1st August 2008
New addition to editing department
Sheila Dunleavy has joined Watermeadow’s editing department, bringing with her many years of experience of teaching science and subsequently writing and editing scientific materials. Sheila graduated from Oxford University with a masters in Biochemistry and, after working briefly as a journal editor for Elsevier, she then trained as a biology and chemistry teacher, receiving a distinction in her PGCE. After many years as Head of Biology in various schools, she returned to editing and worked for the Open University as an academic science editor, producing materials to support a variety of teaching courses from foundation to Masters level. Fascinated by all things biochemical, she has joined Watermeadow as a medical editor.

14th July 2008
New medical writer for UK office
Watermeadow welcomes Elien Moes to its rapidly-expanding writing department. Elien joins the company soon after finishing her PhD at the University of St Andrews where her doctoral research focused on Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus, a member of the Picornavirus family, and its effect on membrane trafficking. Prior to that, she completed her first degree in biomedical sciences at the University of Leuven in Belgium, where she completed a dissertation on the analysis of the serotype and genotype correlation of VP1 and 5’NCR of the human Enterovirus B species. She continued to work there for a year after graduating and had the opportunity to participate in research on coronaviruses, including SARS.

2nd July 2008
Watermeadow welcomes new medical writer
Angela PozoRamajo has joined the Watermeadow writing team as an associate medical writer. Angela, who has a PhD in biophysics from The University of Liverpool, specialises in using novel techniques to investigate the very early stages of protein folding using model peptides. She spent several years doing research at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts on the aggregation mechanism of peptides and proteins known to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, as well as cataract formation in the eye. Her success in publishing a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals inspired her to become a medical writer.

1st July 2008
Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative
Watermeadow’s new Social Responsibility Program was officially launched with our attendance at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) 2008 Stakeholder Meeting in New York City, in June 2008. Watermeadow was retained to write a report of this seminal meeting for distribution to participants, as well as partners and donors who were unable to attend. Under the banner ‘Best Science for the Most Neglected’, DNDi’s executive leadership team welcomed representatives from a wealth of private and public organisations involved in driving research and development in the field of neglected tropical diseases, and particularly human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), leishmaniasis, Chagas Disease and malaria. Raising awareness of the urgent need for affordable, well-tolerated drugs for these diseases, and for government leadership in areas where such diseases are endemic, partner organisations were energetic and resolute in their commitment; dynamic and enjoyable discussions throughout the day generated numerous new strategies and partnerships. Watermeadow is delighted to partner with DNDi toward the vital public health goal of increased access to essential medicines for neglected diseases.

5th May 2008
New Social Responsibility Programme launched
Watermeadow Medical has delivered scientific communications materials to the healthcare industry since 1997. Having doubled in size over the last three years, we are now in a position to share our knowledge and expertise through partnerships with non-commercial organisations. Watermeadow’s Social Responsibility Program is a new initiative based on shared development costs. It allows us to offer the same breadth and quality of service we’ve always provided to commercial customers to non-commercial clients, including non-profit organisations, non-governmental organisations, charities and others. Watermeadow has grown by developing long-term relationships and now, through our Social Responsibility Program, we want to establish sustainable new partnerships that allow us to use the talent, dedication and expertise among our staff to provide healthcare communications and strategy that serve a wider audience. With offices in New York, USA, and Oxford, UK, we can offer a complete range of services on a global scale. We look forward to working with you.

1st May 2008
New editor expands production team
Ruth Bishop has recently joined Watermeadow as a production editor, increasing the ranks of the rapidly-expanding production department. Ruth graduated from Liverpool University with a combined studies BA in biology and history and has most recently worked for Imago Publishing Ltd as a senior production controller. Her career in publishing has spanned the fields of editorial and production on educational and children's books and English language teaching (ELT) materials for some of the top UK book publishers, including Macmillian Education, Ladybird Books and Pearson Education. She is looking foward to applying her keen eye for detail and organisational skills to her new role.

