From the S.P.I.R.I.T. newsletter: The Med Writer’s Notebook.
First, let’s learn about you! Tell us about your professional journey starting as an entry level medical writer to now managing your medical writing services company.
I initially started working at a medical communications and promotional education company focused on psychiatry. I eventually decided after about a year that I was looking for more fair balance in the content I created, which led me to CME and the oncology field.
After progressing in my career a bit my priorities changed and I decided to return to freelancing. I had previously used freelancing to help me gain some experience when transitions within medical writing. Now I plan to remain.
This allows me to manage my schedule better around healthy habits, such as exercise, and more control over the type of projects that most interest me across CME, promotional medical education, and blog writing.
For those that don’t know, what is medical writing? How does this differ from other types or writing styles commonly seen in scientific research?
Medical writing is a vast field that is considered a subset of science writing. In general, medical writing is focused on science that directly impacts human health. Within that the type of medical writing varies depending on the purpose of the work, who the main audience is, and the standard formats for the deliverable.
I’ve created a supplement that helps to explain some of the differences and offer a few samples from the main branches that you can view here.
I’d like for our readers to know about The Med Writer’s Notebook. What’s the point of this Substack, and why did you start this initiative?
In essence, the Substack is a collaborative space where medical writers across all experience levels can create articles that focus on key advice topics for people who are just starting or new to the transition. Its uniqueness is in its incorporation of evidence-back data and personal reflection from the writer. I’m also building it into more of a community space for conversation and peer support.
The Substack has had a really interesting history from its conception that I could have never imagined. I initially started it as a way to provide an opportunity for the many people who connect and suggest collaboration. Once I had that seed of an idea it blossomed from there.
I realized that I needed to create something unique that couldn’t be found in other coaching or health blogs. I also needed it to be accessible and have value regardless of the experience level of the writer. In order to create that I had to be very intentional about the workflow, framework, and guidance I created for the contributors. It really all just blossomed from there.
How can someone become more involved in The Med Writer’s Notebook?
The best way that you can become involved is to read the article and subscribe if you find them useful. You are also welcome to contribute as a writer, editor, or social media contributor to spread word about the block, and you aren’t restricted to one role, by filling out a Google form.
How does someone who’s never been a writer before become a medical writer?
I do think there is one universal place to start once you have decided to become a medical writer and that’s with self-reflection. There are so many different types it could be overwhelming for a beginner to know where to start. Some people recommend against niching, and other strongly emphasize it. I strongly encourage focusing.
Many people transition into medical writing and find many of the things they were trying to get away from are still present, which can lead to burnout. That is why I think it’s essential to have an idea or at least a starting point for where you want to focus your skill training and job search efforts. I suggest strongly considering some of the following questions:
- Why do you want to transition into the field?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What type of working environment can you best thrive at?
The training resource center on my website can help guide you through this by covering some of the questions I just mentioned and providing supplements that could guide your answers to those questions.
I also created a short activity that helps you focus on the branches of medical writing that may interest you.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you first started medical writing?
For me, coming from an academic background, I was not prepared for the level of focus on customer service. In the laboratory you are generally just focusing on the pure science and the most objective representation of the data. In medical writing, especially medical communications you are directly supporting the interests of a corporation, often a pharmaceutical company. At times you may find yourself balancing scientific objectivity with client goals.
How does a medical writer go about landing their first writing project or role? Are there specific courses or certifications you recommend?
I think this goes back a bit to the very first step of self-reflection.
- What type of projects do you want to work on?
- What role could you learn the quickest as a full-time employee?
Either way, I think the first step after that self-reflection is crafting your professional profile, such as a LinkedIn profile, resume, or website, to reflect the roles or projects you want. Create a sample or two that demonstrates your skills for those specific projects as closely as possible.
Some say portfolios are unimportant, but I can say they can only help you if you are truly ready for a role and you don’t need anything elaborate but a few links to documents from a Google Drive or other file hosting platform. I think I’ve plugged my resource center enough times at this point, but it really does cover every one of these questions step by step with free resources at every step. There is also paid coaching offered if you want one-on-one guidance from me.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I really think there’s a lot to offer in the resource training center I created. It’s a comprehensive step-by step collection of free resources you can use while assessing your development as you progress.
I’m considering creating a workbook that can walk you through each of the steps with short 15-to-30-minute exercises, but that would be for much later in the future. Right now, I encourage engagement through the Substack for community, and topic specific advice, then going to the resource center for more comprehensive and specific guidance.
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