Our April MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Kelsey Schaefers! Dr. Schaefers is a Senior Scientific Associate at VML Health. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.
We asked Dr. Schaefers some questions about her experience as an MCDB student, as well as her career since graduating from the program.
- Can you briefly describe your current role and the path that led you there after graduating from the MCDB program?
- I am a senior scientific associate, which is essentially a senior medical writer with VML Health. After graduating from MCDB, I did a post-doc at Vanderbilt. During my postdoc, I started volunteering for the medical center’s newspaper writing short summaries of new papers coming out from Vandy. I absolutely loved doing this and decided to seek out more writing opportunities which led me to interning with Precision AQ. After my internship, I accepted a full-time offer as a medical writer with Precision AQ and worked there for 2 years. I then switched to VML Health a year ago.
- Looking back, what part of the program best prepared you for your current role?
- Probably candidacy or defending, I spend a lot of time writing (obviously) and a lot of time having my work reviewed by clients and answering their questions!
- What is one memorable or favorite moment that you have from your time at OSU or in the MCDB program?
- One of my favorite memories was the MCDB Halloween party. It was just so fun being able to have fun with all my colleagues instead of being in a lecture or class together! I was also the recruitment coordinator for 2 years and LOVED every recruitment event!
- If you could go back to your first year in MCDB, what would you tell yourself?
- I know it feels super hard now, but keep going! You are actually going to do amazing in this program and make yourself so proud!
- Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?
- All of my publications! Personal and for my clients, every paper I get out feels like a huge win!
- Outside of work, what's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
- I just had a baby! She is 4 months old!
- Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
- I’m on LinkedIn!