Employee Spotlight: Joanna Kur

Joanna Kur | Principal Medical Writer – Scientific Communications | Joined Penumbra in 2021

Q. What is your current role at Penumbra?

I am a member of the Scientific Communications Team, which is a part of the Department of Clinical Research. Our team drives clinical study-focused conference presence and publication plans across the entire range of Penumbra products. We partner with Physicians, Clinical, Statistical, and Marketing teams and generate manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other documents to ensure the accurate representation of data gathered through clinical trials and bench-top tests.

Q. What drew you to Penumbra?

Penumbra’s commitment to innovation and expertise in the thrombectomy field is a well-known, recognizable asset. Also, given Penumbra’s global presence, the company size, and based on the intel gathered before and during the interview process, I knew I would work for an established company open to new ideas and critical opinions—an excellent mix.

Q. What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

I enjoy working with cross-functional partners, i.e., individuals with various expertise and backgrounds. I also like staying current in my knowledge of therapeutic areas through reading, seminars, or conversations with key opinion leaders (KOLs). Lastly, synthesizing a large amount of data is a fun challenge— a great mind puzzle.

Q. Describe yourself at age 10. What career aspirations did you have at that age?

I didn’t have clear career aspirations at that young age. I saw any occupation that required wearing uniform— a doctor or police officer, as a great fit. Later, though, in my teens, I remember reading popular science news—comment and analysis sections in The Guardian or New Scientist magazine and thinking how cool it would be to create similar content one day. I remember being impressed not just by the write-ups but also by infographics and data visualizations.

Q. Describe a travel adventure that you’ll never forget.

My first international trip at sixteen was very memorable. It was a 10-day tour of Spain, one of these fast-paced, see-it-all adventures when you wake up in a new city each morning, playing catch-up with your guide. The place that made the biggest impression during the trip was Museo El Prado, the National Art Museum located in Madrid. I was intrigued by the painting by Diego Velázquez called Las Meninas— a 3-meter-high canvas depicting Princess Margaret Theresa with her royal entourage. Enigmatic, Moody, Fleeting.

Q. What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

“Grit will take you farther than talent” – echoing Angela Duckworth’s research on the power of passion and perseverance

“It’s important to see the big picture” – it boils down to recognizing broad goals and not allow setbacks to steal your perspective

“It’s ok not to have all the answers right away” – getting the correct information across is more important than acting hastily