I’m a firm believer that there’s aways more to learn no matter how senior you become – it’s only when you believe you know it all that you’ll find yourself in trouble! So, in the spirit of expanding my skillset, I embraced the opportunity to attend the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) virtual conference, immersing myself in three days of training that promised to elevate my skills as a medical writer. I found that the experience not only met, but exceeded, my expectations, leaving me equipped with invaluable insights and new-found knowledge. In this blog, I’ll share the highlights of the three engaging workshops I attended that centered around handling medical advisory board meetings, mastering oral presentations, and improving document quality.
Embracing the virtual realm: A seamless experience
Before delving into the workshop content, it’s worth noting the seamless virtual experience EMWA provided. The convenience of joining a Zoom meeting from the comfort of home is always a bonus, and the organisers left no stone unturned in ensuring participants felt engaged and connected despite the digital divide. From interactive Q&A sessions to virtual breakout sessions, EMWA’s commitment to replicating the benefits of a traditional in-person training event was evident.
Workshop 1: Navigating medical advisory board meetings
The first workshop I attended was a game-changer for any medical writer involved in advisory board, or ‘ad board’, meetings. The session began with a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges these meetings pose and then transitioned into practical strategies for success.
Moving parts
The facilitators outlined the critical stages of planning and executing a successful ad board; from conception to writing the post-meeting report, the workshop equipped us with a holistic understanding of the environment in which we operate.
Communication strategies
An eye-opener was the discussion on effective communication strategies tailored for ad board settings. The facilitator underscored the significance of clear, concise communication at every stage of the meeting process, and we delved into case studies that demonstrated successful communication models in action, from the perspective of a medical writer.
Managing conflict and challenges
The workshop didn’t shy away from addressing the elephants in the room – managing time-keeping, report-writing and communication challenges during advisory board meetings. Practical scenarios and first-hand advice allowed participants to learn how to transform potential challenges into opportunities for collaboration.
Workshop 2: Mastering oral presentations and PowerPoint building
The second workshop was designed to polish our oral presentation and PowerPoint building skills – indispensable tools for any medical writer striving to convey complex information effectively.
Crafting compelling presentations
The facilitator guided us through the art of crafting compelling presentations, emphasising the power of storytelling in medical communication. We explored techniques to engage diverse audiences and ensure that our messages resonate long after the presentation concludes.
Demystifying PowerPoint
In the world of medical writing, PowerPoint is a ubiquitous tool, often underestimated. This segment debunked common myths surrounding PowerPoint presentations and provided practical tips for creating visually appealing and scientifically accurate slides that enhance, rather than distract from, the content.
Interactive learning and feedback
What set this workshop apart was its interactive nature. Participants were encouraged to develop a brief presentation before the session, receiving feedback from both the facilitator and peers during and after the workshop. This hands-on approach transformed theoretical knowledge into practical skills that could be immediately applied in real-life briefs, and I valued the opportunity to try out new presentation ideas in a safe space.
Workshop 3: Strategies for elevating document quality
The final workshop delved into the intricacies of improving document quality, specifically focusing on medical regulatory documents and writing journal publications.
Navigating regulatory requirements
The workshop kicked off with an exploration of the ever-evolving landscape of regulatory requirements. From understanding the nuances of various document types to staying abreast of regulatory updates, participants gained valuable insights into navigating this complex terrain.
Enhancing journal publication skills
The facilitator shared proven strategies for writing impactful and high-quality journal publications. We delved into the specifics of manuscript preparation, including keeping to timelines, quality control, journal selection, and navigating the peer-review process. Opportunities for small-group discussion allowed us to apply these strategies to real scenarios participants had experienced with clients, troubleshoot for future challenges, and transform theoretical knowledge into tangible skills.
Quality assurance in medical writing
The workshop concluded with a focus on quality assurance – an essential aspect sometimes overlooked in the fast-paced world of medical writing. We explored techniques for self-editing and implementing robust quality control and peer-review to ensure that our documents not only meet, but exceed, industry standards.
Conclusion: A new chapter in my medical writing journey
As I reflect on my experience with EMWA’s November 2023 virtual conference, I feel a real sense of gratitude for the opportunities it provided. I know my colleagues who attended other EMWA workshops are just as grateful to Alchemy for investing in our professional development. These workshops not only expand our skillsets but also foster a sense of community among like-minded professionals. EMWA’s commitment to excellence in medical writing was evident throughout, and I ended the year with a renewed passion for my work.
If you’re a medical writer seeking to elevate your skills and stay abreast of industry trends, mark your calendar for EMWA’s next conference in May 2024 – it’ll be a jam-packed meeting that provides not just valuable knowledge and training, but a unique professional development and networking experience that will shape your career for years to come.
