Natasha Fallico holds a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology and neuroscience, followed by a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Oncology. Her original goal was cancer research, and for several years, she worked in early discovery research at AbbVie, focusing on the ideation and development of novel therapeutics.
But even in the thick of cutting-edge lab work, Natasha felt something was missing. “I’ve always been a writer,” she says, “and I realized during my graduate program that medical writing was an actual career option.”
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Graduating in 2020, Natasha entered the workforce just as COVID-19 shut down much of the world — and the job market. Originally planning to dive straight into medical writing, she found that many companies implemented hiring freezes. Still passionate about science, she stayed in research.
But during her time in the lab, she was given a unique opportunity: helping with regulatory writing for clinical trials.
“My PI knew I wanted to write and gave me the chance to work on documentation for our cell therapy trials,” Natasha recalls. “Our lab manager trained me and gave me templates. It was hands-on, real-world experience that helped me understand what regulatory writing actually involves.”
Breaking into Freelance Medical Writing
While she still works full-time in research, Natasha has started her freelance medical writing business on the side. The catalyst? Connecting with a freelance medical writing coach and taking on a leadership role at her local AMWA chapter.
“Through that network, I learned that I didn’t have to wait 10 years in corporate to freelance,” she says. “There’s a whole community of writers who do this part-time or independently.”
She now balances both roles — early drug discovery by day, freelance writing by night — and is slowly building her business, refining her niche in regulatory writing.
Getting That First Industry Job
Natasha’s leap into industry wasn’t easy, especially as a first-generation American without connections in pharma. “I’m the only person in my family with a college degree,” she says. “I had to figure it all out myself — resumes, networking, interviews.”
Despite having another academic job offer fall through, she focused on her goal: working at either AbbVie or Abbott, two major players in Chicago’s biotech scene. She applied directly, built a strong portfolio (including writing samples and her thesis), and eventually landed a research position at AbbVie.
Her takeaway?
“Even without a big network, if you’re persistent and intentional, it can work out.”
Certifications and Courses: Are They Worth It?
When asked about certifications to get hired as a medical writer, Natasha recommends starting with AMWA’s Essential Skills Certificate, especially for those with a master’s degree who want to stand out in a PhD-heavy field.
“It’s great not just for your resume,” she says, “but also to brush up on clear, structured writing. I realized I was often writing how I talk — conversationally. The course helped me be more concise and professional.”
Other resources she suggests:
- AMWA’s Regulatory Writing Certificate (newly launched)
- University of Chicago’s Medical Writing and Regulatory Writing Programs – more expensive, but in-depth
- LinkedIn Learning – for networking tips and industry knowledge
LinkedIn: Your Most Underrated Tool
One of Natasha’s strongest pieces of advice in getting hired as a medical writer is to leverage LinkedIn. “It’s not just a resume site,” she emphasizes. “It’s a networking platform full of people who actually want to help.”
By connecting with fellow writers, joining groups, and following thought leaders, Natasha was able to learn about industry trends, discover freelance opportunities, and find mentorship.
Advice for 2025 Graduates Eyeing Medical Writing
To those finishing a master’s or PhD and looking to pivot out of academia to be hired as a medical writer or researcher, Natasha offers this wisdom:
- Start networking early – especially on platforms like LinkedIn
- Join professional associations – like AMWA or EMWA (European counterpart)
- Invest in skill-building courses – especially if you don’t have a PhD
- Create a strong writing portfolio – include your thesis, blog posts, or practice samples
- Be resilient and strategic – focus on roles and companies that truly align with your values