In Plain Cite
In Plain Cite, from ISMPP, is the podcast exploring the evolving landscape of medical publication and communication. Each episode delves into the big ideas, trends, and strategies shaping the future of medical publishing. Offering practical tips and insights to help you stay ahead, In Plain Cite is your companion in navigating this dynamic field.
The Social Media Tightrope
For medical publication professionals, social media may not always seem like an obvious part of a publication plan. But many health care providers are already using social media to find medical news, learn about studies, and discover publications.
In this episode, Rob sits down with Katie Veleta, Senior Scientific Director at Fingerpaint Medical, and Amelia Stymacks, their Senior Manager of Digital Strategy.
They discuss why social media matters for publication professionals, how it can be integrated into publication planning, which channels and metrics to consider, and how teams can get started while building the right...
CMPP: Behind the Exam Curtain
Getting the CMPP credential is an important milestone for publication and medical communication professionals. But if you've ever thought about sitting for the exam, you may have unanswered questions about it.
In this episode, Rob sits down with Claudia Piano and Danita Sutton, who are both involved in overseeing and supporting the CMPP certification exam. Together, they discuss the rigorous process behind exam development, explain how scoring works and share practical advice and resources to help candidates prepare with confidence.
For more information on the CMPP exam please listen to From Credibility to Career Growth...
Slowing Down to Speed Up
As organizations adopt artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the pressure to move faster has never been greater. But lasting change isn't just about implementing new tools for the sake of it. It's about creating the space to think strategically and ensure innovation doesn't come at the expense of trust, quality, or sound decision-making.
In this episode, Rob sits down with leadership coach and systemic consultant Michael Siller to discuss why slowing down is essential when adopting new technology, and how it could actually be the key to getting results faster. Together, they explore how leaders can...
A Look Beyond the Published Manuscript
Creating resources for field medical teams isn’t just about sharing new data. It’s about understanding how that information is used in the real world. While we have more ways than ever to share scientific information, the real challenge is understanding what resources are most useful when field teams are engaging with healthcare professionals.
In this episode, Rob sits down with Sarah Snyder, Co-CEO of MSL Mastery, to discuss what field medical teams really need from publication professionals. Together, they explore how the MSL role is evolving and how medical communications teams can better support field coll...
Uncovering Small Pharma
For many publication and medical communication professionals, joining a smaller biotech or pharmaceutical company can be an exciting career move, but it also comes with a very different set of expectations.
In this episode, Rob sits down with Robin LeWinter, Global Head of Medical Affairs at JCR Pharmaceuticals, to discuss what it's really like to build publications and medical communications with limited resources. Together, they explore the unique opportunities and challenges that come with a career in small pharma.
To join ISMPP, visit our website at https://www.ismpp.org/
A Journal Editor’s Perspective on AI
Artificial intelligence has already transformed how scientific information is created, reviewed, and consumed. As AI tools become more deeply integrated into medical publishing and clinical practice, many of us are asking the same question: How can we take advantage of these technologies while maintaining trust, transparency, and scientific rigor? In this episode, we explore both the opportunities and the challenges that come with AI’s growing role in medical communications.
Joining us for this conversation is Raja-Elie Abdulnour, Editor-in-Chief of NEJM Clinician and Chief Clinical Innovation Officer at NEJM Group. Together, we discuss how AI is being us...
Best Practices and Pitfalls in Publication Steering Committees
In today’s episode, we’re unpacking an important yet often misunderstood component of effective publication planning: the Publication Steering Committee (PSC).
We’re joined by industry leaders Cindy Toste, Senior Director of Publications at GlaxoSmithKline, and Paul Ricigliano, Senior Director and Head of Oncology Global Publications at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Together, we explore what makes a PSC truly successful, from establishing clear governance and managing cross-functional dynamics to defining roles across medical affairs and clinical teams. Cindy and Paul also share real-world lessons on how to navigate disagreement, maintain momentum, and ensure decisions don’t stall pr...
Amplifying Medical Publications Through Social Media
Today on In Plain Cite, we explore the integration of social media into medical communication strategies, addressing how social media serves as an "additional channel" in publication planning, enabling the rapid dissemination of critical scientific data to healthcare professionals.Â
Our guests, Leslie Rotz of Fingerpaint Medical and Amanda Solis of Pfizer, Â also discuss some of the challenges of social media, including managing the increasing volume of medical information and stringent compliance concerns.Â
Listen to gain practical insights into the organizational "who" of social media, from dedicated omnichannel teams to leveraging corporate channels or empowering authors. For...
