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Every Tuesday we send out the MedComms Networking email newsletter to subscribers. It includes brief commentary on what we're doing and planning, and highlights relevant news to encourage sharing of information, experiences and ideas and to stimulate discussion. The text and links included below, by definition, were accurate on the day of publication, but may then become outdated.
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MedComms Networking - 10 November 2020
Hi
Last week I attended the European Medical Writers Association Virtual Conference (#EMWA50) AND the European CME Forum Virtual Meeting European and global CME: What next? (#13ECF). At the same time. On two computers. Whilst also walking the dog, cooking the kids' meals and, oh yes, dealing with my own #medcomms webinar. And more... anyway, you get the idea. Not ideal.
It was interesting to contrast approaches across different platforms. Some of the content was really interesting. I heard how medical societies view their futures (spoiler alert - vaccine or not, we won't be going back to anything like the old normal, and serious questions arise over finances). I heard how predatory publishing is now such an insidious problem (even I had two invitations last week to join editorial boards, owing to my "rich academic experience and excellent research achievements", so it's getting bad out there).
However, I'm still not clear what will now be made available - or when - to registered attendees who, like me, missed sessions. Or to members of their own specialist communities who couldn't or wouldn't attend, or to the more general industry folks and beyond who might be directly impacted by the issues discussed. So much content that deserves a wider audience and, in theory, could so easily have it.
Many hours are being spent, behind closed doors, within such organisations discussing how they support their communities and open up access to information and resources, but still manage the finances. We're way beyond the point of thinking we can just use some reserves to survive a few weeks or even months before going to back to the old models and quickly top up the bank accounts again.
In my case, of course, it's much simpler as I just make everything (well, nearly everything) freely accessible. Clearly, that has its own challenges!
Last week's #MedComms webinar about Equity, diversity and inclusion in MedComms, was fascinating. And frustrating. We could have talked for much longer. Everyone will have a view about the ideal membership of the panel, but, speaking as the "old, middle class, privileged white bloke", I hope we at least stimulate more discussion across our community. My thanks to Faisal Ahmed, Sharon Frost, Liz Ingle and Dimuthu Jayawardana for sharing their own experiences. Watch the vdeo. We'd welcome feedback.
Tomorrow, I'll be joined by Rosária Alexandre (Medical Communications Director), Stephanie Perkin (Account Director), Yana Stewart (Senior Medical Writer) and Jess Fox (Medical Editor) from Brandcast Health, a digital medcomms agency, to talk about their company, what MedComms means for them and the different roles within their teams. Please join us.
Next week, we'll look forward to the launch of the new ABPI Code in January with specialist, Jayne Packham. Everyone's welcome.
All great fun and, hopefully, just plain useful for everyone.
Remember, details of all our activities are kept bang up-to-date at www.MedCommsNetworking.com or give me a shout at any time if you've any questions, comments or suggestions.
Stay safe and well, everyone.
Cheers
Peter Llewellyn
Managing Director, NetworkPharma Ltd
Follow me on Twitter @NetworkPharma
Join 4,000 international colleagues in the MedComms Networking Linkedin Group
The information at www.MedCommsNetworking.com is always bang up-to-date!
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