Isabel Haber is a Senior Medical Writer in our Boston office, specialising in medical communications. Isabel joined Costello Medical in October 2020 as a Medical Writer and progressed into the role of Senior Medical Writer in April 2022.
Before joining Costello Medical, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience from Northeastern University. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong foundation in scientific research and data analysis, which I applied in various research assistant roles. At Harvard Medical School, I worked on reconstructing drosophila neurons using advanced imaging software, contributing to neuroscience research through detailed synapse annotation and neuron mapping. Prior to that, I supported clinical research at Boston Medical Center, where I was involved in participant recruitment, protocol development, and statistical analysis for studies on schizophrenia and opioid treatment efficacy. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career which allows me to combine my research background and interests with my passion for impactfully communicating crucial scientific information.
I enjoy the variety inherent in our work – there is always an opportunity for continuous learning due to the breadth of project types and disease areas we cover. Each new project brings its own set of challenges and learning experiences, which keeps the work dynamic and intellectually stimulating.
I also appreciate the collaborative atmosphere at Costello Medical. Working closely with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders allows for the exchange of ideas and expertise, creating an innovative environment. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of our work but also contributes to my own professional development.
In addition to this, I find great satisfaction in knowing that my role allows me to contribute to important healthcare advances. By ensuring that complex scientific information is communicated clearly and effectively to those who need it most, I feel that I am making a tangible impact on patient care and outcomes. This aspect of my work is deeply fulfilling and aligns with my passion for making a difference in the field of medical communications.
8:30am
Upon arriving at the Boston office, I settle at my desk and start by checking my email inbox. I prioritise any urgent or important messages that require immediate attention, which allows me to quickly address client requests and provide support to junior team members. Additionally, I spend a few minutes organising my emails into folders and updating my to-do list, ensuring that I begin the day with a clear set of tasks and priorities.
9:00am
My mornings often involve strategic meetings with project teams to review the status of our ongoing medical writing projects. Typically, I’m working on around three projects at any given time. These meetings are crucial for ensuring we’re on track to meet both our quality standards and deadlines. Project team sizes can range from 3 to 10 people, so my role and responsibilities can differ across projects. However, I typically provide guidance on the project plan, adjust timelines if needed, and help allocate team members’ time based on upcoming demands.
10:30am
I attend weekly or fortnightly calls with clients, where I offer strategic advice and provide updates on the progress of their projects. These conversations are key for aligning on next steps, anticipating future needs, and identifying opportunities to offer additional support. Building and maintaining strong client relationships is a core part of my role and essential to delivering impactful outcomes.
12:00pm
Lunchtime is different each day. On particularly busy days, it’s a chance for some alone time to decompress and reset. On other days, it’s an opportunity to catch-up with colleagues over something to eat.
1:00pm
The afternoon is dedicated to reviewing and providing feedback on project deliverables from junior Medical Writers. The deliverable may be a manuscript, poster, or slide deck. My role in quality control ensures that all submissions meet our high standards before they reach the client. It’s also an opportunity to mentor junior colleagues – something I really enjoy – offering feedback that helps them grow in both technical and communication skills.
2:30pm
A significant portion of my afternoon is often spent working on publications projects. This involves drafting, reviewing, and editing manuscripts for submission to medical journals. I collaborate with authors, researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure the content is scientifically accurate, well-structured, and adheres to the target journal’s guidelines. I also manage the submission process, including responding to peer reviewers’ comments and making necessary revisions.
4:00pm
In the late afternoon, I often support business development activities alongside project work. This could involve scoping new project opportunities, drafting proposals, or reviewing budgets in response to client requests. I work closely with senior colleagues to ensure our proposed approach is scientifically rigorous, strategically sound, and aligned with the client’s goals. These moments are also a chance to strengthen relationships with existing clients and shape how we can best support their future medical writing needs.
5:00pm
As the day winds down, I take time to align with project leads on upcoming deliverables and prepare for the next day. It is also a moment to reflect on the strategic direction of our work, ensuring each project continues to deliver value for our clients. With the flexible working hours, I’m able to go spend time with friends after work, recharging before the next day.
As a rapidly growing company, we are continuously expanding our expertise by launching new teams, introducing exciting new roles, and recruiting passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds. We foster a supportive and dynamic environment for dedicated professionals to develop their skills, collaborate on meaningful projects, and build rewarding careers in healthcare consulting. Discover new opportunities to advance your career with us – explore our current vacancies today!
