A Day in the Life of a Freelance Medical Writer
Imagine a job where you get to be the bridge between cutting-edge medical and scientific discoveries and the people who need to understand them. That’s a day in the life of a freelance medical writer! It’s a role that’s as much about having a passion and understanding of science as it is about having a way with words. Let’s walk through a typical day in the life of a freelance medical writer and see how I work towards making complex science understandable and interesting for everyone.
Morning: Coffee and Catch-Up
As a mum of two primary-school-aged boys, my day as a freelance medical writer begins with the chaotic rush to get ready for school! Once we finally achieve this, it’s time for the school run. As a freelance writer, I am so lucky to be able to schedule my work day around my children’s school hours. I love being able to drop them off and pick them up every day.
Once my boys are safely delivered to school, my work day can begin. With a steaming cup of coffee, my morning ritual starts with a scan of the latest medical news and research articles. Staying abreast of the latest advancements is not just a part of my job; it’s something that I really enjoy. As a freelance medical writer, I will spend some time sifting through various information sources, such as EurekAlert, and identifying relevant data that could influence current projects or inspire future topics.
After my initial research, I will review my day’s agenda. My schedule often consists of ongoing projects, ranging from crafting academic articles to creating SEO-optimised blog articles aimed at healthcare professionals or patients. Prioritisation is key as I work towards meeting tight deadlines and negotiating new projects.
Mid-Morning: Writing Time
Now, the real work begins. Whatever project I am working on, I like to begin with an extensive period of research. This could involve reading the latest scientific publications in the field, studying clinical study reports, or looking through up-to-date news articles. I use a variety of resources for my research, including academic publications, published books, and trusted and accurate blog articles.
Once I know more about the topic, I can begin the writing process. This is my favourite part of the job as I start to write down my thoughts and craft my research into a compelling story. I like to think of my job as a writer as being a bit like a detective – I seek out facts, figure out what matters, and then find the best way to put this into words that everyone can understand. It’s not just about getting the facts right (which is super important) but also about making sure the reader will understand it, whether they’re doctors, patients, or just someone curious about health.
Sometimes, this stage of my work involves talking to experts or joining a team call to ask questions and get insights. It’s all about making sure that what I write is spot-on and accurate and that it really delivers the message.
Lunch: A Quick Break and Networking Time
Lunchtime offers a well-deserved break, but it also provides an opportunity to network and engage with peers. Whether it’s a quick chat with a colleague over a meal or participating in online forums and webinars, networking helps medical writers to stay connected with the broader community. It’s a time to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Afternoon: Creative Storytelling
After lunch, it’s time to continue writing. Of course, the length of time that I spend writing depends on the specific project. Some projects can take many days, weeks, or even months, while others will be completed in a day. But whatever project I am working on, I always prioritise quality over speed.
During the writing stage, I will work hard to adapt my style of writing to suit the intended audience of the content. For instance, if I am writing a manuscript for publication in an academic journal, I will adopt a formal tone and use technical language that resonates with scholars and professionals in the field. I will also meticulously organise the structure of the manuscript to align with the intended publication’s guidelines, which often includes an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
On the other hand, if I am working on an article that tells a story about a new health trend or creating a guide that helps patients to better understand their treatment options, I will shift gears to ensure the content is approachable and engaging. The language will be simpler, avoiding jargon that could confuse or intimidate the reader. Instead, I’ll use relatable analogies and narratives that bring the science to life.
SEO optimisation may also form part of the afternoon’s task list. That means making sure that the articles that I write are easy to find on Google. This is a bit like completing a puzzle – fitting in the keywords that people are searching for without making it sound forced.
Late Afternoon: Review and Revise
As my day as a freelance medical writer winds down, I like to dedicate some time to reviewing and revising my work. Editing forms a critical part of the writing process, involving not just proofreading for grammatical accuracy but also ensuring the content’s clarity and flow. During this stage, I may revisit my documents multiple times, refining them to perfection.
This period is also when I may attend team meetings, provide project updates, and plan for upcoming tasks. It’s a time for reflection on the day’s work and preparation for the following day.
Evening: Continuing Education and Professional Development
A day in the life of a freelance medical writer never ends! My evenings are often spent attending educational courses, webinars, or working towards certifications that further my expertise. Professional development is a cornerstone of a freelance medical writer’s career, enabling me to stay current with medical writing standards and up-to-date with research.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about a day in the life of a freelance medical writer. At bluRB.digital, we are experts at making complex medical topics clear and relatable. We promise accuracy, simplicity, and a human touch in everything we write. Contact us today to find out more.
