What is medical writing? Tips for physician assistants interested in getting started
Like many other healthcare providers, after the COVID pandemic where I was working two clinical jobs, I was feeling extremely burnt out and disengaged from my work. I really wanted to find a renewed sense of passion and purpose in my career, but was not sure what else I could do with my medical degree. That's when I discovered medical writing.
Medical writing is a specialized field where professionals create clear, accurate, and scientifically sound documents for various audiences. This can range from research articles and regulatory documents to patient education materials and marketing content.
As someone who has always enjoyed writing, and who even did a bit of unpaid writing (blogs, newsletters, etc.) for some of my employers, medical writing really piqued my interest. Companies want to pay me to write about things I study and enjoy? Sign me up!
While I continue to work as a clinical PA, my medical writing has given me a degree of career flexibility I did not think was possible. It is a lucrative “side hustle” and also is incredibly fulfilling. Medical writing can impact healthcare on a broader scale, such as through improving public health knowledge, supporting clinical research, shaping health policies, and educating future professionals.
Understanding Medical Writing
Medical writing is a HUGE field and you could spend hours learning about the different niches within the field. But here is the nitty gritty: Medical writing involves producing a variety of documents related to the healthcare field. These documents include:
Clinical Trial Reports: Detailed accounts of clinical study results.
Regulatory Documents: Submissions required by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
Medical Journals: Research articles and reviews for academic and clinical audiences.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Materials: Educational content for healthcare professionals.
Patient Education: Information to help patients understand their conditions and treatments.
Marketing Materials: Content for promoting medical products and services.
Why PAs are Well-Suited for Medical Writing
Physician Assistants possess a strong medical background, clinical experience, and the ability to understand complex medical information. These skills are invaluable in medical writing. Additionally, PAs are trained to communicate effectively with both patients and healthcare professionals, making them adept at translating medical jargon into accessible language.
Getting Started in Medical Writing
If you're a PA interested in medical writing, here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Enhance Your Writing Skills
- Take Writing Courses: While I do not think it is necessary for everyone to seek additional certifications or training in medical writing, it may be helpful if your writing skills are rusty. Many online platforms offer free courses in medical writing and general writing skills. Consider enrolling in a course to refine your writing.
- Practice Regularly: Start a blog or contribute to medical forums to practice writing and receive feedback.
2. Build a Portfolio
Many clients will want to see examples of your writing before they hire you to write for them. How do you build a portfolio when you have no writing experience?
- Start Small: Begin by writing short articles or blog posts on medical topics you’re passionate about. Post on your personal blog, website, or social media.
- Volunteer: Offer to write for non-profit organizations or contribute articles to medical newsletters.
- Freelance: Use platforms like Upwork or Freelancer to find small medical writing gigs. This will help you build a diverse portfolio.
3. Network
- Join Professional Organizations: Groups like the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) offer resources, networking opportunities, and job boards.
- Attend Conferences: Medical and writing conferences can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into the industry.
4. Understand the Industry
- Stay Informed: Keep up with medical journals, regulatory guidelines, and industry news to ensure your writing is current and accurate.
- Learn the Standards: Familiarize yourself with the guidelines for medical writing, such as those provided by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the AMA Manual of Style.
5. Seek Mentorship
- Find a Mentor: Connect with experienced medical writers who can provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate your new career path.
Challenges and Rewards
Medical writing can be demanding. It requires meticulous attention to detail, adherence to strict guidelines, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. However, it also offers numerous rewards, including the opportunity to contribute to medical knowledge, educate patients and professionals, and enjoy a flexible career that can often be done remotely.
Medical writing is an excellent career option for PAs looking to leverage their clinical expertise in a new way. By enhancing your writing skills, building a portfolio, networking, understanding industry standards, and seeking mentorship, you can successfully transition into this dynamic and rewarding field. Whether you aim to write for medical journals, create patient education materials, or contribute to regulatory documents, your background as a PA provides a strong foundation for success in medical writing.
If you are interested in medical writing or have any further questions, I would love to connect! See “contact” above to shoot me an email, or reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.
