In Plain Cite

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...

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/ 

This episode is generously sponsored by Avalere Health.

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...

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...

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/ 

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

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 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/ 

This episode is generously sponsored by Avalere Health.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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 (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...

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.

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...

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...

The COVID pandemic both accelerated adoption of decentralized clinical trials and highlighted the importance of decentralization in making clinical trials more patient-centric. These trials allow for the continuation of research in challenging periods, as we have seen recently with the global pandemic and in times of war. They don’t, however need to be viewed as only a fall back methodology as there are numerous benefits that make decentralized trials a methodological option and not just an alternative. They have the potential to improve patient engagement in research and certainly help with equity, diversity and inclusion.

Join us...

Health literacy, health equity, and health disparities are connected, both in practice and in research. Join us for the first episode of InformED’s equity, diversity and inclusion series, and learn from health literacy and communication experts Laurie Myers, Director, Global Health Literacy & Oncology Health Equity at Merck and Stacy Robison, Founder & Owner of CommunicateHealth. Not only will they speak to the vital role of health literacy but also for the need of a higher level of intentionality in the work of health communicators. A list of resources will be shared. 

InformED is generously sponsored by MedThink SciCom.<

Join us for a continuation of our conversation with David Barrett, CEO of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy, on successfully navigating the changing medical conference landscape. David will speak to designing medical conferences that deliver value and opportunity for all those involved. He will touch on scientific posters, metrics, patient inclusion in medical conferences, and the need to translate complex information into more digestible formats, even for HCPs. Be better prepared for the medical conferences of the future! 

InformED is generously sponsored by MedThink SciCom.

Follow ISMPP on Twitter, LinkedIn a...

Medical societies have had to innovate rapidly in light of cancelled conferences during the pandemic. Innovation was accelerated, and the virtual conference emerged. Join us for an insightful conversation with David Barrett, the CEO of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy, which is the largest society of gene and cell therapy scientists, researchers, and other professionals. In Part 1 of the discussion, David will speak to successfully navigating the changing medical conference landscape and what the future might hold. What are attendees really looking for? What formats have been most successful for engagement? 

InformED is generously sponsored b...

In a continuation of our previous discussion, let’s talk innovation and digital transformation in medical communications. There is a new sense of urgency to communicate research more rapidly and in innovative ways. But how is this best achieved? Find out in this edition of ISMPP’s InformED. Jennifer Ghith, Global Scientific Publications and Innovations Director at Pfizer will speak to how to keep pace with scientific information and communicate in ways that will meet the new expectations of stakeholders. Don’t miss this conversation moderated by guest host Leslie Rotz, Director of Digital Strategy and Operations at MedThink, SciCom...

Innovative thinking is more important now than ever. What is driving that necessity whether it be within your own organization or more broadly within our industry? What new expectations do stakeholders have? Find out in this edition of InformED where guest host Leslie Rotz, Director of Digital Strategy and Operations at MedThink SciCom talks with Jennifer Ghith, Global Scientific Publications and Innovations Director at Pfizer. 

InformED is generously sponsored by MedThink SciCom.

Follow ISMPP on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Publication enhancements are all the talk these days. Expanding the reach. Moving beyond publication. There are so many options to enhance the availability of data and improve understanding. Are they ALL worth the investment? Which really work and which are just shiny new toys? Find out in this edition of InformED. Generously sponsored by MedThink SciCom.

Conceptually, providing free open access to scientific and medical research makes intuitive sense. Why would research be maintained behind a paywall when we know that it will further science and benefit patients? On the other hand, it has been challenged that industry sponsored research should not be open access. Also, journals struggle with their operational models in an open access world. Join us for InformED where we tackle the issue of open access during a spirited discussion with Kristen Ratan. 

Kristen is the founder of Strategies for Open Science and has a 20-year history working to accelerate a...