Shaping Clinical Development Through Writing: Francesca’s Journey at MMS 

Can you talk about your background and professional journey before MMS, and how you got here? 

I have a PhD in microbiology, which gave me strong foundations in scientific research, critical thinking, and communication. After my PhD, I stayed in academia for nearly six years, completing two postdocs. I studied antibiotic resistance, published in peer-reviewed journals, mentored students, and wrote grants. During that time, I realized I enjoyed communicating science clearly, primarily through grant writing. That experience led me to medical writing. I had already discovered I liked writing during my PhD thesis, but grants confirmed it. Shifting to medical writing allowed me to use my scientific background while working on regulatory documents. It took me out of the lab but kept me in science, making an impact in a different way. 

What motivates you every day? 

I feel a strong sense of purpose because my work contributes to advancing healthcare. Seeing drugs approved and knowing they will impact people directly motivates me to approach each project with passion and great dedication. 

Can you walk me through a typical day or week as a medical writer? 

Every day is a little different, but the structure is similar. In the morning, I check emails to see if anything urgent came in overnight, since I am in the UK and most of my clients are in the US. I usually focus on project work in the morning, and in the afternoon, I have meetings with clients and teams in the US. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I love hearing about new drug approvals, especially when I know I contributed to those projects. It is gratifying to see that my work directly supported getting a drug to market that will help patients. 

What does it take to succeed as a medical writer at MMS? What advice would you give to someone new? 

A strong background in science is essential, along with good communication skills and attention to detail. Projects are complex and each one is different, so adaptability is very important. We often work with cross-functional teams of people with diverse opinions and personalities. Being able to manage feedback while still meeting timelines is critical. 

What does collaboration with cross-functional teams and clients look like? 

Each client and project is different. Sometimes you work with large teams with multiple personalities, and other times with smaller teams that are more close-knit. Clients may have different perspectives and priorities. It is our job to align these effectively and keep projects moving forward smoothly. 

What challenges have you faced in this role, and how did you overcome them? 

The biggest challenge is managing tight deadlines. Deadlines shift and clients often request last-minute changes. To handle this, I stay organized and build buffer time into timelines when possible. If it is not possible, I stay responsive to changes and focus on bringing solutions. It helps build trust with clients and teams. 

How do you incorporate MMS’s core values into your work? 

MMS values talent, and I try to support my colleagues’ growth by celebrating their contributions while also investing in my own development. I aim to exceed expectations by anticipating client needs and challenges, working with accountability and purpose. 

How do you think AI and automation are reshaping medical writing? What changes do you anticipate in the next few years? 

AI is transforming how documents are authored. It will improve efficiency, speed, data analysis, quality control, and consistency. I expect our role will shift more toward reviewing, refining, and validating AI-generated documents. Medical writers will remain crucial for ensuring outputs meet ethical guidelines and industry standards. 

What are your interests outside of work? 

I love my dogs, I enjoy gardening, and I love hiking with my family. We have also started climbing. The UK does not have tall mountains, but I am originally from northern Italy, near the Alps. We go back once a year for a week of hiking, which is always a highlight. 

To learn more about MMS’ medical writing services, click below: https://mmsholdings.com/services/regulatory-and-medical-writing/