Who employs medical writers?
Medical writers can operate on a freelance basis, but they are also employed across a range of organisations. These include:
- Government departments
- Media agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Healthcare providers
- Publishing companies
Medical writer job requirements
At minimum, you will need a bachelor’s degree in a biological or medical science (such as biomedical science, biochemistry, genetics, etc.) to work as a medical writer. This is because it’s essential that medical writers can effectively review and interpret complex medical information and translate it appropriately for the intended audience.
Experience in research or in a preclinical setting is also highly desirable, as is further study at PhD level.
Candidates should also have some experience in medical writing. Specific training for the particular type of medical writing that the role entails may be provided on the job.
What skills does a medical writer need?
- Scientific knowledge and effective communication are non-negotiable skills for this role. You must be capable of understanding complex medical information and also have the ability to translate those ideas into language that is suitable for the intended audience.
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret data.
- Attention to detail is also essential. Some aspects of medical writing are governed by strict guidelines, and accuracy is always required even when more creative freedom is allowed.
- Collaboration with others is a core part of this job, especially when gathering information and confirming data, so the ability to work well in a team is crucial.
- Medical writers must have faultless language skills. Everyone from scientific experts to the general public comes into contact with medical writing. The particular language and jargon used in documents for the former will obviously differ from those targeting the latter. Medical writers need to know when and where to use particular terminology and tone in their communication.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload will also stand you in good stead for a role as a medical writer.
