Transitioning from academia to industry is never a straight line, but for Dr. Christopher Pratt, the journey from cell biology researcher to entrepreneur and founder of his own thriving medical writing business, Quill Science, has been one of growth, resilience, and purpose.
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Pratt opens up about how he made the leap, the lessons he learned along the way, and the tools and strategies he uses to thrive as a freelance medical writer and consultant.
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From Research Passion to Burnout
Chris’s academic path began with a deep curiosity about disease and a passion for understanding biology at the cellular level. His PhD journey was shaped by a supportive mentor who encouraged clear, engaging scientific communication. But after completing his doctorate and stepping into a postdoc role, burnout started to creep in.
With a growing family and the financial strain of childcare, Chris found himself questioning the sustainability of bench work. A pivotal moment came when a colleague introduced him to the world of medical communications—a field where he could stay close to the science he loved while leaning into his talent for writing.
The Pivot to Medical Writing
Chris’s first attempt at landing a full-time role in medical writing didn’t pan out—he was ghosted after an interview. But the process made something clear: writing was the path forward.
Soon after, he left the lab. Then came COVID-19. With childcare duties intensified and full-time roles on hold, he turned to freelancing. Sites like Upwork gave him a foothold, leading to his first gig writing blog posts for a reagents company.
He also began networking on LinkedIn, which became a vital channel for building relationships, learning from others in the field, and securing new opportunities.
“Freelancing is a lot like science—you’re experimenting constantly,” Chris says.
Learning Business Through a 9-to-5
In 2021, with vaccines rolling out and opportunities opening up, Chris accepted a full-time position at a healthcare PR firm. The role, focused on medical strategy, became a crash course in marketing, business development, and client management.
“Working in-house gave me insight into how marketing teams pitch, operate, and scale. That knowledge became foundational when I later returned to freelance full-time.”
Two years later, after a company restructuring, Chris decided it was time to launch his own business for good. Quill Science was born.
Building Quill Science: Clients, Marketing & Growth
Today, Chris serves a mix of medical education agencies, marketing firms, and biotech startups. His value proposition is clear: as a PhD-trained scientist with strong communication chops, he helps these organizations bridge the gap between complex science and strategic messaging.
He finds clients primarily through:
- LinkedIn content marketing – writing posts that speak to client pain points
- Networking and referrals – building relationships with professionals in the industry
- Subcontracting with agencies – taking on overflow work from science-focused firms
The Tools of the Trade
When asked about must-have tools, Chris doesn’t hesitate:
- Zotero – for managing references, organizing research, and tracking citations
- Grammarly Premium – for catching clarity issues (though he recommends using it with a critical eye)
- Perplexity AI – for market research and prospecting, especially when identifying companies by location or funding stage
He also uses AI tools not to write content, but to stress-test his work—asking them to poke holes in arguments or identify missing elements.
“Treat AI like an overenthusiastic intern—useful, but always double-check.”
Advice for Aspiring Medical Writers and Solopreneurs
Chris is a big believer in the power of community and mentorship. While freelancing might feel solitary, it’s never a solo sport. He leans heavily on peer networks and past colleagues for feedback and support.
For PhDs or postdocs considering a similar leap, his advice is:
- You already have transferable skills. Writing grants and analyzing data are parallel to pitching services and building client relationships.
- Break big problems into smaller parts. Scientific thinking translates well to business.
- Stay visible. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights and build trust over time.
- Keep learning. Whether through books, courses, or a marketing agency job, every experience adds value.
And most of all:
“If someone like me—who was completely uninterested in business—can run a successful company, so can you.”
Want to connect with Chris?
- Website: QuillScience.com
- LinkedIn: Dr. Christopher Pratt