Are we doctors? Decoding the world of medical communications
Every time I tell someone I work in medical communications, it takes a predictable turn: So, are you a doctor? While I appreciate their curiosity, in this query what they are actually asking is if I am a medical doctor, do I have a medical degree (MD)? To me, this highlights the lack of understanding about the term ‘doctor’ beyond clinical practice. The confusion often stems from society’s association of the term ‘doctor’ exclusively with medical practitioners.
A doctoral degree (PhD) is a research-based degree focused on a specific area of specialisation that earns the successful graduate the title of ‘doctor’; it the highest-level post-graduate degree one can receive. A PhD can be earned in many disciplines, but a scientific PhD provides the candidate a space to explore their curiosity and creativity, as well as contributing to the advancement of science and/or medicine. Unlike doctors with a medical degree (MD), those holding scientific PhDs are not trained to diagnose, prescribe or treat patients; instead, their doctoral research contributes to our fundamental scientific understanding and helps drive new treatments from laboratory to bedside.
For individuals who have this specialised knowledge in any science- or medicine-related fields, it opens doors to wide range of careers, from academia to pharmaceuticals, regulatory affairs and medical communications.
Medical communications – or MedComms – is an industry focused on breaking down complex scientific information for a broader audience, such as healthcare practitioners, patients, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies. Professionals in this industry work alongside pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and charities on a wide range of projects such as creating training materials, writing scientific publications, assisting with patient recruitment into clinical trials and developing patient-friendly brochures. In addition to these tasks, MedComms agencies also play a crucial role in consultation and strategy, helping clients achieve their business objectives, shape markets and navigate complex communication challenges. This field of work requires a unique balance of scientific comprehension with communication and creativity. For example, since stepping into the world of MedComms, I have worked on everything from publication summaries (text documents which summarise new research for medical audiences) to patient infographics (visually engaging documents targeted at non-medical audiences); all bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical practice in different ways. This behind-the-scenes work is vital in making advancements accessible and impactful in real-world settings. While many professionals enter MedComms with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline, at minimum, having a PhD provides a strong foundation in data evaluation, critical analysis and scientific story telling.
So, while a medical communication professional like me may not be on the frontlines of fighting disease, we play a vital role in bringing data to life, driving awareness, educating audiences, and ultimately influencing behaviours that improve patient outcomes and transform lives for the better.