Should Patient Authors Be Paid? Navigating Ethics, Equity, and Recognition
Today, we dive into one of the most pressing and polarizing questions in medical publishing today: Should patients who contribute as co-authors be compensated?
Joining us are Veronica Porkess of UCB Pharma and Simon Stones of Amica Scientific, two voices at the forefront of patient engagement. Together, we'll explore the shifting landscape of patient authorship, unpacking the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges that shape how and when patient authors are compensated. From issues of equity and selection bias to questions of transparency and tokenism, this conversation challenges traditional thinking and asks: In a future that truly includes...
Challenges and Opportunities in Publications Leadership
Publication professionals face many challenges during the development and execution of a publication plan. These challenges differ based on the size of the pharma company, product lifecycle, SOPs and infrastructure. Today, we bring together three seasoned publication pros from small, mid-size, and large pharma companies. They’ll share tips and real-world takes on dealing with things like team structure, tight budgets, and figuring out where AI fits in.
To join ISMPP, visit our website at https://www.ismpp.org/Â
This episode is generously sponsored by Avalere Health.
Rethinking How We Prompt GenAI
You don’t need to master complicated prompts to get great results from generative AI. Today, Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern and CEO of AI Mindset, shares a refreshing perspective: the key to working effectively with tools like ChatGPT is to treat them less like machines and more like teammates.
We dig into why empathy, clear communication, and real world context matter more than technical know-how. Conor explains how the best “prompts” often resemble good leadership, asking thoughtful questions, offering clear direction, and setting the right tone. Plus, we explore how AI can support (not re...
Integrating AI
As AI becomes a more integrated part of our daily lives, it is vital that we consider all stakeholder perspectives to enable us to better foster collaboration for effective AI integration in scientific publishing. In this episode we will explore AI's transformative impact on the creation and dissemination of scientific content, addressing the real-world challenges and diverse perspectives needed to harness its full potential. By considering the opportunities and barriers  (real and perceived) to AI adoption, we can distinguish how these challenges vary among stakeholders from a pharma, publisher, and patient advocate perspective. . Joining us for this conversation is St...
The Power of Plain Talk
Overly complex medical information creates a barrier to effective patient care. In this episode, guest host Steve Palmisano, Executive Vice President of Publication Services at The Lockwood Group, leads a discussion with Danielle Grospitch, Scientific Director at The Lockwood Group, and Professor Cynthia Baur, Director of the Horowitz Center for Health Literacy. Together, they examine the challenges patients face when trying to understand medical content and highlight the power of plain language summaries in making that information more accessible.
To join ISMPP, visit our website at https://www.ismpp.org/Â
From Credibility to Career Growth: The CMPP Advantage
You may be wondering—why pursue a CMPP credential? In this episode, we break down what earning the Certified Medical Publication Professional (CMPP) credential can do for your career. From demonstrating expertise and credibility to opening doors for new opportunities, certification helps professionals stand out in a competitive field. Our guests share firsthand how earning the CMPP credential has elevated their careers, expanded their expertise, and solidified their reputation as leaders in ethical medical publishing.
To earn your CMPP, visit our website at https://www.ismpp.org/overview
Beyond the Metrics: Applying AI to Sentiment Analysis
Traditional metrics like downloads and citations have long been the standard for measuring research impact. But with advancements in AI and sentiment analysis, medical publication professionals can now uncover deeper insights—how research is perceived, discussed, and acted upon.
In this episode, guest host Dr. Carrie Brubaker is joined by Julia Mutygullina and Carlos Areia of Digital Science to explore how sentiment analysis is transforming medical communications. Tune in as they discuss how AI-driven insights go beyond numbers to reveal the quality and emotional tone of engagement, helping publication professionals understand real-world impact.
To join IS...
Scientific Posters, Reimagined
Scientific posters are evolving—are you keeping up? In this episode, host Rob Matheis sits down with Doreen Valentine, a medical communications professional most recently affiliated with Bristol Myers Squibb, to explore how innovation is reshaping the way research is presented. From interactive design to greater accessibility, they discuss what’s changing, why it matters, and how we can balance progress with scientific integrity.
To join ISMPP, visit our website at https://www.ismpp.org/Â
This episode is generously sponsored by Avalere Health.
