There’s no formal route into medical writing, so writers are a diverse bunch.
Different backgrounds bring different strengths to the profession. My job as a mentor is to help you see what those strengths are, and I use my 5 Pillars of Medical Writing framework to provide context. The examples below are from people I have personally helped to transition from their existing career into medical writing – revealing hidden ‘superpowers’ they can use for medical writing good.
Healthcare professionals
Likely strength: Strategic Thinking
Examples: Doctors, nurses, veterinary nurses, pharmacists
Why: Your hands-on practical experience of treating patients is invaluable. You have an in-depth understanding of what information is needed when making treatment decisions.
What to consider: Are you ready to work in a team environment where your work will be critiqued by others? Can you serve the commercial goals of pharma companies as well as the patient-focussed goals?
Lab scientists
Likely strength: Scientific Understanding
Examples: PhD students, postdocs, lab managers
Why: Med comms needs big brains like yours to understand how complex therapies work, how studies are conducted, and how data are analyzed.
What to consider: Your research may have been a lone project, are you ready for the fast paced med comms lifestyle?
Ex-pharma
Likely strength: Strategic Thinking
Examples: Local affiliates, sales reps, R&D
Why: This is a no-brainer. Your insight into what it’s like working in a pharma company means you understand med comms clients.
What to consider: Get ready to multitask, because agency writers split their time across multiple accounts, therapy areas, and products.
Other types of scientific writing and editing
Likely strengths: Technical Writing, Storytelling
Examples: Medical journalist, editor, medical publisher
Why: You understand the power of words and can use language to full effect. You have the high attention to detail required to meet editorial standards.
What to consider: Do you need to level up your scientific understanding before working on more complex accounts?
Do you know a medical writer who needs support in finding their superpower? Contact Sarah today!
