Life as a Medical Writer

What does it mean to be a medical writer? I encounter this question quite often. Medical writing is about as broad as the world of medicine. If you become a doctor, you may be an internist, a dermatologist, a radiologist, or a surgeon. All these specialties are quite unique and very different.

The world of medical writing is also quite vast. You may get involved in regulatory and safety reports. Want to write research protocols? Do you enjoy marketing? How about writing some promotional pieces? Then you have the world of certified CME which is NOT promotional. Medical writers can also get involved in writing chapters within textbooks. If you're familiar with health literacy issues, then check out consumer health and patient education. There are many opportunities in various consumer-friendly websites, but you have to write at a 6th grade literacy level. The term "ghost writing" is frowned upon in the medical industry, so don't brag about your ghost writing experience. Finally, there's the world of blogging. Some medical writers have been very successful as bloggers.

Opportunities in Medical Writing

A student recently asked me if you had to be a physician to be a medical writer. The answer is no. Opportunities in medical writing are vast. If you want to write and be a lifelong writer, then you can excel in this field as a nurse, a PhD, a PharmD, an MD/DO, or even an MS in biomedical writing. Some medical writers also do really well with a BS or BA in scientific journalism or biology. You'll have more opportunities if you have an advanced degree, but it's not a requirement to be an excellent writer.

Keep in mind that many clinicians may start out writing, but then they advance into other senior positions that may involve project planning, team management, company strategy, new business development, etc. Others love to write and that's their passion, so they have no ambition to do anything else.

Working from Home

I seem to be meeting more and more professionals who decide to get a job where they can work from home. There have been times when I've had to work from home and it can be very challenging if you're not used to it. There are so many potential distractions and ways that you can lose focus. However, if you prioritize and place the important tasks in front of you, then you can do it successfully.

Among those I know who are working from home, the main things they emphasize are:

1. Have strong computer and technology skills. Know how to web conference and make effective use with speaker phones for long conference calls. You'll be e-mailing attachments back and forth so be familiar with various applications and file types.
2. Be available. Use a mobile device if you have to, but make sure that people can reach you by phone and e-mail during normal business hours.
3. Be willing to travel as needed. Depending on your type of work, you may be required to travel for certain meetings.
4. Deliver on time. That will show that you're focused and dedicated.
5. Set time apart for work. Some people I speak to tell me that they work even more hours at home compared to the office. Make sure that you're not trying to do different things while you're working.
6. Balance your life. The home/work balance must be checked periodically. Otherwise, you're entire life may get engulfed by work.