Home - Quicksilver Healthcare Communications

mail@karenlipworth.co.uk

Strategic Medical Writer & Healthcare Communications Specialist

Strategy turns science into meaning

Framing helps evidence shift beliefs

Structure gives messages power

Over 25 years’ experience in strategic medical writing and specialist communications counsel for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, clinical research organisations (CROs), consultancies and non-profits in Europe and North America.
Self-employed since 2015 through my company, Quicksilver Healthcare Communications, I am also Director of Medical Writing at &Robin Science, a member of The Difference Collective, a long-standing consultant to Laborie Medical Technologies and a go-to writer and thought partner for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).
When the need arises, I team up with a handpicked group of trusted freelance colleagues with expertise in behavioural science, media relations, digital marketing and creative conceptualisation.

Core skills and guiding principles

Incisive approach and versatile writing skills, from high science assignments in complex, evolving areas through to empathetic, accessible patient-facing copy and engaging, journalistic content for wider decision-makers and the general public
Specialist in value articulation, core narratives and messaging frameworks
Advocate for the power of storytelling, the patient voice and the need to humanise high science, while ensuring outputs are always insight-driven, strategy-led, evidence-based and scientifically rigorous
Proven commitment to interrogating briefs, challenging routine approaches, and identifying key psychological barriers that impede adoption of desired beliefs and behaviours

Credentials

Strong subject matter expertise in oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neurology, psychiatry, respiratory medicine, functional urology, rare diseases and the evolving clinical research landscape
Extensive experience with prospective and established brands and portfolios from the earliest stages of drug discovery and clinical research through to commercialisation and maturity
Named author and acknowledged contributor on over 20 academic manuscripts
Skilled at collaboration with key opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups and scientific societies to generate insights, formulate strategies and road-test approaches
Familiar with regulatory frameworks, industry codes of practice and cultural nuances; designer and facilitator of numerous multidisciplinary advisory boards, roundtable meetings, workshops and steering committees across a range of therapy areas
Specialist in clinical trial communications; substantial CRO experience (including six years with IQVIA) and past member of a London-based research ethics committee / IRB
Coach and mentor to other medical writers and quality oversight for writing teams

People will forget what you said and forget what you did,
but they will never forget how you made them feel

We need data but we won't change the world with data.
We will change the world with language and emotion

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind

Perspectives

Do academic papers need to be so boring?

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

Why Medical Writing Should Be Strategic

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

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