Influential Woman · Medical Communications
Krystal A. Hughes
PharmD
Medical Writer | Medical Content Reviewer | Pharmacology Educator
Morgantown, WV 26505
Her Story
About Krystal
Dr. Krystal A. Hughes is a clinically trained pharmacist and scientist. She earned a doctorate in clinical pharmacy and a master's in clinical and translational sciences in 2021, followed by a PhD in pharmaceutical and pharmacological sciences in 2025. Her PhD research focused on formulation science developing drug delivery vehicles for leukemia. Currently, she balances teaching pharmacology with freelance medical writing and medical reviewing work. She started medical writing in 2022, working with various websites and clients to review research, provide feedback, and write medication information for drug companies. She teaches a wide variety of clinical topics, including cardiology, endocrinology, and pulmonology. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about changing access to science and medical communication. She presented her research at an international pharmaceutical sciences conference in 2022 as a selected speaker. Looking ahead, she aims to grow her freelancing business by securing additional contracts independently while continuing to pursue her passion for education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Krystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
Dedication and passion – you must have a strong internal drive and a passion for the work you do. When someone is passionate, I think it shows so clearly in their work. Dedication is important because there will be setbacks in any field and working through that with the lens of experiential learning rather than disappointment is essential for professional and personal growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can learn something from every person you know. It is important to have humility and be open minded in every interaction.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Having connections and having mentors who are women is truly invaluable. However, it is also important to remember that mentoring often involves unpaid work, so always thank the people who inspire you. My second piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself. There can be pressure in medicine and in the sciences to fit a certain professional mold, but diversity and various perspectives help strengthen any team. Don’t be afraid to speak up often and confidently because your voice matters.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are so many qualified candidates in the job market, so it can be difficult to stand out, but building your personal brand early is so important. Timing is also important, so while navigating the job market can be hard, perseverance is key, and staying true to your personal goals is essential. Be consistent in the quality of work you deliver, and always be clear about your passions, and I believe opportunities will follow.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Curiosity. Being curious about topics you can learn, be curious about people in your life, be curious about yourself, and self-reflect often.
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