MEDICAL WRITING
lalitha Gopalan, DVM, PhD | FreeLance MEDICAL Writer
Science, told with clarity and accuracy
Leveraging 7+ years of clinical and academic research (DVM, PhD) to translate complex oncology research into clear, compelling documents for researchers, clinicians, and life science organizations worldwide
What I OFfer
Medical Writing Expertise
With a background in cancer research, oncology clinical research, I bring scientific rigor and editorial clarity to every document — from early-stage manuscripts to complex meta-analysis submissions.
Needs Assessement
Needs assessment for CME including executive summary, learning objectives, agenda. creation, gap-analysis, literature review and outcomes.
Research Manuscript
Peer-reviewed journal articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses written for high-impact oncology and clinical journals.
Slide Decks
In-depth conference presentation slides for clinical and research data. Formatted according to your needs, complete with original reference citations
Grant Writing
NIH, NCI, and private foundation grant applications including specific aims, research Strategy, and supporting sections for cancer research funding.
Scientific editing
Substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading for manuscripts, reports, and grant applications, preserving your scientific voice while enhancing clarity.
CME Content
CME content, slide decks, monographs, and training materials for healthcare professionals in oncology and related specialties
Why HIRE me
As a veterinarian, I learned early that even the most effective medicine fails if the person administering it doesn't truly understand why it matters. This insight that communication is as critical as the science itself, has stayed with me through every stage of my career. It's what led me to pursue a PhD, then postdoctoral research, and ultimately, medical writing. Because while doing the science is essential, so is making it matter to the people who need to act on it. Not every CEO, board member, or key opinion leader has a scientific background and that's completely fine. What they need is someone who can meet them where they are, without losing the integrity of the data. That's exactly what I do.
My research career gave me the foundation to do this with credibility. My PhD focused on developing biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, using the laying hen, a translational preclinical model that mirrors the spontaneous development of ovarian cancer in women, bridging animal biology and human disease in a way few animal models can.
From there, I joined Cincinnati Children's Hospital — ranked the #1 children's hospital in the United States, where I was part of the lab that developed Selumetinib (Koselugo), the first and only FDA-approved treatment for plexiform neurofibromas in children with NF1. Being inside that process gave me a firsthand understanding of the drug development lifecycle that very few medical writers can claim. That research foundation now directly informs the work I do across the full spectrum of medical and scientific writing, from peer-reviewed publications and grant narratives to needs assessments and regulatory-facing documents.
I partner with pharma companies, biotech startups, research institutions, academics, and pre-clinical and clinical-stage CROs, bringing the same scientific rigor and clarity of communication to every project, specific to the target audience.
When you work with me, you're not just getting someone who can write clearly — you're getting someone who has lived the research, understands the stakes, and knows how to translate complex science into narratives that resonate with regulators, investors, clinicians, and patients alike. See how this comes to life in practice and explore my portfolio below
Portfolio Highlights
Project Inquiry
Share the details of your writing project and I will be in touch within 48 hours with a personalized scope and rate.
Availability: Currently accepting new projects
Consultation: First call is always complimentary