In this Q&A, we speak with Emma Lewis, Head of Project Management at Touch Medical Communications (TMC), about her journey into the world of medical communications and her passion for delivering impactful education. With a background in client services and events, Emma brings a unique perspective to project management, combining creativity with purpose-driven organisation. At TMC, she collaborates with global experts and pharmaceutical partners to deliver high-quality educational programmes across a range of therapy areas. Here, she shares what motivated her journey into medical communications, the rewarding moments of her role, the challenges of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects, and her advice for those considering a similar career path.
Q. What initially drew you to the world of medical communications, and what led you to specialise in project management?
Initially, I was in client services, working at various marketing and events agencies. The main client I worked with over the years was a luxury automotive brand, which was glamorous in some ways – you got to work with high-end cars – however after a while, I realised the work I was doing didn’t feel meaningful enough for me anymore.
Then we got a new client, a medical technology company, and the project involved creating a series of patient booklets. We explored different perspectives: the person living with the condition written for a child, teenager and adult plus versions for their parents/carers, – all with different tones of voice. I loved it. It felt like it actually made a difference, helping people to understand their condition better.
After I returned from maternity leave, I knew I wanted to get into that more purposeful space; I didn’t even know it was called medical communications at the time! I was lucky that where I live is a bit of a hub for healthcare publishers, and I eventually landed a role at a UK publisher. I spent 5 years there, working with global pharmaceutical clients and data platforms for HCPs [healthcare professionals], and it was very rewarding. I gradually specialised in project management, completed a qualification, and everything just fell into place.
Q. What aspects of working in project management within medical communications do you find most rewarding?
Definitely the people. As project manager, I get to work with global clients and key opinion leaders, who are inspiring to work with because they are subject matter experts in their chosen field and are passionate about their roles and/or their research. One of my favourite formats we work on here at TMC is the touchROUNDTABLE. We bring together three to four key opinion leaders in a virtual panel discussion. They may present data, but what I value most is when natural conversation unfolds and they share their own local clinical experience, real-world insights or perspectives from trials they’ve been involved in. That’s what truly brings the data to life. HCPs can read studies in journals, however hearing experts discuss them adds valuable context.
Internally, we’re fortunate to have a fantastic team at TMC. Everyone brings a unique set of skills, perspectives and energy, which not only keeps the work dynamic and engaging but also fosters real collaboration. What truly motivates us, though, is knowing that our efforts support healthcare professionals in expanding their knowledge, and ultimately contributing to better outcomes for patients
Q. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role, and how do you navigate them?
One of the biggest challenges is managing global clients who are across different time zones, who all have different ways of working when it comes to digital educational content. . You also work with multiple stakeholders, such as medical directors, brand managers and legal reviewers, and sometimes there’s an agency involved as well. This can make things a bit complex.
I enjoy that every day brings something a little different—it would become tedious if everything followed the same pattern.
Q. What skills or qualities are essential for success in project management in this sector?
Communication is key, whether it’s with clients, faculty or internal teams. You’ve got to be able to work well with people.
Adaptability is essential; you might plan for a project to run smoothly from start to finish, however in reality, projects rarely follow a straight path. You need to stay flexible and find solutions along the way. And, of course, problem-solving is key; I enjoy diving into a challenge and working through it logically.
Working in events helped build my confidence in thinking on my feet and making decisions under pressure, which really helps in this role too.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in project management in medical communications?
Try to gain any experience you can. If you’re currently in a role, volunteer to organise an event, even something like a staff party. You could also look for opportunities to take on a side project alongside your regular responsibilities.
If you’re looking to start out, consider project coordinator or executive-level positions as a way in. Qualifications can also help. I did the APM (Association for Project Management) course, and it was great. I remember walking into the room and thinking ‘these people are speaking my language!’
But overall, just get stuck in, get some experience under your belt and go from there.
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