How to Transition to a Medical Writing Career

What Do You Already Have?

Before you worry about learning new skills, take a moment to reflect on what you already bring to the table. You might not realize it yet, but as a healthcare professional, you’ve developed many transferable skills that are gold in the medical writing world. Your knowledge of medical terminology, ability to interpret complex data, and experience working with patients are all valuable assets. So instead of thinking, “I don’t know where to start,” focus on what you do know. Can you explain medical conditions in layman’s terms? Do you feel comfortable breaking down the pros and cons of treatments or medications? These are the types of things that will serve you well for producing a written medical summary and other vital skills. The first step is acknowledging the abilities you already have so that you can build from there.

Where Are the Gaps?

Of course, jumping from a clinical role to writing isn’t entirely seamless. There may be gaps in your experience, but they can be filled over time. Start out by identifying where you might need a little extra help. Are you familiar with how to write regulatory documents, patient education materials, or content for a medical record review company? Whatever the case, pinpoint what you need to learn and seek out resources to help you get there. Courses, workshops, and even mentorships can help you transition into your new role.

Understanding Your Options

One of the best things about medical writing is that there are so many paths you can take. Do you want to work full-time, part-time, or freelance? There are many options, so take some time to explore the different types of medical writing jobs available. If you love research and data analysis, writing clinical trial summaries might be a great fit. However, if patient education is your thing, you could find joy in crafting accessible health information. And if you're drawn to the legal side, writing for a medical record review company might be just what you’re looking for. Explore, test the waters, and see what feels right.

Lean on What You Know

As a healthcare professional, you’ve developed a strong foundation that will give you an edge in medical writing. You understand medical jargon, you know how to communicate with other healthcare professionals, and you can easily navigate research databases and patient records. What’s important is figuring out how to leverage those skills to fit the demands of medical writing. For instance, if you’ve worked on patient care plans, you can transition that into writing treatment guidelines or care protocols. If you’ve ever conducted research, you can likely turn those skills toward writing literature reviews or study protocols.

Adding to Your Toolkit

Just because you’ve got the experience doesn’t mean you should stop there. To become a successful medical writer, you’ll need to keep learning and adding to your skill set. The good news is that you don’t need a formal degree in writing to break into the field, but having some foundational knowledge can set you apart from the crowd. Consider taking some targeted writing courses. You might also want to familiarize yourself with regulatory standards if you’re leaning toward clinical or technical writing. The more tools you have in your toolkit, the more opportunities you’ll find.

It’s Who You Know

The medical writing world is small but mighty, and making connections can boost your chances of success. If you’re transitioning from a clinical role, you might not have very many writing contacts yet. Start by joining professional associations like the American Medical Writers Association or local writing groups. These organizations often offer networking events, workshops, and job boards to help you connect with others in the field. Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn, either. Building relationships with current medical writers or companies that might need your experience can open doors. If you’re transitioning into freelancing, a few good connections can lead to steady clients down the line. Networking is about forming genuine relationships, so take your time to connect and engage with others in the field.

Are You Ready to Make the Leap?

Transitioning to a medical writing career isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. At Physicians Educating People, we know how challenging it can be to shift gears in your career, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t wait. Start your medical writing journey today.