Medical writing is a specialised field that blends science, research, and communication to produce a multitude of content for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. It covers a wide range of formats and audiences, from detailed clinical trial reports to patient-friendly educational materials. In this next Summer instalment, we explore the different sorts of medical writing and offer guidance for aspiring writers on how to enter each field.

What is Regulatory Writing?
Regulatory writing involves creating documents required by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA or EMA, to support the approval of new drugs, medical devices, and therapies. This includes clinical study reports, investigator brochures, and regulatory submission packages. The primary focus is on accuracy, compliance, and clarity, as these documents play a critical role in the approval process.

How to Get Started in Regulatory Writing
To enter regulatory writing, a strong background in life sciences or a related field is essential. Many regulatory writers have advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MD) and experience in clinical research or drug development. Aspiring writers can start by gaining experience in clinical research organisations (CROs), pharmaceutical companies, or regulatory agencies. Additionally, specialised training programs and courses in regulatory writing can provide valuable knowledge and skills.

Check out our course specific to regulatory medical writing: Experiencing Medical Writing.

What is Medical Communications?
Medical communications encompass a broad range of activities aimed at conveying scientific and clinical information to healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. This includes creating content for medical journals, conference presentations, slide decks, newsletters, and other educational materials. The goal is to effectively communicate complex scientific information in a clear and engaging manner.

How to Get Started in Medical Communications
A background in life sciences, medicine, or pharmacy is beneficial for medical communications. Strong writing skills and an understanding of scientific literature are crucial. Aspiring medical communicators can start by working with medical communication agencies, medical journals, or pharmaceutical companies. Building a portfolio of writing samples and attending industry conferences can also help in networking and finding job opportunities.

What is Health Journalism?
Health journalism involves reporting on medical news, health policies, public health issues, and medical research for a general audience. Health journalists write for newspapers, magazines, online publications, and broadcast media. They must distill complex medical information into accessible and engaging stories that inform and educate the public.

How to Get Started in Health Journalism
A background in journalism or communications, along with a strong interest in health and medicine, is essential. Aspiring health journalists should develop strong research and interview skills, as well as the ability to explain scientific concepts to a non-expert audience. Gaining experience through internships or freelancing for health-focused publications can be valuable. Joining professional organisations, such as the Association of Healthcare Journalists, can also provide networking opportunities and resources.

What is Medical Education and Training?
Medical education writers create content for educational programs aimed at healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. This includes writing for continuing medical education (CME) courses, patient education brochures, e-learning modules, and training manuals. The focus is on providing accurate, up-to-date, and practical information to support learning and practice.

How to Get Started in Medical Education Writing
Experience in a healthcare profession or a background in life sciences is helpful for medical education writing. Writers should be skilled at organising and presenting information in an educational format. Opportunities can be found in medical education companies, healthcare organisations, and pharmaceutical companies. Aspiring writers can start by developing educational materials for local hospitals, clinics, or patient advocacy groups.

What is Medical Marketing and Advertising?
Medical marketing writers create promotional materials for healthcare products and services. This includes writing for advertisements, brochures, websites, social media, and other marketing channels. The goal is to communicate the benefits and features of medical products to healthcare professionals and consumers in a compelling and compliant manner.

How to Get Started in Medical Marketing Writing
A background in marketing, communications, or life sciences is beneficial. Medical marketing writers must understand the ethical framework and local regulations governing promotional content and have a strong grasp of the products they are promoting. Gaining experience in marketing or advertising agencies that specialise in healthcare, or within the marketing departments of pharmaceutical companies, can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Here we have provided a comprehensive overview of the different types of medical writing roles and practical advice for those looking to enter the field.

Each type of writing has its unique requirements and opportunities, and aspiring writers can find their niche by building relevant skills and experience. Whether you have a background in science, journalism, or marketing, there are numerous ways to contribute to the healthcare industry through medical writing.

If this has sparked your interest, take a look at our introductory course: Discovering Medical Writing

Also, make sure you sign up soon to EMWA’s Getting Into Medical Writing event on Friday, 20th September 15:00–18:00 CEST.