Manoj Kumar Yadava: The turning point came in 2019 when I was in Singapore with my family. Shortly after we returned to India, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like everyone, we were grounded with limited options for professional interaction. I started brainstorming with a college senior about what we could do from home to remain productive. That’s when we decided to organize webinars. Initially, I used resources—webinar tool and other technical support from my senior’s company. We continued this for almost a year.

On June 1, 2021, I began conducting webinars independently. Initially, these sessions aimed to create awareness about pharmacy careers. Over time, I realized the unique struggles medical writers face, like a lack of training, unfamiliarity with software, and limited guidance. Currently, I conduct weekly sessions focused on medical writing. All the replays of past webinars can be accessed on YouTube by searching for #manojinpharm)

Manoj Kumar Yadava: Two main reasons inspired me:

1. Problem Statements:

   • Many medical writers reached out to me with specific issues, such as navigating tools, developing skills, or understanding the field. These questions became the foundation for my webinars.

   • For example, one of my most successful sessions, A to Z of Medical Writing, was a two-and-a-half-hour webinar covering every aspect of medical writing. It was well-received and helped many aspiring writers to take up medical writing as a career option. This is like the foundation to focus on medical writing specific sessions. For the past over three years, I have focused on webinars specific to medical writing.

2. The Need for Accessible Information:

   • During the lockdown, students and professionals were eager to learn but lacked resources. My webinars aimed to bridge this gap by offering accessible knowledge.

I believe in sharing as much free information as possible to help beginners. My YouTube channel - #manojinpharm on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@manojinpharm/playlists), for instance, features over 50+ hours of content in medical writing, covering topics that can guide anyone starting in medical writing, freelancing, or even launching their own business. These resources are good enough to get started with medical writing.

However, some areas, like learning specific tools or addressing confidential issues, require a more focused approach. For these, I offer affordable paid sessions lasting one to three months. Unlike institutions charging exorbitant fees, my courses are designed to be accessible to everyone.

The key is addressing real-world problems. After every webinar, I collect questions from participants—often 50 or more—and use them to plan future sessions. Currently, I have a repository of over 600 questions waiting to be answered! I conduct two weekly sessions for my students and answer these questions live through Zoom. Demo sessions help in learning faster and keeping sessions answer specific.

For general topics, I create YouTube webinars. For more sensitive or brand-specific issues, I use closed-group discussions to maintain confidentiality. This ensures that every session is relevant and valuable. For me, every question is important and needs to be answered.

Manoj Kumar Yadava: Someone has to do it. The medical writing space is filled with paid courses, but freely accessible, comprehensive resources are scarce. I’ve seen people struggle to find reliable information, and I wanted to change that.

By sharing my knowledge, I hope to empower individuals to start their journey without unnecessary barriers. While advanced training requires structured sessions, my goal has always been to make the basics widely accessible. The YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@manojinpharm/) will act as one stop solution to most of the answers asked by medical writing professionals from India and abroad.

Josna Lewis: No one can stay updated on everything, right? What’s your approach to staying informed about medical writing and related fields?

Manoj Kumar Yadava: Absolutely, staying updated on everything is unrealistic. Attempting to do so only creates FOMO (fear of missing out) and can even lead to burnout. Instead, I focus on a few key areas.

For example, I keep up with developments in the pharmaceutical industry through resources like the IQVIA report, which summarizes the latest industry updates. I also follow specific news sites and subscribe to industry specific magazines that publish insightful stories on health and updates. Networking is another vital part of my strategy. I’m active in LinkedIn and WhatsApp groups dedicated to pharmaceuticals and healthcare. These groups regularly share knowledge, organize webinars, and foster professional discussions. Staying part of such an active network is essential for continuous learning.

Lastly, I also attend workshops and sessions, including those on IT and engineering in pharmaceuticals. Even though I’m not an engineer, these events provide valuable insights into how technology supports the pharmaceutical industry.

Manoj Kumar Yadava: AI is here to stay, and there’s no avoiding it. The key is to use it responsibly. AI can significantly enhance productivity, learning, and even certain aspects of medical writing. However, its use in regulated fields like pharmaceuticals comes with strict boundaries.

For example, using AI for general tasks like improving writing style or organizing ideas is acceptable. But uploading sensitive data—like clinical trial information or patient profiles—is a major no-go. Such actions could breach confidentiality and even lead to data misuse since AI tools use input data for training purposes.

Awareness is critical. We need to understand the boundaries of AI usage. Here are a few guidelines:

1. Be mindful of data privacy: Never upload confidential or sensitive information into AI tools.

2. Use organization-specific AI tools: If a pharmaceutical company provides its own AI, it’s safe to use within its framework.

3. Avoid overdependence: AI may not always be freely accessible. Relying too heavily on it could backfire if access becomes restricted.

While we should embrace AI to remain competitive, responsible usage is the key. AI can enhance our work but should never replace our judgment or ethics. The golden rule for medical writers is – Use AI responsibly. If you do not use, someone using AI will replace you!

Manoj Kumar Yadava: That’s a great question! If you watch Dr. Shatabdi’s session on freelancing on our YouTube channel, I’d recommend it because she explains portfolio creation beautifully. To add a new perspective:

If you’re interning for a company, you may be bound by NDAs and unable to showcase that work as your portfolio. For instance, if you’ve written content about Dengue for a company, create additional content independently—say, on diabetes. Similarly, if you design an infographic for an employer, create a fresh one on another topic for your portfolio.

This way, you’ll have a range of projects to showcase while adhering to professional boundaries.

Manoj Kumar Yadava: Companies primarily look for two things: attitude and capability. Certificates and skills help you get in, but your attitude determines your success.

Start with accessible resources like webinars to understand the field. Once you’re familiar with the basics, seek out specific training to hone your skills. Also, engage with the community—ask questions, network, and stay curious. The journey might seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes incredibly rewarding.

Start with reasonable salary expectations as you transition from internships. For instance, if your internship stipend was ₹5,000/month, asking for ₹50,000/month in your next role might not be realistic unless you prove your worth. A balanced approach, like ₹25,000–₹30,000, reflects growth while staying grounded.

Also, proactive career planning is crucial. The job search isn’t a one-day process; it requires consistent effort.

Upskilling is indispensable. Industries evolve and staying relevant means upgrading your skills. A student’s journey should include building connections, staying in touch with mentors, and actively engaging with industry professionals.

Start networking early—connect with alumni, attend webinars, and align your skills with industry expectations. I’ve seen students who start planning in their second or third year and have clear career goals by their final year.

Relationships go beyond digital connections. Emotional connections foster trust and camaraderie. For instance, I still connect with my seniors—those who guided me during my early career. We meet, share memories, and maintain a bond beyond work. Current students often miss this, focusing solely on professional interactions. Building a balanced connection is key—it’s not just about LinkedIn but also meaningful personal interactions.

Manoj Kumar Yadava:  Scientific writing is all about effectively communicating complex information to a specific audience. The same experiment might need to be explained differently to a layperson, a funding agency, or a regulatory body. Each audience requires a tailored approach.

For example, in pharmacology labs, explaining an experiment to non-scientific family members requires simple, relatable language. On the other hand, writing to a regulator demands precision and technical accuracy. This adaptability is the essence of scientific writing.

Medical writing is a fantastic field! My advice: choose your career path thoughtfully. Identify your niche, continuously upskill, and build a portfolio that reflects your expertise and passion. Having said that do not restrict yourself too much for a particular niche, explore more to identify your true liking and disliking for a specific therapy area and medical writing type.

Manoj Kumar Yadava: My pleasure. Wishing all aspiring medical writers a successful journey ahead!