My name is Steph Carter and I am a PhD- and CMPP-qualified medical writer based in Manchester in the UK.
I set up Lyrical Medical Writing Services in 2020 after gaining almost 20 years' experience in scientific research, clinical diagnostics and medical writing, including senior roles at different medical communications agencies.
I am a member of the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) and the International Society of Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP).
On this page I have included a little bit about my general background. For more specific information, please read about my medical writing experience, take a look at the publications I have authored or provided support with, or read some of the feedback I have received from satisfied clients. My CV can also be downloaded here.
From lab scientist....
I started my scientific career with a first class degree in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester before going on to complete a PhD in Cell Biology at the University of Liverpool.
I then moved to Scotland and worked for a number of years as a postdoctoral research scientist at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow.
At this point, I decided to make a change from basic research to a role with a clinical focus. Moving back to Manchester, I trained as a clinical scientist, gaining experience in several hospital laboratories and achieving a Master's degree in Clinical Biochemistry along the way.
.....to medical writer
As any medical writer will tell you, one of the best parts of being a scientist is communicating your findings to a wider audience.
Having actively enjoyed writing my PhD and MSc theses and preferring to spend my working hours writing papers, I put my trusty pipette down and said my final goodbyes to the lab in 2012.
In the years since then, I have had a successful career as a medical writer and have gained extensive experience in a broad range of therapy areas and project types.
.....to business owner
For many years I had been considering becoming a freelance medical writer and by early 2020 I was actively making plans with this aim in mind. Although somewhat hindered by an unexpected global pandemic, I pressed on and in July 2020 Lyrical Medical Writing Services opened for business.
Since then the business has gone from strength to strength and I have the opportunity to work on some great projects with some amazing clients.
If you would like to read more about my experiences venturing into the realm of self-employment, take a look at this blog post.