Welcome to In Plain Cite! (Formerly InformED)
Big news! InformED is now In Plain Cite! While our name has changed, our mission remains the same: bringing you expert insights on medical publications and communications. In this new chapter, we’re diving even deeper into the ideas, trends, and strategies shaping the field—always with practical takeaways to keep you ahead of the curve. Stay tuned for new episodes, compelling conversations, and the latest in medical publishing.
Multicultural Considerations in Medical Communications
Join guest host, Emma Hinkle, and her guests—Steven Millerman, Alessandra Richardson, and Rajni Parthasarathy—as they delve into the nuances of multicultural considerations in medical communications. This episode stems from an interesting roundtable discussion at the Annual Meeting of ISMPP 2024, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural differences in medical publications. From defining multicultural considerations in the medical communications space to practical insights for improving diversity in clinical trials and medical communications, this episode offers actionable strategies and real-world examples.
Emma Hinkle is a Senior Medical Writer at MedThink SciCom, Alessandra Richardson is the Senior Manager of U.S...
From Pixels to Patients: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Medical Storytelling
Guest hosted by Victoria Hart, this episode features industry experts Kelly Soldavin and Jon Viney discussing the current landscape and future implications of AI in medical publications from a publisher and agency perspective. From enhancing accessibility and readability through plain language summaries to addressing concerns such as data security and accuracy, the conversation delves into the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into content development processes. The discussion also highlights the importance of evolving policies and guidelines to navigate the ethical and practical considerations of AI adoption in medical communications. Tune in to gain insights into how AI...
A Conversation with Compliance
This episode of InformED is A Conversation with Compliance. Our guest host, Cassie Stox talks with two guests who have experience in company policies and procedures, compliance, publication processes and SOPs. Merry Saba and Megan Weigel share their experience and helpful insights into topics starting with why there is a compliance team to how the role of compliance has changed with the trends of the industry and finally, creating a positive dynamic between medical communicators and compliance teams.
Cassie Stox is the VP of Media Strategy and Audience Insights at MedThink, Merry Saba is the Lead of...
Navigating the Non-Negotiables
Prompted by historical flaws and suboptimal approaches, medical publications practice has evolved considerably over the last 20 years. Approaches to medical publications today are governed and regulated by a set of principles designed to ensure integrity, transparency, and an ethical approach. However, for those who are new to medical publications, it may not be clear where we started and how we have arrived at these principles. Join our guest host, Steve Palmisano, and guest Robert Wright as they continue to discuss this topic from their plenary session at the ISMPP 2023 Academy meeting.
Produced by ISMPP (International Society for...
Delivering Patient Centric Publications
In this episode of InformED, guest host Adeline Rosenberg is joined by Trishna Bharadia and Gavin Jones, all current members of ISMPP's Patient Engagement Task Force. Adeline, Trishna, and Gavin discuss the importance of patient involvement in scientific publications and health information. Trishna shares her insights as a patient advocate and patient engagement consultant, while Gavin discusses his role as a patient centricity leader at Open Health. Together, they explore ways to better incorporate the patient voice in the healthcare ecosystem and develop publications that are more patient-centric. Tune in to gain valuable insights on medical communications and patient...
Patients As a Key Stakeholder For Scientific Conferences
In this episode of Informed, guest host Dawn Lobban is joined by Simon Stones, an experienced patient advocate and senior medical writer. They discuss the topic of patients at scientific congresses and conferences. Simon shares his journey of being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease as a child, which inspired him to learn about his conditions and work to help others by amplifying the patient voice in research. Tune in to gain insights into the why, how, and where of patient involvement in scientific congresses – what it looks like now and what it could be in the fu...
What Do Doctors Really Do On The Internet?
In this episode of InformED, we dive into the world of data analytics and omnichannel strategies in medical communications. Guest host Gary Burd is joined by experts in the field Kent Bhupathi, Andi Schmid, and Ilana Scholl to discuss the insights gained from analyzing healthcare professionals' online behaviors and how this data can inform and shape effective medical communication strategies. Tune in to discover more about how data insights power omnichannel strategies.
Produced by ISMPP (International Society for Medical Publication Professionals), in partnership with Evergreen Podcasts. The views expressed in this recording are those of the individuals...
