Podcast Episode: From Healthcare to Health Writing with Megan Freeland

Published by sarahasbach on April 7, 2023April 7, 2023

The world of medical writing offers a diverse range of job opportunities, each with its unique set of requirements and expectations. Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a switch, it’s essential to understand the field and what it takes to succeed as a medical writer. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a successful medical writer, from the skills you need to the various job opportunities available in the field.

What is Medical Writing?

Medical writing is a specialized form of communication that involves creating content to communicate medical or scientific information to a diverse audience. Medical writers work in various fields, including academic research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare. Medical writers create a wide range of content, including regulatory documents, scientific publications, marketing materials, and patient education materials.

Skills Required for Medical Writing

To become a successful medical writer, you need to have strong writing skills and a solid understanding of scientific and medical terminology. Medical writers must be able to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, medical writers need to be detail-oriented, analytical, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

A degree in a science or healthcare-related field, such as biology or nursing, can be helpful but is not always required. Many successful medical writers have backgrounds in other fields, such as journalism, English, or communications. However, a degree in a related field can provide you with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the scientific and medical information you will be communicating.

Certification in Medical Writing

Certification in medical writing through organizations like the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) can be beneficial in demonstrating your expertise in the field. Certification programs typically involve passing an exam that covers various topics related to medical writing, including ethics, regulatory writing, and scientific communication. While certification is not always required to become a medical writer, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Types of Medical Writing Jobs

There are various types of medical writing jobs available, each with its unique set of responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of medical writing jobs include:

1. Regulatory Writing – Regulatory writing involves creating documents that are submitted to regulatory agencies for approval of drugs, medical devices, and clinical trials. Regulatory writers need to have a solid understanding of regulatory requirements and guidelines.
2. Medical Journalism – Medical journalism involves writing news stories, feature articles, and blog posts for medical publications. Medical journalists need to have strong writing skills and an ability to communicate complex scientific and medical information to a general audience.
3. Continuing Medical Education – Continuing medical education involves creating educational materials for healthcare professionals to help them stay current in their field. CME writers need to have a solid understanding of medical terminology and an ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
4. Health Education – Health education involves creating content for the general public to promote healthy lifestyles. Health writers need to be able to translate complex medical information into accessible and engaging content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, medical writing is a diverse and rewarding field that offers a range of job opportunities. To become a successful medical writer, you need to have strong writing skills, a solid understanding of scientific and medical terminology, and the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. While a degree in a science or healthcare-related field can be helpful, it is not always required. Certification in medical writing can also be beneficial in demonstrating your expertise in the field. Whether you’re interested in regulatory writing, medical journalism, CME, or health education, there is a medical writing job that is right for you.