As a scientist turned healthcare strategic communications professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand how scientific training can lead to impactful careers beyond the laboratory. Following the recent celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, it’s fitting to explore the landscape of scientific careers beyond traditional paths. While academia remains a viable option, scientists – and women scientists in particular – can also create impact beyond the laboratory bench, through strategic storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
The journey from conducting detailed molecular research to translating scientific breakthroughs for broader audiences represents a valuable career pathway that many scientists might not initially consider. As my own experience has demonstrated, scientific training can provide an excellent foundation for a role in healthcare communications, supporting companies in articulating complex innovations to diverse stakeholders.
The decision to change careers wasn’t straightforward. After years of conducting molecular biology research in a laboratory setting, I found myself increasingly drawn to the bigger picture of how scientific breakthroughs lead to real-world impact. This realization crystallized during my time at Mount Sinai, where my research on Marfan syndrome opened my eyes to the direct link between laboratory discoveries and patient lives. Working on a genetic condition that predisposes people to the risk of aortic dissection – in contrast with my graduate work on transcriptional regulation and somatogenesis – I learned firsthand how scientific advances translate to treatment outcomes. Through collaborations with biopharma companies on their early-stage compounds, I became even more interested in the journey of bringing new therapies to patients in need.
My path to healthcare communications began during my PhD program, where alumni presentations opened my eyes to diverse career possibilities beyond academia. The leap from performing experiments to explaining cellular pathways and communicating corporate milestones came naturally. Now, at ICR Healthcare, I have the privilege of advising CEOs and working closely with executive teams to articulate their scientific breakthroughs. What excites me most is staying connected to cutting-edge science while helping companies communicate the potential impact of their clinical results on human health – the very reason I chose a scientific career in the first place.
Currently in my role, I am seeing some key areas of change that are reshaping biotech research. The boom of artificial intelligence and advanced computing has a profound role in drug discovery. Patient-centered drug development continues to drive innovative drug discovery. Lastly, novel therapeutic modalities continue to emerge. These industry advances require clear, accurate communication to support corporate positioning and increase visibility from the earliest stages of clinical development.
My scientific background provides unique insights that enhance client support, especially for clinical data readouts and medical conference presentations. When a biotech client shares preliminary data or a novel therapeutic approach, our team of healthcare communication veterans enjoys diving into not just the science but also its broader implications for patients and the healthcare landscape. This deep understanding allows us to support companies as they articulate their value proposition in ways that resonate with multiple audiences.
For women scientists considering career transitions, I understand the unique challenges of making this leap. The path from laboratory work to communications isn’t a traditional one and landing that first role can be daunting. My advice? Be proactive in building your communications expertise. Network extensively with professionals in the field to understand the day-to-day realities of the work. In my case, I pursued a Master’s degree in Health Communication from Boston University to demonstrate my commitment to this career pivot and enhance my skill set. The investment in additional training, while significant, helped bridge the gap between scientific expertise and communications proficiency.
The adaptability and problem-solving mindset cultivated through scientific work prepares researchers well for career pivots. The analytical thinking that drives experimental design translates effectively to developing communication strategies, and this ability to synthesize complex information and identify key findings becomes essential when helping companies communicate their scientific breakthroughs effectively. Want to dive deeper into this discussion? I’d be happy to connect and share more about my journey – you can find me on LinkedIn.
