Medical writing is a rewarding career for those interested in health and writing. Medical writers can work for various organizations and must have the ability to analyze and interpret technical information accurately. The American Medical Writers Association provides resources for professional development and networking. A degree in technical writing, English, journalism, or a science field can be helpful, and there are now undergraduate and graduate degrees available in medical writing and scientific communication.
For anyone who finds medical and health-related topics interesting and enjoys writing, becoming a medical writer can be a rewarding and fascinating career. A medical writer might include writing a health question-and-answer column for a website, newspaper, brochure, or pamphlet, writing the text for inserts on pharmaceuticals, or writing technical education materials and textbooks for medical students. In fact, there are dozens of medical writing opportunities.
Although the information in many medical research reports and books is collected by physicians and scientists, the actual report or book may be written by a physician. The writer must be able to understand, analyze, interpret the information and clearly and correctly write about the information without a single mistake. It can be very complicated and requires a writer with brainpower and a willingness to work with technical material.
Medical writers may work for newspapers, magazines, textbook publishers, hospitals, the medical press, medical schools, government agencies, companies that sell pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, laboratories, and voluntary health agencies. There are full-time, part-time, and freelance opportunities available for an experienced medical writer. Salaries vary according to the experience the writer has and the area in which he works. For example, a recent college graduate earns less than an experienced writer, and a person who writes a medical book or column may earn royalties on top of a salary.
The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) was developed in 1940 as a place for physicians and communicators to come together and learn more about their craft. Currently, there are nearly 6,000 AMWA members worldwide. AMWA is designed to enhance the professionalism of freelance medical writers and employees of a company, school, agency or foundation. AMWA members receive information to help them develop their careers, continuing education in their field, networking opportunities, access to an online job newsletter, an e-newsletter, and member discounts.
There is no set path to becoming a medical writer. Generally, employers, like their medical writers, have at least a bachelor’s or graduate degree in technical writing. Some prefer writers who majored in English or journalism; however, others prefer a writer who has a degree in one of the sciences, such as biology, chemistry or physics – as long as they are effective writers.
Many colleges and universities now have undergraduate degrees that specialize in medical writing and scientific communication and master’s degrees in technical writing. Courses often provide students with background information and background information that might be useful in a medical writing career. In addition, self-study and courses offered by various organizations such as AMWA are also helpful in improving your career in medical writing.
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