A Specialty Practice of The Word Factory
Medicine, Pharma,
& WellNess
Our Expertise
Health Care Journalism & Communications
After leaving health insurance, I covered the business of healthcare for local and state news organizations such as the Raleigh News & Observer and Business: North Carolina magazine. I also began writing about medical research as the editor and lead writer of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center’s newsletter, covering translational research from the bench to the bedside. That led to writing about research and development for the UNC School of Medicine and authoring a series of wellness articles for UNC Health Care that ran in daily and community papers statewide. I also wrote for Duke University Medical Center's employee newsletter. As the first Town-Gown Ambassador for the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center at UNC, I create speeches, videos and articles promoting fire safety, burn prevention, and treatment and research.
Corporate Communications
Earlier in my career, I was responsible for internal communications for Glaxo's (now GSK) U.S. manufacturing operation in Zebulon, N.C., and served on the team charged with internal communications for the merger with Burroughs Wellcome. Later, I served as a contract officer for corporate and IPO communications for SciQuest. I've also developed content including press releases, whitepapers and pitches in support of a new product and market launches for BK Medical and Javelin Pharmaceuticals (now part of Hospira), and designed and managed an educational campaign for Talecris Biotherapeutics (now part of Grilfols) to raise awareness among emergency medical personnel of the use of post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies exposures.
Brand Journalism & Content Marketing
Major pharma and medical device companies contract with me to create B2B and B2C brand journalism and communications. Most recently, I worked with Philips Lifeline to produce articles and infographics for its content hub. My team produced more than 500 pieces of branded B2B and B2C content for Staples on topics like workplace safety, flu prevention, and employee health and wellness; and created a library of articles on medical office management for Quill's Healthcare Resource Center. I also cover the healthcare space for SmartBrief, creating white papers, blog posts and infographics for their clients. Topics covered include EHR/EMR, patient-centered care, health engagement management and predictive analytics.
Nonprofits & Healthcare Advocacy
My work also extends to nonprofit organizations. I provide advocacy training and social media outreach for the North Carolina AIDS Action Network. I conducted media outreach for the Council for Entrepreneurial Development's BioTech and MedTech conferences, and for IntraHealth International's Switchpoint Conference. I also worked with the Leukemia Society of America and the Vasculitis Foundation on newsletters and other content detailing research developments, treatment/diagnostic innovations and patient care tips.
our Team
Margot Carmichael Lester
Founder, Content Producer, Writing Coach
I've been writing about healthcare policy, wellness, medical research and clinical care since 1983. Review samples of my work in this area. My career began covering healthcare legislation and regulation for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, as the writer/editor of a portfolio of publications for state and federal legislators and PAC members, the media and policyholders.
Ben Hippen, MD
Healthcare & Health Sciences Editor
My career includes professional experience as an emergency physician, composer, songwriter and software developer. I review all The Word Factory's health, wellness and medical content for accuracy and voice. I'm also the resident expert on all things social, holding certificates in Social Media Marketing and Advanced Social Advertising from the HootSuite Academy. My writing appears in a range of formats, including long- and short-form fiction, nonfiction, blogs, poetry, lyrics and software. I’ve lived in the rural heartland, the urban coasts and the Horn of Africa.
Taylor Sisk
Lead Writer & Editor
I focus on healthcare trends and policies and, most particularly, how they affect people’s lives. Recent projects include ongoing reportage on recovery-oriented behavioral health care, health equity and the opioid epidemic and a series of profiles of health care professionals. A member of the University of Southern California's Center for Health Journalism, my reporting has appeared across a wide range of platforms, including Kaiser Health News, North Carolina Health News, Duke Magazine, Earth Island Journal and The Charlotte Observer. I've also worked with organizations like the Social Science Research Council, the Drug Policy Alliance, the National Undersea Research Program and the UNC School of Public Health.
Other Recent Work
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