The new generation of PEPs

Olivia Kersey, Patient Affairs specialist and ISPEP Operations and Engagement Director

Introduction

It often strikes me that I am one of the youngest people in the room at patient engagement conferences, if not the very youngest. While I have no doubt I belong in those spaces just as much as the VPs and CEOs, it's impossible to not be acutely aware of the glaring age gap between them and I – and with that age gap comes years of building professional and personal security that is worlds away from that of many younger professionals.

For the majority of patient engagement professionals (PEPs), their passion for patient-focused medicines development came as an evolution of an already long-established career in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Whether their background is in medical affairs, running clinical trials, or working on the frontlines of patient care, they have the advantage of many years – often decades – of establishing professional networks and mentor relationships, developing transferable skills, and travelling up an often well-paid career trajectory that provides an extremely comfortable safety net should their patient engagement role be cut (as they so often are...).

But what about those who specialise very early on? What's that like? What do they need to know?

I've been working in patient engagement for several years now, and I am extremely proud to have developed the knowledge, skills, and quality of delivery that enabled me to become an independent consultant at age 25. While the duration of my career to date pales in comparison to that of many PEPs, my focus on and depth of experience in patient engagement has equipped me with a genuine specialism comparable to that of many colleagues in their 40s and 50s. The freedom of working freelance has afforded me the opportunity to work on a huge range of projects for clients in industry, agencies, patient organisations, and more, which has fuelled my professional development far beyond what I experienced in previous permanent roles which were much more restricted.

I have personally had to overcome numerous barriers to build this career – and that need for grit and resilience applies across the profession. However, there are many doors that would simply have not been open to me without earning the support and trust of certain professional connections I made along the way – which brings me to my first piece of advice of fellow younger PEPs:

Many people 'won't get it'. Peer connections are vital.

Even when you have a fantastic team around you, you will encounter pushback again and again. Budget holders who don't see the value in funding your project, your workstream, even your role. You are much more likely to be made redundant or struggle to find work as a PEP than if you choose a 'standard' career in pharma / medical communications / etc. – such is the price we pay for 'fighting the good fight'! Recruiters often don't have relevant roles to share, there's no standard career progression, and while some 'classic' jobs (in medical writing, for example) will offer opportunities for patient-relevant work, there is no guarantee this will be enough to fulfil your passion or meaningfully develop your skills. Further, as described above, many 'patient roles' will be filled by people with a hefty CV who are 10, 20, or even 30 years older.

However, there is hope! When it comes to finding a PE role, while you absolutely need to put yourself out there and prove your expertise again and again (and again!), sometimes it only takes one connection to start a snowball of opportunities. ISPEP provides a great anchor for identifying like-minded professionals and navigating the network of people, organisations, roles, and events – make the most of it. This is a highly empathetic community with the desire to help others at its core – you may be surprised at how approachable many 'big names' actually are!

Be yourself – but keep yourself safe.

I am absolutely in favour of bringing much-needed authenticity and humanity to

professional spaces; this kind of passion is a wonderful – arguably essential – part of making a meaningful difference in patient engagement. Sharing the stories that drive our commitment to patients and their loved ones can also be rewarding and motivating; further, the fact that some vulnerability emerges through this openness arguably goes a long way in fostering genuine connections.

However, as a friend and colleague once said to me at a conference after noticing that a parent advocate session had rendered me visibly moved... not everyone in the room is your friend. That's obvious in one way – this is work, after all – but when we're talking about patients, about life and death, about avoidable human suffering... it can feel almost shallow or heartless to maintain your professional 'front'. On the other hand, not everybody will respond kindly to an open heart. Navigating the balance between being human and protecting yourself is certainly not easy – but it's worth keeping in mind.

Keep yourself open to opportunities outside of "patient engagement" – they can be helpful too!

It can actually be hugely beneficial to work a couple of years in a related but non-PE role in order to gain experience of pharma/research/healthcare before you venture into PE. Examples can include jobs in medical communications (e.g., Medical Writer, Account Manager), charities (e.g., Communications Officer, Research Engagement Officer) and universities (e.g., Public Involvement Coordinator). You can also take part in paid research opportunities as a Public Contributor (see People in Research by NIHR) to build your experience and knowledge of research and engagement. I am personally part of eight ongoing public advisory panels covering everything from clinical trials to public health and healthcare professional training – it's great for adding strings to your bow!

Youth gives you time. Use it wisely.

Being a younger PEP isn't all about protecting yourself and fighting for your career – it also comes with the unique professional asset of time. Because patient engagement is an emerging field, many older PEPs have actually only specialised in PE for relatively few years. Just imagine what we could do with 10, 20, 30 years of focused expertise under our belts...

What can you do now?

Younger PEPs: use ISPEP as your stepping stone to make those connections. Study the guidance, tools, publications in the ISPEP Resource Library. Volunteer with a patient organisation, or offer to write a post for the ISPEP Hub and get your name out there – we would absolutely love to hear from you.

Older PEPs: what words of wisdom would you offer your younger self? Whether it's about getting started in patient engagement or securing opportunities to elevate your PE career, please leave your advice in the comments section. After all, we at ISPEP are a community – let's ensure no one is left behind.

Olivia Kersey is a Patient Affairs specialist currently serving as ISPEP Operations and Engagement Director. You can reach Olivia at oliviakersey@ispephub.org.