Hi Reader, One of the most frustrating things about freelance medical writing is unrealistic deadlines. I can tell you that I have faced this aspect countless times since I started working in the medical writing business. Clients have no idea how long a project can take, and deadlines are often discussed before the work itself is fully understood. Questions I often hear from my clients: “Can you finish this by tomorrow?” “It’s only a short deck.” “We just need a quick review.” And suddenly...
3 months ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader, Thank you for being part of Guanine Medical Academy! First, I want to sincerely apologize for not being as active with my newsletter as I would have liked. That said, I haven’t forgotten about you—I’ve simply been dedicating my energy to something exciting behind the scenes… and now it’s time to share it with you. We’re on YouTube! 🎉 Yes, you heard that right! After much thought, I’ve launched a YouTube channel to teach, support, and inspire medical writers. On the channel, I’ll be...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, My kids are back to school, and suddenly the house feels… quiet. September has finally arrived after a summer of sticky ice cream fingers on my keyboard and constant “Mom, can I…?” interruptions. If you’re also a parent and a freelancer, you know what this season feels like. It’s not just back-to-school for the kids; it’s back-to-focus for us. But before this fresh start, the summer brought its own mix of challenges and joys. What Was My Experience Like This Past Summer? Freelance...
12 months ago • 3 min read
Lessons from Covering an Ad Board Mastering Advisory Board Coverage For Pharma Start Learning Today! Hi Reader, Today I had the opportunity to cover an advisory board (ad board) for a new client, and it turned out to be a fantastic success. The client was delighted with the final deliverable and immediately expressed interest in more collaboration. Let me tell you more about it! The Nature of Ad Board Projects Many Medical Writers Miss The project wasn’t just about capturing what was said in...
12 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Can your beliefs change the outcomes you experience? Make you sick, or protect you from harm? Modern medicine increasingly says yes. The way patients anticipate side effects or benefits can shape what they actually experience. This is now called the science of placebo and nocebo effects. The placebo effect shows us how positive expectations can trigger measurable health improvements even without an active treatment. Its lesser-known counterpart, the nocebo effect, reveals the...
about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Educational Piece Two Essential Skills You Need to Master for Advisory Board Coverage in Pharma Hi Reader, When it comes to covering pharmaceutical advisory board (ad board) meetings, not all information is communicated equally. Medical writers must be prepared to capture only what truly matters. Success in this type of project depends on mastering two critical skills: 1. Selective Listening Ad boards are dynamic. You’ll hear clinical debates, off-topic comments, and side conversations, but...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader I'm excited to announce that my course "Mastering Advisory Board Coverage for Pharma" is now available on Udemy!Originally offered only on a private teaching platform, I determined that this specialized course should be made available to a wider audience on Udemy, making it more accessible than ever.If you're a medical writer (or aspiring to become one) and want to master the art of turning complex pharma advisory board discussions into clear, impactful reports, this course is for...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Today's topic is quite unique as I would like to share insights on two vital skills that we, as medical writers, are trained to develop. In light of the challenges presented by our rapidly evolving digital world, it is important to address these skills thoughtfully. I believe that fostering these abilities can benefit everyone, not only in their professional journey but also in their daily life. In the era of social media and artificial intelligence (AI), information has become...
about 1 year ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader, Fear often lurks in the shadows of our minds—especially for mothers juggling the demands of running their own businesses. We fear missing deadlines.We fear the anxiety of balancing work and family.We fear the dread of not being "good enough." But have you ever paused and asked yourself: Where is this fear really coming from? The Science of Fear Fear is not weakness—it’s biology. It's a primal response embedded deep within our nervous system. When we perceive a threat—whether it's a...
over 1 year ago • 4 min read