AMWA Member Spotlight - Sally Bathgate

 

Where can we find you online? 

www.generatehealthsydney.com.au ;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-bathgate-8bb122119/

Link to your AMWA directory listing

https://www.medicalwriters.org/community/contact/9/

 

1. Brief description of what you do

Like many freelance health and medical writers, I help with a diverse range of projects needing our niche skills. I mainly assist with things like patient-friendly materials, web content for healthcare organisations/services, medical/health copywriting for therapeutic products, educational materials for HCPs. I also do editing and fact-checking.

2.  What led you to become a medical writer?

Once upon a time, I was a Regulatory Affairs professional in the pharmaceutical industry here in Australia. After a career break (3 kids, 2 international moves and publishing a book), I was looking for a flexible job that would use my slightly eclectic qualifications, skills and experience. I stumbled onto freelance health and medical writing through Health Writer Hub (run by ex-AMWA president Michelle Guillemard). It all fell into place after that.

3. What do you enjoy most about being a medical writer?

I think it’s contributing to health education; empowering people with better knowledge so that they can make informed healthcare choices, or feel confident to ask their healthcare providers better questions.

4. What has been one of your career highlights as a medical writer and why?

One highlight (no one paid me to say this) was being asked to be on a panel at the AMWA conference two years ago. We spoke about how we came to be medical writers. The best part was sitting next to Sophie Scott: a fan-girl moment!

 5. What has been one of the greatest challenges for you as a medical writer and how have you addressed this?

Confidence. Confidence. Confidence. Being a freelancer feels pretty vulnerable, and it’s so easy to second-guess yourself. Many times I’ve been convinced that I might not measure up to some invisible, imaginary super-medical writer who must be able to do the job 10 times better than I can.

6. What advice would you give fellow writers or people considering a career in medical writing?

To quote the Cinderella movie, ‘Have courage and be kind’. 

I don’t think there’s a passive pathway to a career in medical writing.  You need to forge ahead, ask questions (however simple or complex), and fill the gaps you discover in your knowledge and skills.

Also, the medical writing community is small. Be kind. Be generous. Be open. 

7. What led you to join AMWA?

The medical writing community is small! The freelance community is even smaller. It’s easy to feel isolated and adrift. I needed AMWA for mentoring, education, and networking.