Susan Cottrell, PhD

Medical Writer, Science Writer

I majored in biology at Harvard University and then went on to earn a PhD in genetics from Stanford University School of Medicine. My dissertation research focused on the molecular biology of Down syndrome.

My first job after graduate school was at a small start-up called Epigenomics that was focused on the development of DNA methylation-based molecular diagnostics. I developed new technology, led product development teams, and of course wrote whenever I could: presentations, articles, reviews, posters, and book chapters.

After Epigenomics, I went to work for Amgen, a large biopharmaceutical company. I wrote journal articles, posters, SOPs, and sections of study protocols, consent forms, CSRs, and investigator brochures. I accepted a place on an FDA osteoarthritis biomarkers consortium tasked with writing a white paper on the development of biomarkers for osteoarthritis.

After I left Amgen, I founded Next Medical and Science Writing.   

"I can attest to Susan's medical writing proficiency and her reliability as a freelance. Her prose was concise, well-constructed, easy to read, and evidence-based. I gladly recommend Susan as a medical or scientific writer, and I hope to work with her again on future projects."

      —Health care company

Susan is an exceptional editor and writer. Her communications are always very professional and pleasant...I truly enjoy working with her.

       —Medical editing company