Susan McBratney
Arvada,CO
Summary
Medical writer with PhD in Molecular Biology and peer-reviewed publication experience, bringing 16 years of evidence-based content development for healthcare audiences. Expert in translating complex scientific data into clear, accurate communications across consumer, healthcare professional (HCP), and research contexts. Experienced in rapid turnaround, stakeholder collaboration, and maintaining editorial integrity under tight deadlines.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Editor II
RVO Health
03.2022 - 10.2025
- Synthesized complex prescribing information, clinical trial data, and research findings into clear communications for target audiences.
- Developed on-trend educational content for HCP audience on Healthgrades platform.
- Ensured content quality by adhering to the organization's editorial style, sourcing standards, and conscious language guidelines.
- Leveraged in-house editorial AI tools for content ideation and structure, and evaluated AI-assisted content for accuracy and adherence to brand style and voice.
- Reviewed SEO data to inform article outlines and meet intent.
- Led a tiger team of medical editors to brainstorm new strategic projects and process improvement.
Senior Medical Editor
Healthgrades (now part of RVO Health)
02.2009 - 03.2022
- Collaborated with medical review teams to develop accurate, evidence-based content on diseases in a wide range of therapeutic areas.
- Managed multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines while maintaining quality standards and editorial compliance.
- Led rapid-response editorial team during COVID-19 pandemic, synthesizing emerging clinical data and evolving treatment guidelines into evidence-based consumer communications.
- Monitored and evaluated breaking research (preprints, clinical trials, regulatory updates) to ensure content accuracy amid fast-changing scientific landscape.
- Managed freelance writer assignments.
- Edited complex data-driven white papers synthesizing hospital quality metrics and clinical outcomes research for healthcare executive, consumer, and payer audiences.
- Updated the Healthgrades editorial style guide.
Scientific Curator
Biobase (previously Proteome)
10.2001 - 01.2009
- Evaluated and synthesized findings from peer-reviewed literature about specific Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) genes and proteins.
- Translated complex experimental findings into structured, searchable database entries for research community.
- Collaborated with scientific database team to maintain accuracy of functional annotations.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
University of Colorado, Boulder
03.1997 - 01.2002
- Studied MPS2, a yeast protein required for accurate cell division.
- Awarded a three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Education
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver02.1996
Skills
- Publications management: literature review, citation management, journal submission processes
- Medical communication deliverables: manuscripts, abstracts, posters
- Editorial styles: familiar with AP style, CMOS, AMA
- Content management systems: WordPress, Brightspot
- Collaboration tools: Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom, Outlook
- Soft skills: communication, leadership, critical thinking, attention to detail, flexibility
- Medical terminology expertise
Affiliations
American Medical Writers Association
Timeline
Medical Editor II
RVO Health
03.2022 - 10.2025
Senior Medical Editor
Healthgrades (now part of RVO Health)
02.2009 - 03.2022
Scientific Curator
Biobase (previously Proteome)
10.2001 - 01.2009
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
University of Colorado, Boulder
03.1997 - 01.2002
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus