A medical writer uses their expertise in health and research to create accurate documents that are easy to understand for readers without a medical background.
Medical writing involves both communication and the development of educational materials. These may include journal articles, clinical study reports, book chapters, and patient leaflets.
This article outlines what it takes to build a career as a professional medical writer, including education requirements, work experience, and salary expectations. Watch the video below for a quick overview, or skip ahead to read more.
Who is a Medical Writer?
A medical writer creates high-quality educational materials focused on healthcare topics. They contribute to content such as scientific writing, medical journal articles, book chapters, and patient leaflets.
Medical writers use scientific research to produce accessible content, translating complex medical information into clear language that patients can understand, such as before surgery or during treatment planning. A solid understanding of medical concepts is essential for this process.
Medical writing also spans diverse healthcare topics, including educating the general public on healthy lifestyle choices and the benefits of exercise. This type of medical writing supplements other educational materials, helping to improve patient care outcomes.
In addition to creating content, medical writers collaborate with medical publication professionals and healthcare experts to produce technical documents. They also mentor and train undergraduate students, graduate students, and lab technicians.
The field of medical writing is highly versatile. Some medical writers focus on creating patient education materials, while others specialize in writing for medical journals in areas such as oncology, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals.
Because of this diversity, medical writers must have a strong command of medical terminology, work effectively with research professionals, and possess a thorough understanding of medical science principles and procedures.
How Medical Writers Use Medical Writing and Communications
Medical communication is a specialized career path within the field of medical writing.
Medical writers often collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to develop content that clearly conveys information about new drugs. This includes creating advertising, marketing, and public relations (PR) materials. Regulatory writing is another essential area, focusing on the creation of documents required for submission to health authorities.
In addition to these tasks, medical writers may contribute to respected magazines or journals that highlight medical research. Professionals with backgrounds in journalism or public relations, especially those with advanced degrees like an MBA, can successfully transition into medical writing by applying their communication expertise.
The skills developed through medical communications and writing open the door to rewarding roles across industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare marketing.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Medical Writer?
A medical writer is responsible for developing content for medical websites, brochures, patient education materials, and scientific documents.
Medical writing, whether through print or online media, supports better treatment outcomes by equipping patients with the information needed to make informed decisions and enabling doctors to collaborate effectively with pharmaceutical companies.
Specific tasks often involve:
- Interviewing doctors and other medical professionals to gather insights on treatments, clinical trials, or procedures.
- Drafting evidence-backed stories that incorporate medical terminology and references to ensure credibility, such as published journal articles.
- Adding graphics to complement the text or visually explain complex points.
- Formatting stories into various formats tailored to specific audiences, like patients, healthcare providers, or administrators.
- Proofreading and finalizing drafts before publication.
- Collaborating with a documentation specialist to catalog essential documents.
- Creating and structuring technical documents for clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
Medical writers play a critical role in bridging the gap between complex medical concepts and accessible, actionable content for diverse audiences.
What are the Attributes of a Medical Writer?
If you’re considering a career in medical writing or scientific communication, it’s essential to combine expertise in both medical knowledge and storytelling. Successful medical writers typically possess the following attributes:
- An advanced degree, such as an MFA in creative writing, journalism, or communications.
- A Ph.D. in fields like science communication, public health, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, or clinical research methods, with specialized training in communications.
- Medical experience as a doctor, nurse, or technician, paired with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, or other life sciences.
- Strong communication skills and analytical thinking, essential for translating complex scientific information into accessible language.
- A solid understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with regulatory requirements, such as FDA-approved documents.
- Insight into the medical industry and its vast career opportunities for writers specializing in different niches.
These attributes enable medical writers to create content that is accurate, engaging, and impactful for diverse audiences within the healthcare sector.
What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Medical Writer?
Medical writers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in fields like creative writing, journalism, or communications. However, many professionals enter the field with diverse educational backgrounds that combine scientific expertise with strong writing skills.
While medical writers don’t need to be practicing healthcare professionals, a solid understanding of medical science is essential. Advanced degrees, such as an MD, Ph.D., or PharmD, are common, but others may enter the field with an MFA or a Ph.D. in English.
Key qualifications include:
- Comprehensive knowledge of biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or life sciences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and PowerPoint, to manage document creation and presentations.
- Hands-on experience through internships or roles in related fields, such as clinical research or technical writing, is valuable for gaining industry insights.
Career opportunities for medical writers are abundant, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, where professionals are relied upon to simplify complex medical concepts for diverse audiences.
How Can You Become a Medical Writer?
