We recently interviewed Janelle Duncan who now works as a Global Medical Information Manager for Ipsen as a contractor. She has a wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical field, so we wanted to know a little more about what it’s like to work in her job and here is what she had to say.
1. What is your background?
I have worked as a Pharmacist for many years, so I had lots of experience with medical information before getting into this specific role.
2. What does a medical information manager do?
My job involves handling and managing patient medical information. I oversee medical recording, transcribing and coding and ensure that medical records and charts are organised and accurate.
3. What is a typical day like in your role?
- Responding to enquiries from HCPs and patients.
- Literature searches for product and competitors.
- Developing training materials and supporting training of internal colleagues (sales force).
- Supporting brand team with development of marketing materials.
4. How did you get into your current role?
To get into this role you need the minimum of a Bachelor of Science as well as substantial work experience within the pharmaceutical industry, which is how I got into this job.
5. What do you enjoy most about your job?
This is a very diverse job, there is something new and interesting to be involved in – so you could say that no two days are the same which makes it so enjoyable and varied, never boring.
6. What is the hardest part of your role?
Literature searches can sometimes be tricky with a large amount of hits, meaning it can be very taxing to mine through all the data to find what you are looking for.
7. Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I wanted to step away from being on the front line with patients all the time. However, in this role there is still the patient engagement aspect but it is much more varied, and it can be very rewarding to come away feeling like you have done something to help patients.
8. What type of job can this lead on to?
A Medical Manager of Medical Director.
9. What advice would you give to somebody considering this career?
Never make assumptions about things and always trust your gut instincts. Also, putting the patient at the centre of everything you do will always stand you in good steed.
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A day in the life of a Country Study Manager