Inventing the Future Generative AI and Medical Publishing – a Collaborative Conversation
In this episode of Informed, guest host Jenny Ghith is joined by Dr. Yanshan Wang, Vice Chair of Research and Assistant Professor within the Department of Health Information Management at the University of Pittsburgh. They discuss how large language models and generative AI are changing how we communicate in medical publications, the importance of bridging dialogue amongst our specialties and professions, how we can learn from AI experts and the tech industry, and what we might anticipate in the future. This episode provides valuable perspectives on the intersection of AI and medical communications.
Our host, Jenny Ghith...
Bringing the Patient Voice into Company-Sponsored Publications: The Med Comms Perspective
Continuing our look at increasing patient participation in the scientific publication process, this episode of InformED will look at the process from a medical communications perspective. Our guests discuss questions to think through during the planning stages including: the different roles that patients can take, how to best communicate with patients and patient advocates, and education they may need to fully engage in the process.
Guest host Kelly Soldavin, Senior Editor at Taylor & Francis Group is joined by Jacqui Oliver, Patient Partnership Director, Scientific at Envision Pharma Group and Sarah Griffiths Communications Director, Patient Engagement at Oxford...
Bringing the Patient Voice into Company-Sponsored Publications: The Pharma Perspective
This episode of InformED is exploring the specific steps to take in order to increase the participation of patients in the scientific publication process from the pharma perspective. Our guests discuss topics ranging from forming a collaborative board, patient authorship, and making publications more accessible to non-specialist audiences. Each of our guests bring years of experience and helpful advice no matter where you are in the process of building a patient participation program.
Guest host Jonathan Patience, Head of Publication Development at Taylor & Francis, is joined by Catherine Skobe, Senior Director, Publications Innovative Solutions Lead at Pfizer an...
Digital Features: Are They Worth the Effort? Questions Answered
As a follow up to the ISMPP U Digital Features – Are they really worth it? held live on June 7, 2023, join three of the faculty from the webinar as they come back together with a lively discussion of the comments and questions submitted by the audience during the live event. Listen now, even if you haven't watched the webinar, this discussion can also be a good preview! If you are interested in the original ISMPP U, please go to the ISMPP website or find the link in the description or written transcript of this podcast. The archived webinar is free to...
Accessible Conference Presentations: Results and Insights From a Study
Guest host Mary Gaskarth is joined by Emily Messina to discuss her interest and research in the accessibility of conference presentations. Emily and her team recently won the ISMPP 2023 Annual Meeting Publication Star poster award for their poster entitled Are conference presentations accessible? Insights from an online survey to improve equity.  Emily discusses the results of her research, as well as making practical suggestions based on the survey results to help presenters and organizers make their posters, oral presentations, and even conference space itself more accessible to all attendees. She has put the suggestions together into a checklist available on...
Putting Patients First: A Journey to Inclusion in Publishing
Please join our guest host, Dawn Lobban, Head of Envision the Patient team at Envision Pharma Group, and guest Sharon Terry, President and CEO of Genetic Alliance, a not-for-profit organization that works to provide programs, products and tools for ordinary people to take charge of their health, as they continue a discussion started at the 2023 ISMPP Annual Meeting. Sharon’s keynote address on the first day of programming set the tone for the meeting theme of Patients First. Sharon describes her background and how she became involved in rare diseases, patient advocacy, and patient authorship. Learn about the importance, ba...
RWE: Relevance, Reporting, and AI
Join Rob Matheis and Richard White for a discussion of the basics of what Real World Evidence (RWE) is and how it is different from HEOR, to the big questions of how the global use of RWE has changed over time and how the rise of AI - both analytics and large language models - could change the landscape of RWE. What changes should medical communications professionals be aware of in the reporting and usage of RWE data?
Richard White is the Chief Operating Officer of Oxford PharmaGenesis, a global, independent HealthScience communications consultancy. He has more...
Trending Topics from the ISMPP 2023 European Meeting: Patients, AI, Creativity
Join us for an interesting conversation between the Co-Chairs of the European Meeting Program Committee as they discuss the relevant trends and ideas that were topics of conversation and programming in London this year. Patients, AI, and creativity were three of the major themes that came forward during the meeting – Eleanor and Rob discuss how those themes will continue to be relevant during the years to come.
Our guests are Eleanor Raynsford, Global Medical Publications and Communications, Senior Manager, Oncology at Ipsen; and Rob Pilbrow, EU Director, Scientific and Editorial Services at Syneos Health Communications. Eleanor and Ro...
