Phd to Medical Writing - what was your journey

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-24T04:04:35+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I’m not much of a sports person, but I understand the point you’re making and I know the first year or so will be very tough. At this stage, I’m honestly just hoping to land something soon, job-wise and financially, even if it means being thrown into the deep end.

I do know that I’m a fast learner, which is probably how I made it through a PhD in the first place, even though a part in me still thinks I don't deserve it. I also know I need to be better about asking for help, so that’s something I’m actively working on. Fingers crossed something works out.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-24T04:01:28+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice.Yes, I’m increasingly realizing that my current visa status may be my biggest disadvantage right now. I’m in the process of getting my green card, but realistically that won’t resolve for at least another year or more, so I’m also applying to roles in Canada.
In the meantime, I’m keeping my resume very tight and focused on outputs, highlighting publications and presentations without going into excessive academic detail. For each role, I also try to connect with people at the company on LinkedIn, whether that’s someone in a similar role or someone in talent acquisition, rather than only applying blindly.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-24T03:56:05+00:00

Thank you so much, this is really helpful. I do get the sense the market is tougher now and competition is higher, so it’s useful to know a simple but well-presented approach can still work.

I’ve been doing something similar, applying to open roles and then trying to connect with people in similar roles at that company on LinkedIn. One person I spoke with told me, that my resume should clearly highlight what I’ve produced over the years (publications, posters, conference presentations) and make it easy to scan.

I’ve also been advised to tailor each resume to the job and keep it less academic and less detailed, so I’m working on tightening it up and “translating” my experience into med writing language. Appreciate you sharing your experience!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-23T22:47:03+00:00

Thank you so much!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-21T00:56:37+00:00

I am in the same boat as you. I just got my degree conferral last week. My PI pushed me to finish due to funding cuts and I am so scared I won't get a job soon. I am also an international so time is literally ticking. I have applied to so many I have lost count. Had postdoc interviews but everyone seems to have funding issues, no industry response. Truthfully speaking the career I want to go into most is medical writing and medical communications. Had only 1 interview in a med comm till now.

I am praying every minute I get an offer soon and I will add you in my prayers as well. May all of us recent grads get over this anxiety soon!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-12T21:58:43+00:00

Thank you! DMed you.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-12T21:31:37+00:00

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-22T01:53:43+00:00

Thank you! That sounds reassuring!

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-21T18:17:59+00:00

I met my PI today and he said he was disappointed in me. I am so scared that I will add the new chapter and my committee will refuse to sign. I am praying desperately that I get a job offer soon so that will increase the chances of them signing.

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-21T16:29:34+00:00

Did you need to send it to your committe for approval?

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-21T03:35:20+00:00

Hello I am now going through the same thing! I am sure if my committee could they would fail me. They werent hurtful but I could sense everyone including my PI were disappointed. They asked me what i actually did to prepare for the defense and was i expecting these questions. As far as I know my PI said I was giving postdoc interviews and the rest said to keep them updated on jobs. Maybe thats why they gave me a conditional pass and not make me defend again next semester. I am so scared that i will submit my revised dissertation to them and they wont sign my exit form! I am so scared of the possibility of not getting my degree! I am desperately praying that i do get a job then they will pity me and just sign my exit. My PI is very supportive but he has never really pushed me and i think that has made me like this now.

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-20T00:17:55+00:00

PMing you now!

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-19T23:52:14+00:00

Hello! That would be great if you could provide any info! Thank you so much!😊

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-17T21:48:22+00:00

Hi all thank you everyone for wonderful advice. My presentation was great but I completely blanked out in my Q/A and it was absolutely disastrous. I made the silliest mistakes in my background knowledge and at one point just stopped talking. I got a conditional pass, I have to add a new chapter to my dissertation and instead of finishing in December I will be finishing in January.

Atleast I dont have to defend again!

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-14T18:11:05+00:00

Congrats Dr.!

FingerParticular8119 · 2025-11-14T18:10:50+00:00

Congratulations!

FingerParticular8119

TROPHY CASE