14th April 2008
Change of direction for R&D scientist

Helen Coulson has recently joined Watermeadow as an Associate Medical Writer. Already widely published in peer-reviewed journals, Helen has had a distinguished career as a research scientist, first at Oxford University and then at Unilever. She graduated with an honours degree in biological science, specialising in immunology, and subsequently joined the Cancer Research Campaign at Oxford University as a cellular biologist. Following this, she joined Unilever’s research and development division and became involved in the launch of an exploratory gland physiology programme; she was subsequently awarded an MPhil from the faculty of medicine at Manchester University in 1998 for innovative work in this field. She has publications in physiology, investigative dermatology and cosmetic science journals and is the author of a Unilever patent.

14th April 2008
Map-maker joins Watermeadow’s design team
Caleb Gould has joined Watermeadow as an artworker, bringing with him a wealth of experience in a wide range of design and layout from working with various cartographic and educational publications. Caleb graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in cartographic design with geology and went on to work for AND Cartographic Publishers, GEOprojects (UK) Ltd, Harvey Map Services and Oxford University Press where he was responsible for the design and layout of several atlases, including the 9th edition of the Oxford School Atlas of Canada. He has also worked on a large number of other reference atlases, waterway map guides, and maps and guides for walkers and cyclists. Caleb is looking forward to being able to apply his detail skills and flair for design in Watermeadow’s rapidly expanding production department.

2nd April 2008
Events project manager welcomed to Watermeadow

Watermeadow welcomes the addition of a new project manager to further expand its growing events department. Karen Hulbert, who graduated from Southampton University with a degree in biology and oceanography, joins from medical education agency, Ogilvy 4D. Prior to this, she worked as a research scientist at the Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics (WTCHG) in Oxford where her research focused on cardiac energetics in heart failure and she used a wide range of techniques: from magnetic resonance imaging and echo imaging to haemodynamics and histology. She also has nine publications in peer-reviewed journals.

1st December 2007
New senior medical writer
Chris Deakin has joined the Witney office as a senior medical writer. She has worked in medical communications for 12 years, initially as an editor and then as a writer. During that time, she gained extensive experience in writing, editing and publication planning roles. Chris has also been responsible for managing projects in a wide variety of disease areas and a number of products including Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, anti-infectives and botulinum toxins. Chris graduated from Oxford University with a first class degree and DPhil in zoology. She is excited to be part of the team and is enjoying the challenges she faces in new therapy areas.

10th November 2007
Watermeadow welcomes a new medical writer
Another medical writer joins the New York office. Stephanie Finucane brings with her nine years of experience working as both editor and writer in the medical communications industry. Previously, she worked as a copywriter for DRAFTFCB, a pharmaceutical advertising agency where she was able to broaden her knowledge in a variety of therapy areas. Stephanie studied literature to degree level in New York City and subsequently earned a certificate in the field of epidemiology and biostatistics from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To further establish her writing abilities, Stephanie is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Biomedical Writing at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She hopes to be a valuable contribution to the company and is enthusiastic to learn about other therapy areas.

5th November 2007
Educational programme nominated for award
A programme developed by Watermeadow on behalf of Novo Nordisk A/S has been nominated for a PMEA (Pharmaceutical Marketing Effectiveness Award). MERIT (Meeting Educational Requirements, Improving Treatment) was designed as  an educational programme to support the use of insulin as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and aims to provide primary care practitioners with the skills necessary to support patients. Watermeadow has worked extensively on the MERIT Programme for more than two years, producing comprehensive slide presentations, workshops, and a website. We continue to work closely with both Novo Nordisk and other clients to produce and deliver continuing medical education (CME) materials across single or multiple platforms via traditional media such as seminars and slide kits and/or interactive delivery systems such as the internet, internet-2, CD-ROMs and DVDs. For more information on our Medical Education & CME capabilities click here.

