AMWA Southwest Chapter Virtual Roundtables and Member Meeting

Choose from ONE of four roundtable topics (see below), which will be discussed in small breakout rooms. (NOTE: choose only one topic--roundtable discussions will occur simultaneously.) To encourage participation and networking, each roundtable will have a limited number of participants. Sign up soon to reserve your spot!

Not a member? No problem! You are welcome to join us at this event and get to know how AMWA can help you. This is an excellent avenue to connect with other new and experienced writers and editors in various fields and vocations.

The event will start with a brief AMWA Southwest Chapter business meeting, in which the leaders for the 2025-2026 term will officially begin in their new roles. Members will also have an opportunity to learn how the chapter is doing and ask questions. When the meeting is adjourned, participants will go into breakout rooms to begin the discussions.

A link to the zoom meeting will be sent via email ahead of the event.

Roundtable Topics

1. AI literacy for medical communicators: skills, strategies, and standards

AI is reshaping how medical writers, editors, and communicators do their work—but staying informed and confident with these tools can feel overwhelming. This roundtable offers a supportive space to discuss the essential skills, practical strategies, and ethical standards needed to navigate AI in our daily workflows. Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting with it, all experience levels are welcome to join the conversation and share insights.

This roundtable will be led by Goldina Erowele, PharmD, MBA, a clinical pharmacist, medical communications strategist, and consultant who is passionate about fostering AI literacy across the profession. She is eager to exchange insights and learn how others are applying AI in their daily workflows.

2. The intersection of creativity and science communication

As scientific research becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and publicly engaged, many scientists are using creative approaches such as social media to communicate their work to both scientific and lay audiences. This roundtable will provide insights into how professionals can leverage digital platforms to enhance public understanding of science, foster collaborations, and expand career opportunities. Communicators of all stripes are welcome to join this engaging conversation around strategies, challenges, and lessons learned in this evolving space.

This roundtable will be led by Llaran Turner, a fourth-year PhD candidate at MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Texas.

3. Using storytelling in grant proposals

Storytelling is a powerful tool in grant writing; the ability to compellingly narrate the scientific story can be the deciding factor between receiving funding or waiting for another opportunity. As medical writers/editors, our expertise is valuable in sculpting and refining scientific narratives to optimize the changes of finding success. In this roundtable, we'll explore effective storytelling in grant applications. We'll also discuss techniques for consistent storytelling throughout all sections of a grant proposal from specific aims and research narrative to other attachments. You’ll leave this roundtable with tips and tricks to transform grant applications from mere submissions to compelling stories that resonate with funders.

This roundtable will be led by Kimberly A. Mankiewicz, PhD, ELS, a Scientific Editor in the Center for Translational Injury Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. She has two decades of experience working with trainees and faculty on grants, manuscripts, scientific visuals, and other projects. Kim has edited grant proposals for the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense, as well as other agencies and foundations. Kim is the Chapter Advisory Council Representative and Co-Communications Chair for the AMWA Southwest Chapter and Marketing Chair for the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences.

4. Meta-networking: networking while talking about networking

Do you get a little intimidated by the idea of networking? Maybe you’re an introvert and hate the idea of approaching a stranger cold? Then this roundtable is for you. We will talk about some tips for making your networking experience productive and fun instead of painful. And bonus: just by being here, you’re already networking!

This roundtable will be led by Erica Goodoff, ELS(D), a Senior Scientific Editor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She has been in the scientific editing and publishing field since the start of her career in the early 2000s and knows a thing or two about feeling awkward at networking events. She is currently the Program Chair for the AMWA Southwest Chapter and the President-Elect of the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences.