METM24 presentation

Expanding horizons in MedComms: navigating the future as language professionals

Ana Sofia Correia, Lousã, Portugal

In recent years, the medical communications (MedComms) sector has increasingly recognized the indispensable role of language professionals. Their contributions have evolved beyond traditional translation and editing to encompass a broad spectrum of content development. This shift reflects a growing demand for not only technical accuracy but also cultural resonance. Medical translators, editors, and other language professionals are equipped with linguistic expertise and cultural insight, making them highly suited to the task of medical content development. By turning their attention to medical writing and content creation, language professionals can not only serve the growing needs of the MedComms sector but also enhance their competitive edge in the field. However, the opportunities to expand their professional activities come with challenges as well.

This presentation is designed to guide medical language professionals in navigating the MedComms landscape. It will provide a detailed exploration of the genres they might encounter, such as patient education materials, disease awareness campaigns, clinical trial summaries, and journal publications. Additionally, it will address the dynamics of content creation in an English-dominated field, highlighting strategies for non-native English-language professionals to excel at “native medical writing”: developing content in their own languages. The practical tips and suggestions in this presentation will empower attendees to refine their skills, adapt to the evolving demands of the sector, and make a significant impact in the field of medical communications, regardless of their native language.

About the presenter

Ana Sofia Correia is an English to Portuguese medical translator and writer based in Portugal. For the past 16 years, she has worked with life sciences companies, contract research organizations, language services providers, and medical communication agencies. After 12 years as an in-house translator at the Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra and the Nursing School of Coimbra, she became a full-time freelancer in 2019. She is a member of MET, APTRAD, ATA, TREMÉDICA, EMWA, and APMW. In addition to her translation and writing services, she runs the Medical Translation Mentoring programme, a community-based mentorship programme specifically designed for medical and life sciences translators.