB Pharma, I compile the latest science in a particular therapeutic area (mainly neurology/neuroscience) and create content based on the needs of our clients. This includes standard response letters, AMCP dossiers, slide decks, white papers, and educational assets for healthcare professionals. Besides technical writing experience, this role requires great listening skills and flexibility to change course based on business/client needs.
At the University of West Florida (my alma mater), I just finished a year of restructuring and teaching a fully online course in the Department of Psychology titled Professional Development in Psychology. It introduces undergraduate students to the diverse field of psychology and helps them prepare not only for success as a psychology student but also for success in the job market.
In my previous role at University of Miami, I worked as a Research Manager at the University of Miami National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program. This is a multimillion dollar grant that is the largest in the history of the University of Miami. It's aim is to build one of the most diverse health databases in history. I am incredibly excited and honored to have been a part of a project that will impact health on a national and global scale.
My current role as a medical writer and adjunct professor is fully remote and online. Thus, there is flexibility in when (and where) I complete my work. I will say that one thing that is typical of each week is clear and timely communication with teammates and colleagues. If I had to sum it up, my roles are at the intersection of academia and industry. It is a really exciting mix!
What do you enjoy about your current job and work environment?
I am NEVER bored, and I am learning on the fly everyday. I'm also incredibly grateful for amazing colleagues who want to make a difference in this world. It's inspiring to work with such brilliant and driven people.
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?
Communication is a constant challenge since we are all working remotely. Also, organization is a challenge with the constant influx of communication via email, instant messenger, and video conference.
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?
COVID-19 is changing the way industry, government, and academia function. Thus, I am currently interested in transitioning into digital health. However, I would love to be able to combine this with my love for music. I do miss having my own studio and performing as much as I used to.
The world is changing so quickly. Literally the world is your oyster! Create and pioneer your own path. With a PhD, you are equipped with a unique skill set, in particular, problem-solving and organization. You don't appreciate or realize the importance of these skills I think until you've worked outside of academia.
What’s changing in your industry? Are there any future trends we should be aware of?
I can't speak to this much since I began my roles this last year. However, I think that flexibility on the job market should be embraced. Sometimes the most wonderful opportunities come from unexpected places.
What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?
Network with professionals whose careers and positions interest you. LinkedIn is the best resource for this. Don't be afraid to cold email or message these individuals (respectfully of course). More often than not, people are incredibly generous and gracious with their time. The worst that can happen is you get a "no". How great is that?!
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?
For all three roles I’ve had, it is common, if not expected these days, to have a PhD. An advantage of a PhD is that you are quick to learn most any concept. You have plenty of experience under your belt. However, the disadvantage is that most recruiters or hiring managers don't understand what getting a PhD entails. It commonly isn't referred to as "work experience". This was something that really frustrated me during the job process because there is so much blood, sweat, and tears to achieve the PhD. You have to make CRYSTAL CLEAR to the recruiter and/or hiring manager that the PhD wasn't only writing a dissertation; You've taught (trained and managed individuals), project management (in the lab), communication (abstracts, publications, conference presentations) relationship management (lab teams, supervisor), and more. Link every requirement in the job description to something you've done during your PhD.
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?
Be willing to consider other career opportunities but also be continuously reevaluating whether you are truly happy and satisfied and whether the work you are contributing to aligns with your career or life mission/goals.
