Natalie Parletta is the 2019 winner of the Early-Career Award

The AMWA Executive would like to congratulate Natalie Parletta on winning this year’s Early-Career Award. The standard of applicants for the Award was extremely impressive, however, Natalie was a well-deserved winner. Her submission presented the complex and potentially confusing topic of insulin during pregnancy in a clear and accessible way. Sophie Scott (guest judge and national medical reporter for the ABC) said “I felt Natalie’s writing really stood out for quality, ability and I believe she has a lot of potential to offer as a medical writer.”

Natalie researched psychology and nutrition before venturing out as a freelance medical writer. She is about to complete a graduate certificate in science writing from Johns Hopkins University and in a short period of time she has written articles for Health Agenda Magazine, STEM Matters, Cosmos Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, The Conversation and The New Daily. After being told she had won Natalie said “I am delighted to receive this award. It is immensely encouraging to know that my goal to communicate science in clear, engaging language is succeeding.” As the Award winner Natalie will receive free conference registration and workshop attendance and $1000 towards travel and accommodation. She is “excited about attending AMWA’s conference this year to learn more about the craft and meet other writers.”

In an extremely competitive group Francine Crimmins was judged a close second. Francine works as a medical journalist writing for general practitioners and is the host and producer of a medical podcast call the ‘The Medical Republic’. She will also be attending this year’s AMWA conference and is looking forward to the opportunity to meet other medical writers.

Member Spotlight - Michael Molloy-Bland

Michael gained his PhD at Otago University and then secured a postdoctoral research position at the University of Oxford. He is currently working as Scientific Director in the Melbourne office of Oxford PharmaGenesis, working remotely from New Zealand. His role mainly involves overseeing strategy and content development for scientific publications across several client accounts.
He shares more about his journey, and some very wise insights and words of advice, on our Member Spotlight page.