Most medical writers hold a bachelor’s degree, with many gaining hands-on experience through internships under seasoned medical writers. While some fields may accept entry-level candidates, specialized areas, such as clinical research, often require prior experience as a lab technician or similar roles before transitioning into medical writing.
The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries present significant career opportunities for aspiring medical writers, with scientific literature serving as a vital resource for understanding the field. Additionally, the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) offers valuable resources to support new writers, including:
For those seeking formal education, pursuing a degree can be an excellent way to establish a full-time career in medical writing. Below are examples of universities offering relevant programs:
- Carnegie Mellon University – MA: Professional Writing
- New York University – MA/ MS: Health and Environmental Reporting
- Johns Hopkins University – MA: Science-Medical Writing
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Writer?
Becoming a medical writer requires dedication, patience, and effort. For those pursuing advanced education, it typically takes five to six years of full-time study to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. from institutions like Johns Hopkins University.
While completing your education, you can build experience by interning at medical communications firms, creating a professional LinkedIn profile to network with industry professionals, and contributing to online medical platforms such as Healthline. Additionally, engaging with the scientific community can help you gain valuable insights and foster meaningful connections.
What is the Average Medical Writer Salary?
A full-time medical writer in the United States typically earns an average salary ranging from approximately $66,000 to $87,000 per year, depending on experience and location. According to PayScale and ZipRecruiter, entry-level or junior medical writers usually earn between $52,000 and $80,000 annually.
Medical editors, often more experienced medical writers with specialized expertise, generally earn higher salaries. Their compensation can exceed $80,000 per year, depending on their role, responsibilities, and level of expertise.
Medical writers are employed across various industries, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, medical device manufacturers, and medical editing agencies. They produce content such as clinical trial documents, educational brochures, drug instruction manuals, and regulatory submissions for the pharmaceutical industry.
In addition to competitive salaries, medical writers often receive benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans with company matching, and paid vacation days.
What is the Typical Workday Like for a Medical Writer Involved in Clinical Trials?
A medical writer’s day often begins with reviewing medical journals to stay informed about the latest research and trends. Writing tasks might include drafting articles, blog posts, or clinical trial documents, ensuring all content adheres to the guidelines set by medical journal editors and regulatory bodies. Writers rely heavily on scientific data to support their work, maintaining accuracy and credibility.
Throughout the day, medical writers may collaborate with research scientists to gather updated information on clinical trials, which can inform their projects with pharmaceutical companies. They often work on white papers or other technical documents for departments like sales and marketing, bridging communication between technical and non-technical audiences.
Afternoons might include attending industry webinars or conferences to stay current on healthcare trends and developments. Writers also set aside time to edit their drafts for clarity and compliance, respond to client or colleague emails, and prepare materials for publication.
Final Remarks
A career as a medical writer offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medicine through impactful communication. It’s a rewarding path that combines science, writing, and collaboration, with room for growth and specialization. This profession enables individuals to play a vital role in healthcare while maintaining flexibility. For those passionate about bridging science and communication, medical writing is both a challenging and fulfilling career choice.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about medical writing.
Is medical writing hard?
Medical writing can be challenging due to its reliance on medical education and familiarity with clinical research. Writers must ensure scientific accuracy and possess a deep understanding of medical terminology, regulatory documents, and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
Can a medical writer work as a freelancer?
Yes, many medical writers work as freelancers, either full-time or on a contract basis. Freelance opportunities are abundant in the U.S. and internationally. Freelancers often handle scientific documentation and must have strong business skills to manage projects independently, from start to finish, without direct supervision.
Is Medical Writing a Good Career?
Medical writing is a rewarding career for those passionate about combining science and communication. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to contribute to advancements in healthcare without directly engaging in patient care. It’s especially appealing to healthcare professionals looking to stay in the field while working in a collaborative and creative environment.
What skills are essential for a medical writer?
A medical writer must have a combination of scientific knowledge and strong writing skills. They need to analyze and communicate complex medical information clearly for different audiences, including healthcare professionals and the general public. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines are also critical for success in this profession.
What types of documents do medical writers create?
Medical writers produce a variety of content, including clinical trial protocols, regulatory submissions, patient education materials, medical journal articles, and marketing materials for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They may also work on training manuals, health-related newsletters, or content for medical websites, depending on their area of specialization.
How do medical writers stay up-to-date with industry changes?
Medical writers stay informed by reading medical journals, attending industry webinars and conferences, and participating in continuing education programs. Many also join professional organizations like the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) to access resources, expand their networks, and stay updated on regulatory and industry trends.
If you are new to medical writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Medical Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a medical writer, how to dominate medical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a medical writing candidate.
