Strategic Medical Writer & Healthcare Communications Specialist

Karen Lipworth, strategic medical writer

Science, strategy and storytelling…

…have been the three constants throughout my career in healthcare communications. For over 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of all three, helping clients make sense of complex evidence, sharpen their thinking and find more effective ways to connect with their audiences.

My work spans strategic medical writing and specialist communications counsel for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, clinical research organisations, consultancies and non-profits across Europe and North America.

Since 2015, I’ve operated independently through Quicksilver Healthcare Communications. I am also a go-to writer and thought partner for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), a long-standing consultant to Laborie Medical Technologies and a member of The Difference Collective.

Much of the value I bring lies in the thinking that happens before the writing begins: getting beneath the surface of a brief, asking the right questions, challenging assumptions and working with clients to establish what really matters. The same questioning mindset carries through to the writing itself, where scientific rigour, a powerful narrative and human psychology are all embedded.

Experience and credentials

Professional versatility

From high-science assignments in complex, evolving fields to empathetic patient-facing communications and engaging, journalistic content for wider audiences.

A specialist in specialising

Established expertise across oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neurology, psychiatry, respiratory medicine, functional urology and rare diseases – alongside an ability to master unfamiliar scientific territory at speed.

Clinical research thought leadership

Built on six years with IQVIA, a substantial tenure at Duke Clinical Research Institute, ongoing consultancy work with ACRP and prior membership of a London-based research ethics committee/IRB.

Product lifecycle and regulatory fluency

Experience spans early drug discovery and clinical research through to commercialisation and maturity, underpinned by familiarity with regulatory frameworks and industry codes of practice.

Academic and scientific collaboration

Named author and acknowledged contributor on over 20 academic manuscripts; experienced broker and collaborator with key opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups and scientific societies.

Mentoring and quality oversight

Coach and mentor to other medical writers and provider of quality oversight for writing teams.

Perspectives

Fountain pens resting on a notebook in front of shelves of books

Do academic papers need to be so boring?

Read More
Team brainstorming with sticky notes on a glass wall

Why Healthcare Communications Need a Core Narrative (Before Anything Else)

Read More
Hand holding a tablet surrounded by glowing network connections

Why Medical Writing Should Be Strategic

Read More

Client Testimonials

Karen is by far the best writer I’ve ever worked with, but also the best sounding board. Truly a go-to person for knowledgeable, thoughtful, and responsive communication and scientific writing in the field of healthcare and clinical research.

Susan P. Landis

Executive Director of the Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)

I’ve known Karen for almost ten years.  In addition to her medical writing magic and drug development knowledge covering both sides of the Atlantic, she’s a dedicated team player who consistently goes the extra mile for her colleagues and clients.

Raymond A. Huml

Vice President of Medical & Scientific Strategy, Head of the Rare Disease Consortium, Syneos Health

I have the greatest respect for Karen as a writer. We threw a lot of complicated stuff at her and she caught magnificently.

Dr Christopher Ung

Former VP, Oncology Therapeutic Strategy, IQVIA

Karen is one of the most respected names in the field of freelance medical communications.

Matt de Gruchy

Former CEO Ogilvy Healthworld UK

Karen is one of those rare individuals who combines science, sensitivity and sensibility. She asks the right questions to envisage the right solutions and delivers a quality of work that reflects her passion for excellence.

Sharon Suntag

Former Director, Medical Strategy and Content, IQVIA

Karen led the development of a number of manuscripts on behalf of the Collaboration for Oncology Data in Europe (CODE) through to successful publication in quality peer-reviewed journals. She was structured and thoughtful in her approach, had excellent attention to detail and was tenacious in pursuing our goals.

Julia Levy

Former External Engagement Lead, CODE, IQVIA

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Karen for nearly a decade. She has an in-depth understanding of the science behind clinical research, as well as the patient perspective, and expertly combines the two.

Lindsay Singler

Director, Research Communications & Engagement, Duke Clinical Research Institute

Karen has a rare gift for distilling very technical information into compelling core messages, expertly customised for all target audiences.

Rebecca A Bachmann

Scientific Director, Gardiner-Caldwell Communications

Karen is fundamentally strategic, always focusing on the end goal and the big picture. She proactively revisits her recommendations in the light of environmental developments and is one of the most skilful writers I’ve ever encountered.

Rachel Terry

Former Director, Aurora Healthcare Communications

During our partnership, Karen developed a true depth of understanding for biosimilars that made her an invaluable partner. I would like to personally thank and recognize her for the extraordinary leadership she provided.

Tracy Stewart

Former Director, Biosimilars Center of Excellence, IQVIA

Karen is a consummate professional with a hugely analytical mind. Her ability to interpret high science and data to construct a compelling and engaging narrative is second to none – as is her broader understanding of the need to ensure the patient voice is heard. 

Neil McGregor-Paterson

Former Head of Healthcare, Ruder Finn

Karen has the ability to turn a maelstrom of thoughts and ideas into a very thorough and focused concept.

Andrew Smith

Former Director, Healthcare Engagement and Communications, IQVIA

I had the pleasure of working with Karen for nearly ten years. She combines scientific rigour with excellent judgement and a calm, collaborative style, and both KOLs and industry partners trust her completely. She is one of the most effective scientific communication professionals I have worked with, and I recommend her without reservation.

Holger Fürstenberg

Former EVP & General Manager Europe and International, Laborie

Karen has an exceptional understanding of complex science and communicates it clearly and persuasively. She brings insight and sound strategic judgement to every project, consistently delivering work that is thoughtful, engaging and of outstanding quality.

Terry Bradley

Partner and Scientific Engagement Director, &Robin Science

Karen is an outstanding medical writer, but also a sharp strategic thinker who brings clarity and structure to even the most complex topics. She is incredibly rigorous, thoughtful and reliable. Working with Karen gives you the peace of mind that everything is in excellent hands.

Stéphanie Brudey

Senior Commercial Strategy Consultant, Life Sciences

Karen has a rare, maybe unique, combination of commercial nous and first-rate communication skills.

Neil Kendle

Managing Director, Kendle Healthcare

Karen has a way with words that I believe is second to none.

Julia Cook

Former Managing Director, StepBack Healthcare