Page 22 - Pharmacy careers guide

Job positions for pharmacists in medical writing
The organisations listed are not all inclusive. The information for the job positions listed is a guide only and varies from organisation to organisation; it is correct at time of publication but is subject to change as organisations change internal structures and directions.
CoMMISSIoNED WRITER
Organisations:
• PSA (Australian Pharmacist)(APF)
• NPS MedicineWise (Australian Prescriber)
Examples of commissions:
• Pharmacists may be commissioned to write articles in their particular field of expertise rather than be employed exclusively as medical writers. Some organisations will use commissioned writers exclusively while others may have a mix.
• The Australian Pharmacist commissions pharmacists as external authors for
CPD articles based on their expertise
in designated areas and based on an annual CPD program of articles; they rarely use unsolicited CPD materials in their journals. The company may accept PhD research papers regarding pharmacy practice research, which are then peer reviewed and published.
• The Editorial Executive Committee
of Australian Prescriber (from NPS MedicineWise) commissions authors with particular expertise to write articles with balanced review for Australian Prescriber. The Committee does not accept unsolicited articles. A nominal fee is payable for articles written for Australian Prescriber.
Requirements:
• Graduate qualification in pharmacy, pharmacology, medicine or health sciences
• Experience in writing at a professional level MEDICAl WRITER
Organisations:
• NPS MedicineWise Duties:
• Writes engaging and accurate material for the organisation’s publications
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge by participating in relevant continuing education programs, conferences, seminars and workshops
Requirements:
• Tertiary qualifications in a science or health-related field
• Experience in medical writing
• Excellent critical appraisal skills with an in
depth understanding of evidence-based
medicine
• Demonstrated ability to search medical
and pharmaceutical literature rigorously
using common databases
• Ability to interpret clinical study results
Recommended knowledge/experience/
training:
• Clinical background in medicine, pharmacy, nursing or allied health profession
• Research based higher degree (e.g. PhD) in a health-related field
• Strong project management experience in commercial and not for profit sectors
ASSISTANT EDIToR
Organisation: • AusPharm Duties:
• Scans the mainstream media daily for pharmacy related news
• Scans the clinical literature daily for pharmacy related research reports/news
• Writes and uploads ‘news’ items
• Edits and uploads submitted articles
• Constructs the daily AusPharm(e)news • Distributes AusPharm(e)news daily by
email
Requirements:
• Experience as a pharmacist (or other role in the industry)
• High level knowledge of the pharmacy industry and is ‘pharmaco-political savvy’
• Ability to work to tight timelines
• High level written communication skills
• Knowledge of and proficiency in a range
of computer software applications, including the ability to work with and edit images
Recommended experience/training:
• Established industry network
MEDICAl EDIToR
Organisations: • AMH
• MIMS
• NPS MedicineWise • PSA; APF
• TG
Duties:
• Writes, reviews and edits medical information or technical information
• Follows a strict editorial process to guarantee data integrity and ensures content developed is consistent with the publication’s intended purpose and readership
• Prepares and finalises manuscripts for publication of electronic and/or print products
Requirements:
• Graduate qualification in pharmacy, pharmacology, medicine or health sciences
• At least a few years’ of post-graduate experience working in either hospital or community practice
• Computer literacy including a high degree of proficiency in word processing • Ability to perform literature searches, and
to interpret the evidence
• High level of critical analysis and review
skills
• Previous experience in copy-editing and
proof reading (APF)
Recommended experience/training:
• Experience in technical scientific writing and editing at a professional level
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Well-developed organisational skills
22 Pharmacy careers guide I ©Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.