Looking at Recruitment & Retention: Part 2 What is important to Employees? You might be surprised
Rob Matheis continues his discussion with Whitney Morris, this time focusing on what drives an employee to stay in their current position or move to a new one. Financial incentives are not always the most important factor, so what is taking their place? Whitney also discusses how to frame a conversation with a manager to improve your current position.
Our guest today, Whitney Morris, has worked exclusively in the scientific communications and Medical Affairs recruiting space. As Practice Lead for Medical Affairs at Medical Affairs Recruiting, she understands the field from both an employer and an employee...
Chatting (More) About ChatGPT and Generative AI
As a follow-up to the ISMPP U webinar, The Rise of ChatGPT and Generative AI: Implications for Medical Writing, Authorship, Content Development and QA Systems, this episode of InformEd aims to address unanswered audience questions and discuss new developments in this quickly changing field. Our focus is on understanding ChatGPT and other large language models, exploring how they work – including strengths and limitations, and discussing ways to get the most out of ChatGPT now – plus new skills we may need to learn. Our guests will also look to the future and consider what that landscape may look like.
Gu...
Looking at Recruitment & Retention: Part 1 - Employee & Employer Perspectives
"The Great Resignation" is affecting all organizations, including those in scientific communications and Medical Affairs. What are the main causes, and how can managers retain the great employees they already have? Or how can an employee determine what is right for them so they can see if it is where they are today or if a change is needed? Our guest today, Whitney Morris, has worked exclusively in the scientific communications and Medical Affairs recruiting space. As Recruiting Specialist at Medical Affairs Recruiting, she understands the field from both an employer and an employee perspective. Her practical advice and...
Enhanced Publication Content: The Publisher Perspective Part 2
In this continuation of the conversation with Neil Adams, we discuss the future of enhanced publication content. What are some exciting changes that may be coming and how can EPC be used more effectively in the future? In a time of limited resources, what single EPC is a must have and why?
Neil Adams is Manager, Industry Solutions, North America, Karger Publishers. Neil has more than 20 years of experience working with healthcare industry partners, journal editors, professional societies, and authors to publish important clinical research, and deliver educational and marketing solutions. His areas of expertise include industry-sponsored...
Enhanced Publication Content: The Publisher Perspective Part 1
Enhanced publication content (EPC) can break down barriers between authors and readers in various ways. Which types of EPC are the most common and which provide the greatest value for audiences? What are the greatest barriers to the use of EPC and what are potential solutions? Join us for this examination into EPC from the publisher's perspective.
Our guest is Neil Adams, Manager, Industry Solutions, North America, Karger Publishers. Neil has more than 20 years of experience working with healthcare industry partners, journal editors, professional societies, and authors to publish important clinical research, and deliver educational and marketing...
Posting with a Purpose: Using social media to reach your audience: Part 2 Making a Plan
This continuation of our Social Media series will delve into how to establish a Medical Affairs social media presence, the latest developments in social media platforms that can help improve medical communications, and practical solutions to potential challenges.
Jennifer Ghith, Global Scientific Publications and Innovations Director at Pfizer. Her areas of focus include artificial intelligence, advancing digital dissemination through social media and closed platforms, and programs aimed at achieving true patient-centricity.
Posting with a Purpose: Using social media to reach your audience: Part 1 The Nuts and Bolts
Social media has its own set of opportunities, challenges, and solutions - and even more so when used in medical communications. This episode will examine development of a social media plan, who should create content, understanding compliance, researching your audience, defining your purpose, and more. This episode will also explore where the field is heading next and what may be possible in the future of social media as a communication avenue.
Jennifer Ghith, Global Scientific Publications and Innovations Director at Pfizer. Her areas of focus include artificial intelligence, advancing digital dissemination through social media and closed platforms...
Privacy Matters: Protecting Data Amid Evolving Laws and Technology
Data privacy is not always a fun topic, but our podcast guest is another fantastic speaker from the Annual Meeting and is enthusiastic and knowledgeable! In this episode, we discuss the implications of international and domestic privacy laws and how they specifically impact medical publications professionals. Of particular importance to our industry is patient privacy in clinical trials and the challenges in protecting their identities.
Jordan Fischer leads the Octillo Legal & Tech Global Data Privacy Team and focuses her practice on international data privacy and cybersecurity and cross-border data management, with an emphasis in European Union data...