Three decades of experience in communications, public affairs, and public relations. Supporting sound environmental stewardship, sustainable economic growth, and promotion of human health and creativity.
Before I started my freelance business in 2005, I was a vice president at Ruder Finn, where I was the go-to writer for Novartis Oncology, Johnson & Johnson, and Nature Publishing Group. Before that, I was senior editor and manager of new media for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I developed the content of the center’s websites. At Sloan Kettering, I was in daily contact with many of the world’s leading cancer researchers and clinicians as well as patients, donors, and other stakeholders. I also worked for Scientific American Medicine, United Hospital Fund of New York, Merck & Co., and W. W. Norton.
I was a manuscript editor at Norton in the 1980s when I got my first assignment in biomedicine, editing a newsletter about Merck’s basic science research. My first issue reported preliminary findings on a best-selling veterinary product that was showing potential as a possible treatment for human onchocerciasis—“river blindness”—a scourge of South America and sub-Saharan Africa. That initial experience, and my continuing interest in the ivermectin story as it unfolded to become one of the 20th century’s signal achievements in tropical medicine, led me to pursue a career in science-based storytelling.
One job led to another, and I settled into oncology and the genetic basis of disease. As it worked out, I’ve been present at the creation of two of the 21st century’s key milestones in cancer research—signal transduction inhibitors and immunotherapies—and I look forward to carrying on as the story unfolds.
I provide writing and editorial services (including but not limited to key messages, press materials, white papers, website development, and social media campaigns); development and publicity support; and strategic counsel for startups and established organizations facing novel opportunities and challenges.
Note: All of the blog’s header photos are my own work. You can find more of my photos at Flickr.
Hello William
I have belatedly (!) seen your blog post for Botanica Ethiopia and appreciate it. You have a great blog – very interested in your experiences at Sloane-Kettering – in my other life I am often heading there to look at evidence relating to complementary medicines. I am heading off to Ethiopia in November to see the project going into next stage of beekeeping – it looks like the government will support the group further with another donation of a small plot of land for beekeeping. I also want to investigate how they can become consultants for another group. Keep up the great work! – Lizzie
Hi Lizzie – Many thanks for the kind words. It’s exciting to hear from someone who is doing such vital work. My best wishes for your next stages of activity in Ethiopia and beyond. -Avery