Today we talk with Victor Lee, founder of MedProductions, a studio turning complex biotech and pharma science into clear, engaging animations.

Victor shares how he went from making science YouTube videos during the pandemic to building a business with his brother, and why storytelling and creativity are at the heart of effective science communication. He explains how tailoring content for patients, investors, or pharma teams means simplifying without losing accuracy — and why enthusiasm often matters more than credentials.

Victor reflects on his path through biomedical engineering, molecular biology, cognitive science, and teaching, as well as launching a biotech venture in Honduras. He stresses the value of referrals, partnerships, and starting before you feel ready. The conversation also explores the overlap between teaching teens and pitching biotech CEOs, and future trends.

What you’ll learn

👉 How to adapt science stories for different audiences without losing impact

👉 Why passion, persistence, and referrals can matter more than certificates

👉 Insights into biotech trends and opportunities in science communication

👤 About the Guest

Victor Lee is the founder of MedProductions, a science animation studio that works with biotech and pharma companies to turn complex science into stories people can understand and remember. He’s also the host of Biotech Orbit, and ex-science teacher, and founder Bio-Gen Life, a genetic testing kit distribution company for cancer prevention in Honduras.

Follow Victor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-lee-aplicano/MedProductions: https://medproductions.media

Support the show

Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=0dcbf84e5a3042a4

Share this episode with a friend

Drop a comment on YouTube!

🔑 Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Victor Lee and Med Productions

01:18 The Journey to Starting Med Productions

04:45 Client Engagement and Project Lifecycle

06:21 Understanding Pharma vs. Biotech Companies

08:30 Tailoring Content for Different Audiences

09:39 Balancing Simplicity and Scientific Accuracy

11:14 The Importance of Passion in Science Communication

13:56 Collaboration Dynamics with Creative Partners

15:21 Imagining a Pixar-style Biotech Story

15:40 Victor's Academic Background and Transition to Industry

18:36 Advice for Academics Seeking Creativity

20:39 Teaching Experience and Its Impact on Communication

24:42 The Role of Confidence in Learning Science

28:08 Connecting with Diverse Audiences in Science Communication

29:09 Breaking Barriers in Science Communication

30:01 From Teaching to Industry: A Journey of Growth

31:44 Building a Business: The Story of Biogen Life

36:26 Cultural Insights in Medical Interventions

38:16 The Art of Networking: Building Relationships

39:41 Overcoming Nervousness: The Power of 'Why'

41:15 Exploring the Biotech Orbit Podcast

44:51 Innovations in Biotech: The Promise of Organoids

46:39 Defining Identity: Entrepreneur, Communicator, or Builder?

50:26 Key Takeaways: Starting and Staying Focused

📲 Connect with The SciComm Spectrum

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=e466ba0e33884422

Music by music_for_video from Pixabay 18169

Animations by TinMouse Studios

science communication, science storytelling, science animation, communicating science, science explained, biotech storytelling, biotech communication, pharma communication, biotech animation, med productions, Victor Lee biotech, Victor Lee Med Productions, biotech orbit podcast,, SciComm Spectrum podcast, science for investors, science made simple, explain complex science, turning science into stories, biotech entrepreneurship

In the very first episode of The SciComm Spectrum, host Julia Masselos sits down with Heathcote to explore the evolving world of science communication in the digital age.

From working with radiologists and psychologists to building strategies for YouTube science channels, Heathcote shares how his unconventional career path led him into the heart of the creator economy.

This wide-ranging conversation dives into the power of storytelling in science, how to overcome the curse of knowledge, and why imposter syndrome doesn’t have to hold you back.

Heathcote also unpacks the role of AI in radiology, the challenges of keeping content both engaging and evidence-based, and the rising problem of misinformation online.

If you’re curious about the future of science communication, want to learn how experts and communicators can better connect with audiences, or are looking for inspiration to carve out your own path in SciComm, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What you’ll learn in this episode

👉 How to turn a non-linear, “zigzag” career path into a strength in science communication and digital media, even without a scientific background

👉 Practical strategies for helping experts (like doctors and scientists) share knowledge online through YouTube, storytelling, and copywriting

👉 Insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building authentic content, and using a “spiky point of view” to stand out in a crowded creator economy.

👤 About the Guest

Heathcote Ruthven is a writer and marketer who works with health and science YouTubers, including two of the biggest radiologists on the platform.His mission is to help evidence-based creators tell better stories so they can cut through noise, cut through the insane misinformation and low quality content online, and teach what they know in a way that sticks.

Follow Heathcote

Website: https://www.storiedexperts.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathcote-ruthven/

If you enjoy the podcast

Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review

Share this episode with a friend

Drop a comment on YouTube!

🔑 Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction and Background

01:57 The Value of a Zigzag Career

03:16 Transitioning into Radiology and YouTube

05:33 Daily Life as a YouTube Content Creator

07:47 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

09:56 The Importance of Communication in Science

12:46 Navigating Audience Expectations

15:06 The Role of Experts in Content Creation

17:16 Finding Your Niche in YouTube

19:59 Advice for Aspiring Creators

22:21 Building Connections and Networking

31:16 Active Listening: The Key to Connection

33:56 Finding Meaning in Science Communication

36:21 The Power of Educational Communities

39:25 The Importance of Peer Feedback

45:28 Navigating Misinformation in the Digital Age

49:17 The Role of Evidence-Based Communication

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

Heathcote’s academic paper: Perspective: AI Productivity Will Not Benefit Employed Radiologists - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050577125000313

Radiologist Dr. Christoph Agten’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrChristophAgten

Edutainers Founder Ed Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/@ed-lawrence

George Blackman’s scriptwriter resources: https://www.georgeblackman.com/

Sean’s CopyThat YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CopyThat

Nicolas Cole and Dickie Bush’s Shop 30 for 30 writing course: https://www.ship30for30.com/

📲 Connect with The SciComm Spectrum

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/

Music by music_for_video from Pixabay 18169Animations by TinMouse Studios

YouTube strategy, storytelling for experts, content marketing, science communication, YouTube growth, YouTube for doctors, medical professionals online, healthcare marketing, radiology education, medical YouTubers, imposter syndrome, building authority online, spiky point of view, online education communities, expert storytelling