08 Jun On the sofa with OVID Health: Introducing Joanna Ly, Senior Account Manager
In the first segment of our ‘On the sofa with OVID Health’ series, we sit down with OVID Health’s newest team member Joanna Ly.’
Joanna Ly (Jo) previously worked at global health communications consultancy Syneos Health. Over the past three years, Jo has supported global pharmaceutical firms and other healthcare clients – where she has specialised in media strategies and launch communications. During her time in agency, Jo has managed media relations activities for clients and has also developed and delivered web and social media content across a range of social channels. Before entering consultancy, she worked at a specialist HIV hospital in London where she wrote website articles and supported patients. Jo also has a first degree in Medical Genetics from Queen Mary University of London.
Welcome to the team, two weeks in, what are your first impressions of OVID Health so far?
Everything is so organised, and everyone is so nice! An office dog changes everything for me and instantly puts me in a good mood. I can see that OVID has a clear vision for its future which is really apparent from the get-go.
People come into our industry through many different routes and backgrounds. Tell us a bit more about your route into health comms and PR?
I studied Medical Genetics at Queen Mary University of London and had always enjoyed the science and the creative aspect of my degree, so learning that there was an industry that combined both was definitely up my alley. After putting my foot in the door with an intern role at a Med comms agency, it helped land a graduate role at Syneos Health. Three and a half years later I have gained the skills to develop and deliver a plethora of PR health campaigns, which as a result helped me get to where I am today at OVID.
You come to OVID with a wealth of experience in health comms. Is there one campaign/project that you have worked on previously that you are most proud of?
This one particular campaign was one of my first projects that I worked on as a SAE from start to finish. The project was part of essential tremor awareness month and we worked on a patient case study that we outreached to the media. The case study got traction from around 15 national and local broadcast and TV stations including BBC London – which got us over 2 billion views and listeners. I also got to do my first work trip within this project, which was a solo trip to Madrid to deliver our plans for the year. On the trip I showcased the results of the outreach project to the clients and their senior members who were all extremely impressed with the results! I was really proud of this project and how it turned out.
New office, new desk but what is the one item/piece of tech that you can’t live without and will be coming with you?
My Muji diary. Although I have been gravitating towards Microsoft one note as my ‘notebook’ my Muji diary always sticks with me and keeps me in check.
I’m sure you’ve already tasted some of the delights from the OVID snack cabinet. Biscuits, chocolate, fruit – what would be your favourite office snack and what drink would you pair it with?
I love a coffee/green tea and biccy moment. Although I’m trying to refrain from the sugary snacks, I’d say anything that’s good to nibble on whether it’s a tangerine or chocolate buttons is always top of my list.
We’ve had our fair share of bank holidays over the last month or so. What would your ideal weekend look like?
My ideal weekend would consist of walking around Hackney or Hampstead, especially if it’s sunny, I love walking with an ice coffee in hand and finding something yummy to eat (let me know if a restaurant recommendation list is next on my agenda?) Flowers and books always make me so happy so if I walk past a flower stall or book shop, I will definitely be dragging you in with me!