MEDICAL

WRITING
CAREERS
QUICK START
GUIDE FOR PHDS
 Medical Writing Careers
Quick Start Guide For PhDs
Medical writing includes compiling, writing, and editing medical writing
deliverables, encompassing all phases of clinical research, for submission to
regulatory agencies. With remote work continuing to be on the rise, reliable
scientific and medical information is more important now than ever before. The
medical writing industry is expected to grow by 9.6% annually through 2027
(The Daily Chronicle). Now is a great time to become a medical writer.

1. What is medical writing (also known as scientific writing)?

Medical and scientific writers are industry professionals involved in producing
documentation of medical and scientific information. These types of writing
may be classified as:

• Regulatory Writing

• Medical Communication

• Educational Communication

• Medical Marketing

• Medical Journalism

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Quick Start Guide For PhDs

Protip!
The pathway for transitioning into a medical writer role is
well suited for PhDs. If you have taught during your PhD,
loved communicating complex scientific ideas to others,
participated in science advocacy during graduate school,
and enjoy having a real impact on patients’ lives, you
could be well-suited for a career in medical and/or science
communications!

2. What different types of medical and science writing roles are available to PhDs?

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Quick Start Guide For PhDs

What Does Scientific Journalism Entail?

Science journalism conveys reporting about science to the public. The aim
of a science journalist is to render very detailed, specific, and often jargon-
laden information produced by scientists into a form that non-scientists can
understand and appreciate, while still communicating the information clearly
and accurately.

What Is Medical Education?

Medical writers translate the language of science to a language that a

layperson can understand. They also aim to close knowledge gaps and level
the playing field for the benefit of society by writing about basic sciences,
drugs and technological innovation for common readers. This field is
particularly exciting as, especially in light of Covid-19, the field undergoes
rapid advances and changes, giving them the chance to report on exciting and
groundbreaking developments.

What Is Medical Marketing?

Many companies in the healthcare industry struggle to get people with

strong domain knowledge into marketing positions. It’s much easier to train
PhDs in marketing than to train a marketing specialist in a specific scientific
field. Some job titles in this field include social media manager and product
communications manager.

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Quick Start Guide For PhDs

What Are Some Examples Of Medical Policies
And Regulatory Writing?

This area of writing is concerned with designing and controlling the process of
production and redesigning business operations, especially in the production
of goods or services, often needing to comply with government regulations.
A position like Scientific Engagement Lead will add value to stakeholders in
all interactions, differentiating a product/service from the competition and
ensuring that you engage with stakeholders through the right channels to
drive change. Conversely a Science Policy Analyst would use his/her research
experience to interpret how policy affects scientists.

Your Next Steps

Here is how we can help you - the Medical Writing
Organisation (MWO) will give you access to the
MWO network and medical and science writing-
specific information you need to get hired into a
medical communications role. The MWO is run by
senior medical writers in industry. With a network of
thousands of PhDs worldwide, we have helped PhDs
transition into high-paying, rewarding medical writing
roles. Interested in finding out how? Email us at
support@cheekyscientist.com

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Quick Start Guide For PhDs