So you are hoping to become a medical writer? Congratulations! This is a highly rewarding and interesting career. Becoming a medical writer is not easy, but it is definitely worth it.
Medical writing is a field that spans a wide range of topics, from scientific papers to patient manuals and website copy to textbooks. This is one of the many reasons I love my job as a qualified freelance medical writer – the variety it provides me!
This guide will walk you through the entire process of becoming a medical or scientific writer. You will learn how to find your first health writing gig, build a portfolio that will make editors sit up and take notice, and become a sought-after expert in your field.
All of this important information has been compiled by a fellow writer.
Why Medical Writing?
Firstly, let’s clear one thing up. Medical writing can fall under many different names – health writing, scientific communication, regulatory medical writing, science writing – it all describes the same business. And that business is communicating and writing about medical content and research in whatever form.
Why is Medical writing important? Here are some of the top reasons:
- It helps ensure that important information is accurately and effectively communicated to patients, medical professionals, and other stakeholders.
- Good medical writing can help foster trust and confidence in the medical community.
- Medical writing can help to improve the quality of patient care by providing clear and concise instructions to healthcare professionals.
Medical writing is a complex and challenging field. Those interested in pursuing a career in medical writing should be aware of the many benefits of the occupation.
Additionally, as well as enjoying the satisfaction of helping others, an experienced writer can often earn a good living.
Who Should Become a Medical Writer?
This might be the part where you say, “what does a medical writer even do?”
As a medical writer, you’ll need to have a strong background in science or health. To be a good medical writer, you’ll need to be able to write clearly and concisely. Your focus should be on solving problems.
Do you have a knack for writing and a passion for health care and science? A career as a medical writer could be the perfect fit for you.
Why did I choose to become a medical writer? With a first-class bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, I have always enjoyed researching and writing for my science education. So, I knew that medical writing and consultancy were right for me.
If you have a strong writing background and are familiar with medical terminology, you may be the best candidate for a medical writer position. If you have a science or master’s degree, you will already have the knowledge to help you progress as a medical writer.
What Does a Medical Writer Do?
Medical writers are responsible for creating and editing written material related to healthcare.
A medical writer can work within many different sectors of the medical field, such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life science, or within an academic institution.
They may write promotional literature, educational material, leaflets, copy, news articles, review articles, and literature for healthcare professionals and the general public. They may also write a scientific manuscript for a peer-reviewed medical journal or publication and create books and e-books.
You may always be offered a new and unique writing task with medical writing!
There are also more specific roles within the field of medical and health writing, including regulatory writing. A regulatory medical writer produces documentation and medical content required by a government agency or other regulatory agencies.
As a medical or scientific writer, the subject area you are writing about can vary greatly daily. One day you may be writing about healthcare technology advancement, and the next about the latest drugs available to treat a specific disease or to improve mental health.
What Type of Job Can a Medical Writer Get?
- Academic Medical Writer
- Medical Journal Reviewer
- Patient Attitudes Development Specialist
- Marketing and Communications Specialist
- Clinical Drug Writer
- Medical Résumé Writer
- Medical Advisory Board Writer
- Journal Adherence Specialist
- Medical Editor
This list is certainly not exhaustive. There are plenty more niche areas within the medical field that experienced writers work in. The list is, in fact, endless, and it is about choosing the right choice for you.
Core Skills Required To Become a Medical Writer
Here are some key skills you’ll need to thrive in a medical writing career:
- Strong writing skills – An excellent medical writer will use their strong writing skills to produce high-quality medical content.
- Knowledge of science – You’ll need to be able to understand and often explain complex medical research and know how to cite sources properly. To write effectively about medical topics, you need to have a strong understanding of the science involved. As a scientific writer, you need to be able to understand complex medical terminology and be able to present the data in a clear and concise manner. You will often communicate complex ideas to the general public and must adjust your writing style accordingly.
If you are wondering if this career is right for you, seek opportunities at hospitals, healthcare foundations, medical publishing houses, pharmaceutical companies, literary agencies, medical device companies, health IT platforms, journals, and research centers.
