Medical Writer

What is a medical writer?

A medical writer is someone who uses their expertise in science and writing to create accurate and clear content in the field of medicine. They usually work in healthcare, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology companies.

What does a medical writer do?

A medical writer's main tasks include:

• Writing and editing scientific documents such as clinical trial reports, research papers, regulatory documents, and medical manuscripts.
• Conducting research and literature reviews to gather information.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals and researchers to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Following regulatory guidelines and industry standards.
• Proofreading and fact-checking documents for accuracy.
• Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.

What does the day-to-day life of a medical writer look like?

A medical writer typically works standard office hours, usually from 9 am to 5 pm. However, there may be instances where they need to work extra hours to meet project deadlines.

Their day-to-day tasks may include:

• Researching scientific literature and staying updated on advancements in the medical field.
• Writing or editing scientific documents.
• Communicating with healthcare professionals and researchers to gather information.
• Attending meetings and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Reviewing and proofreading documents for accuracy and grammar.

Where does a medical writer work?

Medical writers can work in various settings, including:

• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device companies.
• Contract research organizations (CROs) that provide writing services to different clients.
• Medical communications agencies that specialize in creating content for healthcare professionals and patients.
• Academic institutions, where they may work as research scientists and also write scientific papers.

Medical writers can work both in-office and remotely, depending on the company and project requirements.

What tools/software/hardware does a medical writer use?

A medical writer uses a variety of tools and software, including:

• Word processing software such as Microsoft Word.
• Reference management software like EndNote or Zotero.
• Collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or Slack for communication with team members.
• Online databases and literature search engines like PubMed or Embase for gathering research material.

They may also use hardware such as a computer, printer, and internet connection for their work.

What do I need to become a medical writer?

To become a medical writer, you have several options:

• Bachelor's degree: Many medical writers have a background in science, such as a degree in biology, pharmacy, or a related field. A degree in English, journalism, or communications can also be beneficial for developing strong writing skills.
• Master's degree: Some medical writers further their education by obtaining a master's degree in medical or scientific writing. This can provide specialized knowledge and enhance career prospects.
• Certification: Although not mandatory, obtaining certification from professional bodies such as the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) or the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to medical writers, including:

• Senior Medical Writer: With experience, a medical writer can progress to a senior-level role where they may take on more complex projects, manage a team of writers, and have increased responsibilities for quality control.
• Medical Writing Team Lead/Manager: This role involves overseeing a team of medical writers, coordinating projects, and ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines.
• Medical Editor: Medical writers with strong editing skills can transition into a role as a medical editor, where they review and polish scientific documents for publication.
• Medical Communications Consultant: Some medical writers choose to work as independent consultants, offering their expertise in medical writing and communications to multiple clients.

To start on these career paths, it is essential to gain experience in medical writing, continue learning, and develop strong communication and project management skills.

What jobs are similar to a medical writer?

There are several jobs that have transferable skills and similar responsibilities to a medical writer, including:

• Scientific Writer: Creating content and documents that communicate scientific information to both experts and non-experts.
• Medical Editor: Reviewing and editing medical and scientific documents for accuracy, clarity, and coherence.
• Healthcare Communicator: Developing content and materials aimed at educating healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public about medical conditions, treatments, and advancements.
• Regulatory Writer: Creating documents that adhere to regulatory guidelines and requirements, such as clinical trial protocols and regulatory submissions.

Are you a medical writer? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to medical writing. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.