A Q&A with Bridge’s Medical Communications Associate
Silvia Stanica joined the team in March 2021.
Q: What are your main responsibilities as a medical communications associate?
As a Medical Communications Associate, I am responsible for supporting numerous strategy, project management, and operational initiatives at Bridge to drive tactical innovation and act as a support for accounts to meet project deliverables. I am currently working on a diverse array of initiatives spanning global policy change and patient advocacy, OLA implementation, and education and self-assessment programs.
Q: What interests you most about medical communications and the work that you’re doing with Bridge?
My interest in medical communications stems from my academic experience when I completed my B.Sc. in Life Science and M.Sc. in Health Informatics at McMaster University. Throughout my time at McMaster, I was involved in numerous scientific research initiatives where I was involved in studying the mechanism for cancer-induced bone pain. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the research aspects of my degree, this also strengthened my interest in synthesizing scientific results into communicable information to increase treatment transparency amongst patients, physicians, pharmaceutical stakeholders, and any individual who may be interested in learning more! Developing comprehensive and robust medical communication strategies allows me to collaborate in diverse and dynamic environments to deliver innovative projects and strengthen the narrative surrounding different treatment options.
Q: What industry matter has your attention or are you most excited about right now?
Given my education in health informatics, I have been extremely interested in the digital health industry and marriage between healthcare, business, and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this interest and exposed the critical need for virtual care and digital health within our healthcare infrastructure. From transitioning all in-person pharmaceutical engagements to a virtual environment, to developing novel mobile apps and fully transitioning points of care with physicians to online, digital health is an industry that I believe will be rapidly growing in both the short- and long-term.
Q: What work project are you most proud of?
I am most proud of a global policy change initiative I am working on with international clients and stakeholders focused on decreasing osteoporosis-related fractures by 25% by 2025 worldwide. I am specifically focused on supporting the day-to-day operations and project management of this initiative.
The ambitious goal of this project, as well as the opportunity to directly impact global policy focused on identifying, diagnosing, and preventing osteoporosis-related fractures, is a consistent reminder of the importance of our work and how medical communications can enhance patient’s treatment journey.
Q: What’s been the most valuable lesson/skill that you’ve learned during the pandemic?
Being adaptable and flexible in uncertain environments is the most valuable lesson that I have learned during this pandemic. This pandemic has challenged us in many ways and serves as a reminder for how unpredictable anything is! Although no one expected to transition all working operations online prior to the pandemic, being able to work in an agile manner and embrace the uncertainty, while also learning how to trust and collaborate with your team is an effective skill that I look forward to continuing to apply post-pandemic.
Q: On a personal level, have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during quarantine?
Given the extra time that the pandemic has provided us with to invest in ourselves, I have made it a goal to maintain a sense of routine and positive work-life balance. This includes getting outside as much as I can, whether that is running, biking, or just on a long walk, reading, and spending quality time with my friends and family (virtually of course)!
My roommate and I also got an adorable puppy a few months ago, which has been keeping things interesting and our hands full!