12th October 2007
Watermeadow announces new client
A new client has been added to Watermeadow’s prestigious client base. Vectura, a Chippenham-based company specialising in the development of inhaled pharmaceuticals, has engaged Watermeadow to produce editorial materials and assist with publication planning. Vectura uses the latest technologies to create products to treat respiratory, neurological and other diseases rapidly and effectively with the aim of improving patients’ lives and currently has eight marketed products as well as a portfolio of drugs in clinical and pre-clinical development. Watermeadow is delighted to be of assistance to Vectura and looks forward to working with them. For information on our capabilities in scientific writing services click here or to learn more about how we can help you with publication planning click here.

28th September 2007
Client base grows with new addition
Watermeadow is delighted to announce the addition of Canopus Biopharma to its growing customer base. Canopus is a global leader in the development of novel pharmaceutical technologies for use in various types of flu, infectious diseases, cancer and addiction. The Irish-headquartered biotech company has engaged Watermeadow  to produce scientific publications from a series of cutting edge preclincial studies. These studies have clearly demonstrated that a compound developed by Canopus is more effective than any other known drug in treating the latest strains of avian flu, Spanish flu and Hong Kong flu.
For information on our scientific writing services, click here.

28th August 2007
New senior medical writer joins Manhattan office
Joseph T. Scarpuzza has joined Watermeadow’s New York office as a senior medical writer. Joe has worked in medical communications for twenty-five years, holding a variety of positions in medical writing, project direction, account services, business development, and corporate management. His experience includes multiple therapy areas and, among other accomplishments, Joe has also directed major medical education initiatives in support of several pharmaceutical clients and products. He studied both psychology and professional nursing to degree level and has spent half his working life in Europe. Joe is Watermeadow’s first full-time writer based in New York and is very excited about joining this growing office.

18th July 2007
MERIT wins 'Best Professional Education Project'
Watermeadow project wins top award at Communiqué
MERIT (Meeting Educational Requirements, Improving Treatment), an educational programme to support the use of insulin as a treatment for type 2 diabetes has been awarded 'Best Professional Education Project' at the Communiqué Awards. These awards are well known within the industry, recognising excellence in marketing and medical communications. Beating off stiff competition, the Communiqué judges considered the MERIT programme 'An exceptional entry and a worthy winner' and noted: "This is the training the NHS should have done themselves."

MERIT is a flexible, needs-targeted, classroom-based programme sponsored by Danish healthcare company, Novo Nordisk A/S. It is designed specifically for primary care practitioners in the UK and aims to provide them with the skills necessary to support patients in the initiation and continued use of insulin. Watermeadow has worked extensively on the MERIT Programme for more than two years, producing comprehensive slide presentations, workshops, and a website to support the programme. The MERIT programme has been exceptionally well received - 85% of participants surveyed said it had changed the way they manage diabetes, and 97% said they would recommend MERIT to a colleague. Other testimonials include: "This is a very well put together and thought out programme" (a GP who reviewed the programme), and "Taught me more in a day than I'd learnt during a whole diabetes course" (a MERIT participant).

Watermeadow works closely with clients to produce and deliver continuing medical education (CME) materials across single or multiple platforms via traditional media such as seminars and slide kits and/or interactive delivery systems such as the internet, internet-2, CD-ROMs and DVDs. For more information, see our Medical Education & CME capabilities.

20th June 2007
New editor joins New York office
Lisa Sullivan has joined the New York office as senior medical editor.  Lisa graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia, in 1990 and also completed an MA and PhD coursework in Church History. Lisa began her medical career for online editorial services site, Scribendi Inc., and subsequently worked for Bradley Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Helix Medical Communications, where she worked on publications and events in support of therapies for hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and genital herpes. Lisa has also co-authored a science fiction short story, which was published in the Star Trek: New Frontier anthology No Limits.

17th June 2007
New editor joins Witney office
Beverly La Ferla has joined Watermeadow’s Witney office as medical editor. Beverly graduated from Cambridge University in 1999 with a degree in Natural Sciences and completed a Masters at the University of York the following year. She went on to write for a science website based in Brussels and then joined an environmental magazine as assistant editor in London, completing a professional qualification in journalism part-time. Beverly subsequently took on the editorship of Engineering Management magazine, published by the Institution of Engineering & Technology, working in both print and online media, and was also involved in creating several short films for IET.tv before leaving to join Watermeadow as a medical editor.

