Pharmaceutical Industry discussion, review, analysis, news and information.

This is interview week at Know More Media and here at The Pharm Voice, I will be posting interviews from people that are either connected or experts in the Pharmaceutical Industry, as well as seasoned probloggers in various fields of expertise and passion.

My first interviewee is my sister at the former About Weblogs Network (before it merged with B5media) and one of those people that I consider a friend and a colleague in the science blogosphere:

Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei.

One person who’s got a strong voice and presence in the blogosphere, Hsien is blogging about various topics, from genetics and cardiovascular health to parenting and kid’s toys and things on top of being the dedicated (not to mention credible) science and health channel editor at b5media.

Dr. Hsien-Hsien-Lei is not new to The Pharm Voice, she was once our guest blogger. Let’s hear more what Hsien has got to say:

What is your name, educational background or expertise? What is your current occupation or business affiliation, and what do you like/love about it?

Hsien-Hsien Lei

I have a B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University and a PhD in Epidemiology, specializing in genetic epidemiology, from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I am currently a freelance writer and editor, spending most of my time working with b5media. I love the flexibility of my schedule and the fact I get to write and communicate with people about science and parenting - the two subjects dearest to me.

How long have you been in your current industry or business? Is there a previous industry /business before the current one? – If yes, what is it and how did you like it better compared to the current one?

I've been a problogger since April 2005. Previously, I was a genetic epidemiologist specializing in cardiovascular disease research both for academic institutions and as a consultant for private companies. I wouldn't say I like either better but given my life circumstances (my husband gets transferred to a new country every few years), freelancing is more suitable.

Have you heard about weblogs or blogs? If yes, do you have a blog/blogs and what is/are it/they about? If not, are you even reading other people's blogs?

I currently write three professional blogs - Genetics and Health; A Hearty Life, a blog about cardiovascular disease; and Play Library a blog about toys and other stuff for kids.

Being an expert in your particular industry, what kind of media do you use to become updated with fresh knowledge? (books, magazines, newspapers, TV, internet, etc.)

I read everything I can get my hands on. Every single piece of information is useful either now or in the future.

If you are told that there is an existing blog about your particular industry or business, would you regularly read, subscribe or even recommend it to your colleagues and friends?

Yes, I would. Gotta keep an eye on the competition! ;)

How many hours a day do you spend surfing the internet, if ever you do?

Too many hours but it's a part of my job. I'd estimate at least 8-10 hours a day is spent online in some form or other.

Have you ever discovered the power of the internet as a tool in communication, education and even business? What do you think about it?

Internet is changing the world and people are changing along with it. It has the power to enrich our lives as well as causing havoc so anyone who claims not to have an online presence is not only missing out, they're deluding themselves if they think they can live a life solely offline.

Finally, the most important question of all: What impact do you think blogging will have on business?

Blogging is a great way to communicate with customers but only if it is candid and well-maintained. Otherwise, I think a static website, email, and phone could be just fine depending on how interactive businesses want to be.

For pharmaceutical companies, especially those encountering bad PR like Merck, a blog could be a way to put a positive thing on recent events and breaking news.

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There you go. Thanks so much Hsien for agreeing to this interview!