Knowledge Required to Become a Medical Writer
Firstly, you need to become a subject matter expert in your field. That’s a major barrier to entry. Today there is more information than ever. You need to know your subject area to avoid drowning in just one topic.
You need to be able to find the latest information on a topic and use it to write about it in a clear and accurate way.
It’s easy to become an expert in your field by utilizing the great resources available online and at conferences.
You can find communication about almost all topics on the Internet, from the medical field to writing about any other specific topic. The Internet provides a unique, self-directed education. It’s like finding vintage books and other vintage collectibles to have a collection! Get an email list and start subscribing.
Salary Expectations as a Medical Writer in the UK: Everything You Need to Know!
Medical writing is a highly specialised and in-demand field. As you may know, the medical writing field is one of the most in-demand in the UK. With so much opportunity on the horizon, it’s no wonder that medical writing is one of the highest-paying fields out there.
Your salary as a health writer will depend on your experience and qualifications. To get an idea of what you could earn if you become a medical writer, you can use Indeed.com’s salary calculator.
A freelance medical writer has the potential to earn much more – the sky’s the limit!
7 Tips To Become a Medical Writer?
Writing can be an interesting career if you are passionate about disseminating accurate scientific and clinical information.
As a new writer, you may wonder where to start as you seek to become a medical writer. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Start at Entry-Level
You may want to begin as an entry-level medical writer if you’re just starting out. There are a few ways to do this. The most important thing is to network and find out what opportunities are available to you.
2. Discover Your Niche
Take time to figure out which aspect of medical writing appeals to you the most. Are you passionate about mental health? Do you see yourself as a successful regulatory medical writer? Would you enjoy producing promotional writing or educational material for the general public? Maybe you would love to produce a clinical study report or discuss the latest data from a leading clinical trial.
3. Network
Join a professional organisation like the American Medical Writers Association or the European Medical Writers Association. Membership in a professional organisation will give you access to resources and networking opportunities. Use platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the medical writing industry. Take the opportunity to engage in discussions and follow relevant groups.
4. Gain Experience
Assemble a writing portfolio showing your skills and professionalism. This should be a collection of your best medical writing work. You could start working as a freelance writer to gain experience and build your portfolio. A good portfolio can help you land your dream medical writing job.
5. Optimise Your CV
A well-written CV creates positive first impressions, making a good impression over a bad one. Medical writing recruiters will look at your CV for only a few seconds and probably always do. You need a professional CV that sets you apart from the competition.
Also, make your resume compelling by including your professional experience and selling yourself as part of the job description. Ensure that your resume is well-formatted to stand out and be easy to scan.
6. Consider Additional Training
Look into completing additional training in medical writing or writing more generally. You may be able to find a suitable online course that is useful. You may even be able to enroll in a suitable certification program. Take a look and see what training is available for someone seeking to become a medical writer.
7. Freelance Vs. Employee
Decide if you want to work for an employer or as a freelance medical writer. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. So the decision really comes down to what suits you best, personally and professionally.
For me, working as a freelance medical and scientific writer is the best choice. I love setting my own workload and building lasting relationships with my clients. As a mum to 2 young children, being a freelance medical writer fits in perfectly with my home life too! Bonus!
As a recognised freelance writer, you’ll start to gain clients. You’ll have the opportunity to work for direct organisations, companies, and even health organisations. You can work at your own pace. Satisfied clients will keep returning to you with more work!
Final Thoughts
Scientific and medical writing delivers accurate, evidence-based information to the scientific community and the healthcare industry.
As a medical or scientific writer, you will need intensive medical research to build your technical, medical, and writing knowledge. This research will help you progress and create entertaining and informative articles.
If you are ready to work with commitment and dedication, there are many opportunities for a skilled writer within the medical field. Put your writing skills to good use and apply for that first medical writing role!
Why BluRB.Digital?
At bluRB.Digital, we strive to provide the best quality medical content writing services. We are committed to providing our clients with a reliable, professional, and efficient service. We understand the importance of accuracy in medical content, and we strive to make sure that our clients receive the best service possible.
If you are looking to become a medical writer, then feel free to reach out, we are more than happy to share our experience.
