Sally Robertson

Feature Writer

B.Sc. Biomedical Sciences

Sally first developed an interest in medical communications when she took on the role of Journal Development Editor for BioMed Central (BMC), after having graduated with a degree in biomedical science from Greenwich University.

As a pioneer of the immediate or “gold” open access publication model, BMC made the latest biomedical journal articles instantly available online free-of-charge to readers anywhere in the world and put authors in control of the publishing process for the first time. Sally worked to promote the quality of the journal content and increase its visibility to help new journals launch and fledgling journals build up their impact factor.

Strategies included working closely with Editors-in-Chief to inform readers on up-and-coming areas of research, improving the quality of peer review, arranging media coverage, and preparing promotional material in the form of blurbs, blogs, and newsletters.

Sally started regularly writing for the company’s blog, highlighting the importance of various studies and conveying their key take-home messages to the audience. An opportunity then arose to write for BMC’s parent company, Springer Healthcare, as part of a news team dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with authoritative and independent medical news.

Sally became a specialist in reviewing and summarising the latest findings across all areas of medicine covered in major, high-impact, world-leading international medical journals, international press conferences, and bulletins from governmental agencies and regulatory bodies.

Nowadays, Sally works as a freelance medical writer, part of which includes generating daily news updates, life science articles, and interview coverage for News-Medical. She also produces webinar content, conference booklets, and articles introducing and explaining the applications of newly launched laboratory equipment.

Outside of work, Sally can be found enjoying the hustle and bustle of her hometown, puzzling over crosswords, and walking in the surrounding countryside.

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Articles from Sally

Lung microbiome

Over the past decade, culture-independent microbial investigation techniques have led to an improved understanding of the complete set of microbes that live on and within the human body. This set of human-associated microbes is collectively known as the microbiome.

12 May 2017

Full-fat dairy not bad for the heart, study finds

A diet that includes full-fat dairy products does not increase the risk of heart disease, say researchers. The finding comes from a meta-analysis of 29 previous studies looking at whether dairy products increase the risk of death from any cause, including heart problems and cardiovascular disease.

11 May 2017

Cotton bud use leads to thousands of hospital visits for children every year

Scientists have warned that in the U.S., more than 12,000 children every year are left needing emergency treatment for ear injuries as a result of cotton bud use.

10 May 2017

Epidemiology of Hemorrhoids

Also known as a pile, a hemorrhoid is a swelling in the anal canal or around the anus with an enlarged blood vessel inside it. When tissue in these areas becomes swollen, possibly due to constipation and straining too much during a bowel movement, a hemorrhoid can develop. If the hemorrhoid becomes damaged, this can lead to pain and bleeding. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities can also result in hemorrhoids.

10 May 2017

Poor environmental quality is linked to increased cancer incidence, say researchers

A new study has demonstrated an association between cancer incidence and poor environmental quality across U.S. counties. In counties where exposure to harmful environmental factors is highest, cancer rates are also highest, particularly the rates of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

9 May 2017

Banding, Sclerotherapy and Electrotherapy for Piles (Haemorrhoids)

Also known as hemorrhoids, piles are swellings around the anus or within the anal canal that have enlarged blood vessels inside them. Tissue inside the anal canal may become swollen as a result of straining to defecate, for example. If piles are damaged, this can cause pain and bleeding.

9 May 2017

Miliaria Treatments

Heat rash is the collective name for skin problems that result from exposure to heat or humidity. Commonly referred to as prickly heat or miliaria, heat rash is particularly prevalent during the summer months and when the climate is humid.

9 May 2017

Piles (Haemorrhoids) in Pregnancy

Also referred to as hemorrhoids, piles are swollen veins that occur within the anal canal or around the anus. Piles may not cause symptoms and people can be unaware that they have them. However, they can lead to itching, burning, pain, bleeding and lumps that can be felt around the anus.

8 May 2017

Miliaria Types

Miliaria is the term used to describe conditions associated with sweat retention in the skin. The flow of sweat is obstructed, meaning it stays trapped within the skin, rather than moving from the sweat glands to the skin’s surface. This gives rise to various symptoms and signs including skin lesions.

8 May 2017

Causes of Blood in Urine

Although blood in the urine or hematuria can be alarming, it is not usually an indicator of a life-threatening condition. It can sometimes be related to a serious health issue.

8 May 2017