Useful Tools and Resources for Medical Writers

As a seasoned medical writer or someone venturing into this field, you understand the importance of having the right tools and resources at your disposal. Our curated list of tools, software, and resources is designed to enhance your productivity and help you excel in medical writing. bluRB.digital has carefully selected and reviewed these tools for medical writers to ensure they meet the high standards of the medical writing profession.

So, let’s explore our essential tools for medical writers:

1. Writing and Editing Tools for Medical Writers

Effective medical writing requires precision, clarity, and impeccable grammar. Here are some essential writing and editing tools to try out:

• Grammarly: This AI-powered writing assistant helps you catch grammar and spelling mistakes. It also offers style suggestions to enhance the readability of your content. I use Grammarly myself to help me create the best content possible and ensure grammatical perfection every time! I personally make use of the paid subscription as it offers many more features. However, the free version of Grammarly is still highly functional and can make a big difference to the quality of your work.
• ProWritingAid: Like Grammarly, ProWritingAid provides in-depth writing analysis, helping you improve your writing style, structure, and readability. You can also make use of either a free service, which is limited to a 500-word count limit and 10 rephrases per day, or pay for a premium service.

2. Reference and Research Tools for Medical Writers

Accurate, evidence-based information is the backbone of medical writing. Here are some resources to support your research:

• PubMed: PubMed is a free resource that offers access to an extensive database of peer-reviewed biomedical literature, providing a vast array of research articles and studies at your fingertips. As PubMed constantly updates its database, you can rely on PubMed to find authoritative and evidence-based information, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your medical content.
• Google Scholar: A comprehensive academic search engine, Google Scholar helps you find scholarly articles and papers on medical topics. I personally find Google Scholar an extremely helpful resource, given that many valuable research papers are locked behind paywalls on journal websites. Google Scholar helps you circumvent these barriers by often providing direct links to freely available versions of the papers uploaded by the authors themselves.

3. Citation Management Tools for Medical Writers

Properly citing your sources is crucial in medical writing. These tools help to simplify the citation process:

• EndNote: A reference management program, EndNote allows you to organise your references, create bibliographies, and seamlessly cite sources in your documents. EndNote excels at helping me to manage the multitude of references I come across in my work. I can effortlessly categorise, tag, and sort references, making locating them easy when needed.
• Zotero: While I personally don’t use Zotero, I recognise its reputation as a powerful reference management tool among researchers and writers. Zotero is a free, open-source reference management software that has gained a strong following in academic and research communities.

4. Design and Visual Aids Tools for Medical Writers

Visual aids can greatly enhance the impact of your medical documents. Consider these tools:

• Canva: Canva Pro has been a game-changer for me, helping me to craft visually stunning content. Whether it’s designing engaging infographics or finding that perfect image for a blog post, Canva Pro’s extensive features have truly elevated my work. It’s become an indispensable part of my medical writing toolkit.
• BioRender: Tailored for scientists and medical professionals, BioRender lets you create stunning scientific illustrations and diagrams. While I rely on the paid subscription for its full range of features, there’s also a free option available, making it accessible for educational purposes only.
• Inkscape: Inkscape is a powerful and free alternative to Adobe Illustrator that’s widely embraced by scientists and medical writers. Its versatility and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for creating high-quality graphics and illustrations for scientific publications. As a freelance medical writer, I appreciate Inkscape’s cost-effectiveness and robust features, which help me deliver visually engaging content to my clients.

5. Project Management Tools for Medical Writers

Efficiently managing your projects and deadlines is essential. Here are tools designed for medical writers:

• Asana: Asana is my project management software of choice for its exceptional organisation and task management capabilities. As a freelance medical writer, I rely on Asana to keep track of deadlines, collaborate with clients, and ensure that every project runs smoothly. Its user-friendly interface, customisable features, and seamless integration with other tools make it an indispensable asset in my workflow, enhancing productivity and ensuring that I deliver high-quality work to my clients on time.
• Slack: I also regularly use Slack. It is a fantastic messaging tool that enhances productivity and collaboration. Its user-friendly interface and versatile features make communication seamless, whether it’s with clients, team members, or collaborators. With features like channels, direct messaging, and integration capabilities, Slack keeps everyone on the same page and makes it easy to stay organised and efficient.
• Trello: While I don’t personally use Trello, I’ve heard positive feedback from colleagues in the medical writing field. Many find it to be a versatile project management tool that simplifies task tracking and team collaboration. Its visual approach to organising tasks on boards and cards seems to resonate with users, making it worth considering if you’re looking for a new project management solution.

6. Continuing Education

Staying updated with the latest medical developments is crucial for medical writers. These educational resources can help you to do so:

• Coursera: Coursera is a fantastic platform for medical writers. It offers a wide range of courses related to healthcare, research, and writing that can enhance our skills. Plus, the flexibility of online learning fits well with our freelance schedules. I’d highly recommend checking out their medical communication and scientific writing courses. They can be a great addition to your skill set and help you to attract more clients.
• Webinars: Institutions, like universities and research centers, can be a great resource for medical writers. They often host seminars, conferences, and workshops that explore key scientific topics. Attending these events keeps us informed and provides opportunities to connect with experts who might need our writing services. It’s all about building relationships and showcasing our expertise.

7. Networking and Associations

Building a network of fellow medical writers and joining professional associations can open doors to opportunities and keep you informed about industry trends:

• AMWA (American Medical Writers Association): AMWA is a leading association for medical communicators. Joining AMWA can give you access to many resources, networking opportunities, and professional development. It’s a valuable step in expanding your medical writing business and demonstrates your commitment to the field. Plus, you’ll stay updated on the latest trends and best practices.
• EMWA (European Medical Writers Association): The European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) is another fantastic resource for medical writers, especially if you’re looking to expand your reach in Europe. Consider becoming a member to access their conferences, webinars, and networking events. It’s a great way to connect with professionals on the continent and broaden your freelance medical writing business internationally.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a game-changer for networking in the medical writing world. Connect with professionals in your field, join relevant groups, and share your expertise through posts and articles. It’s a powerful platform to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. Don’t forget to engage with others by commenting on their content and participating in discussions.

---

By exploring and utilising these tools for medical writers, we can streamline our work processes, produce high-quality content, and stay at the forefront of our field. Whether you’re an experienced medical writer or just starting your journey, these resources are invaluable for success in this challenging yet rewarding profession.