The Art of Communicating Science
Meet Lakshini Mendis-David, founder of MedComm Matters.
An entrepreneur’s journey often starts with a spark, a passion, or a deep-rooted interest in a specific subject matter. For Lakshini Mendis-David, a passion for science and her love of the written word set her on the course to establish MedComm Matters – her freelance medical communications business.
The journey to discovering the alchemy of science and storytelling
Medical writing is a unique intersection of science and communication, and Lakshini’s passion for both naturally led her to this niche field, where she has built a successful career.
“I’ve always been amazed by the way our human brain works, which led me to pursue an MSc and then a PhD in neuroscience at the Centre for Brain Research in Auckland,” she shares. She credits Professor Richard Faull, the Director of the Centre for Brain Research, for deeply instilling the importance of storytelling in science. For Lakshini, “science has the biggest impact when people can understand the findings.”
She discovered the field of medical writing by chance when she successfully applied for a part- time role at Wolters Kluwer New Zealand (now Springer Nature) during her grad school years. Combining her scientific background with a passion for writing, Lakshini recognised an opportunity to turn complex scientific data into engaging, digestible stories for a broader audience.
These days, Lakshini mainly writes for a healthcare audience, covering a range of therapy areas, including (but not limited to) neurology, psychiatry, rare diseases, and gene therapy.
Lakshini’s love for the written word started early. Growing up in her multi-generational home in Sri Lanka, she would “weave together imaginary worlds centred around her extended family.” She also wrote “bad poetry” and recently rediscovered some short chapters she penned as a kid about a tribe of eco-warriors!
Although she always knew she “wanted to be a freelance writer one day,” Lakshini took every opportunity to hone her craft, including spending a few years working at a MedComms Agency in the UK. When she relocated to Melbourne in 2023, she took a leap of faith, launching he venture as a freelance medical writer – MedComm Matters. The transition from an in-house role to freelancing was a steep learning curve as she learned to balance her books, market her services, and nurture client relationships. She continues to lean on and learn from other experts and freelancers. Lakshini relishes the autonomy of working for herself and the opportunities she has carved out to refine her craft as a storyteller in science.
These days, Lakshini mainly writes for a healthcare audience, covering a range of therapy areas, including (but not limited to) neurology, psychiatry, rare diseases, and gene therapy.
Lakshini’s love for the written word started early. Growing up in her multi-generational home in Sri Lanka, she would “weave together imaginary worlds centred around her extended family.” She also wrote “bad poetry” and recently rediscovered some short chapters she penned as a kid about a tribe of eco-warriors!
Although she always knew she “wanted to be a freelance writer one day,” Lakshini took every opportunity to hone her craft, including spending a few years working at a MedComms Agency in the UK. When she relocated to Melbourne in 2023, she took a leap of faith, launching he venture as a freelance medical writer – MedComm Matters. The transition from an in-house role to freelancing was a steep learning curve as she learned to balance her books, market her services, and nurture client relationships. She continues to lean on and learn from other experts and freelancers. Lakshini relishes the autonomy of working for herself and the opportunities she has carved out to refine her craft as a storyteller in science.
The power of community: From Sri Lanka to New Zealand, the UK, and Australia
Having moved multiple times – first from Sri Lanka to New Zealand at 14, then to the UK at 29, and now to Australia – Lakshini understands more than most the importance of building community when settling into a new place.
While the process has been more challenging in Melbourne due to the isolated nature of freelancing, she has found strength in another form of connection – her faith.
Lakshini is leaning into her Parish community, volunteering as a Catechism teacher, a role that allows her to give back, nurture the next generation, and connect with other teachers and parents.
“Even though I’m in a new city, my faith and volunteer work have helped build a network of support and belonging,” she says. “It’s been an enriching part of settling into Melbourne.”
She is also engaging with other medical freelance writers and looks forward to becoming more involved with ASAC as part of a network of healthcare professionals in the community.
Faith and science: one doesn’t cancel out the other, like we’ve been led to believe
In a world where science and faith are often seen as opposing forces, Lakshini is a testament to the possibility of harmonising the two. As a practicing Catholic, she leans on her faith as a source of hope and strength, especially in challenging times. She enjoys deepening her faith by exploring theology and examining the interface of science, technology, and Christianity (through ISCAST activities).
Building business and community, one connection at a time
Lakshini’s belief in balancing different aspects of life extends beyond faith and science, serving to remind us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about building connections and fostering community. Whether through medical writing or volunteer work, her goal remains the same: to connect, share stories, and contribute to society.
Discover more about Lakshini Mendis-David founder of MedComm Matters.:
LinkedIn: Lakshini Mendis-David
Website: www.mindkshetra.com.au
This series of member profiles is supported by Victorian Government through Business Victoria
This was the first time in my life (and in my mother’s, as she confirmed) that I had seen the story of a Tamil woman in Australia told on a stage. When we don’t put these stories on our stages, we don’t just close a door on the future; we decide these aren’t Australian stories, and the people in them aren’t quite Australian either.
She Built a Business on Something You Experience Everyday Without Noticing