4th June 2007
New editorial assistant joins Watermeadow
Victoria Horne has joined Watermeadow’s Witney office as editorial assistant in the medical writing department. Victoria recently graduated from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in June 2007 with a 2:1 degree in Pharmacology, during which she worked for a year in Belgium for pharmaceutical company, Janssen Pharmaceutica, researching chemotherapeutic agents and their adverse effects. The experience encouraged her to pursue her interests in writing scientific literature and on returning to her studies, she started a weekly science column in the student newspaper, which gained her recognition throughout the university. She is very keen to work in science communications and on the basis of her enthusiasm, she became the first graduate to join Watermeadow.

10th May 2007
Watermeadow USA expands into Manhattan
Our US office expands into new premises in New York City...
Watermeadow Medical USA is moving its center of operations into New York City, with offices at 440 9th Avenue. Watermeadow has been established in the USA, with headquarters in Albany, NY, since 2001, and this current relocation reflects the strength and growth of its US client base. It is also a move that will accommodate the planned expansion in headcount, with hiring activities already in progress. The US office of Watermeadow will continue to work closely with the company's European operations, with secondment and exchange programs planned to share expertise and working practices across offices. See our Contacts page for the details of this new office.

5th May 2007
New writer for UK office
Dr Mike Lappin has joined the Witney office as a senior medical writer. With over five years’ experience in the medical communications industry and a background in immunology, Mike joins Watermeadow from medical writing agency, PPSI. Mike has a solid background in immunology and completed a Medical Research Council PhD in dendritic cell immunobiology at Edinburgh University and AstraZeneca in 1996. He continued his research at the University of Freiburg, Germany, and Glasgow University, Scotland, looking at the role of dendritic cells generation/modification of immune responses and dendritic cell cancer vaccines. After joining PPSI in 2002, he broadened his knowledge to include anti-infectives, pain/inflammation, and growth hormone therapy areas. Mike is looking forward to the challenge of expanding his knowledge base further in the areas of diabetes therapy and plasmapheresis.

1st May 2007
Event success on a global scale
Three major meetings delivered in a single week
Watermeadow supported the successful implementation of three major meetings last week: a two-day study protocol meeting in Athens; a satellite symposium at the Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome congress in Barcelona; and a two-day international study results meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Watermeadow's involvement in these meetings included content generation and support, design and production services, and logistics management.

Feedback from the faculty and our clients has been extremely positive. For example, an international trial manager commented: "You have done a really good job", an intermational medical officer said: "We'd like to express our gratitude for your excellent assistance... during the meeting", and a meeting chairman mentioned: "What a pleasure it was to meet you and to work with you. Both experiences couldn't have been better."

Watermeadow continues to provide outstanding meeting support for a number of international clients. For more information, see our Symposia & Meetings capabilities.

22nd March 2007
David Cameron opens Witney office complex

The Conservative Party Leader and Witney MP, David Cameron, officially opened Witney Office Village today. The Village, which comprises several newly built office buildings of varying size, has been the home of Watermeadow's UK headquarters since February 2006.

15th February 2007
Ten years of excellence
Watermeadow celebrated an important birthday in February 2007 – ten years after delivery of its first project. “Since our first project in 1997 we have produced several thousand more,” said founder and managing director Dr Paul Hilditch, “helping clients achieve their goals, professionals improve therapeutic outcomes, and patients to have better lives.”

3rd January 2007
New year, new client!
Following a competitive pitch, Watermeadow Medical have secured several communications projects with healthcare and consumer-goods manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser. The projects (involving production of a satellite symposium and several manuscripts) will support the profile of a leading skincare product. "This is a fantastic start to 2007, reflecting our continued commitment to growth. We're delighted to be involved with these exciting projects", said New Business Lead, Dr Jo Oswald.