• CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS • CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS •

CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS • CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS • CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS
CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS • CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS • CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS

Career Guide for

New Medical Writers

Revised April 2023

• CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS • CAREER GUIDE FOR NEW MEDICAL WRITERS •
 Table of contents

Purpose of this guide ..................................................................................................................... 4 Medical communications ......................................................................................................... 14

l Journal articles and documents for medical

What is medical writing? ........................................................................................................... 4 and scientifc publications and congresses ......................... 14

l Medical education for healthcare professionals ........... 15

Career prospects in medical writing .................................................................... 5 l Advisory board meetings ...................................................................................... 15

l Pharmaceutical, medical devices, and biotech l Promotional medical content (print and digital) ........... 16
companies ....................................................................................................................................... 5 l Medical journalism and press releases ......................................... 16

l Contract research organisations (CROs) ..................................... 6 l Lay language summaries ...................................................................................... 16

l Medical writing/communication agencies ................................ 6

l Regulatory bodies and governmental agencies ............... 7 Fields related to medical writing ............................................................................... 16

l Medical education agencies .............................................................................. 7 l Medical writing in your native language

and medical translation .......................................................................................... 16
l Academic and research institutes .......................................................... 8

l Publishing houses and journals ................................................................... 8

l Medical or scientifc editing ............................................................................ 16

l Other .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
l Quality control specialist ....................................................................................... 17

l Project management .................................................................................................. 17

Flexible working options .................................................................................................. 9

l Publication planning .................................................................................................... 17

l Content lab specialist ................................................................................................ 17

Qualifcations and skills of medical writers .......................................... 10

l Submission specialist ................................................................................................. 17

Preferred educational qualifcations ......................................................... 10

l Scientifc/medical illustrator ......................................................................... 17

Skills ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
General career progression of a medical writer ............................ 18

Types of medical writing ......................................................................................................... 10

Regulatory medical writing .................................................................................................... 11 Salary and remuneration of a medical writer ...................................... 18

l Drug development ............................................................................................................ 12

l Health economics ............................................................................................................. 13 What EMWA offers ............................................................................................................................... 19

l Transparency and disclosure ......................................................................... 13 What is EMWA .................................................................................................................................... 19

l Medical devices and diagnostics ............................................................. 13 EMWA conferences .................................................................................................................. 21

l Veterinary medical writing ................................................................................. 14 Medical Writing journal (MEW) ............................................................................. 21

EMWA special interest groups (SIGs) ..................................................... 22

Created by EMWA’s Getting into Medical Writing (GIMW) Group

Authored by EMWA members: Namrata Singh, Clare Chang, Virginia Chachati, Alexandra Sanfns, and Evguenia Alechine

Reviewed by EMWA Executive Committee: Satyen Shenoy, and Raquel Billiones

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 2

Purpose of this guide
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]r gd]ksgb]qd oqnedrrhnm]kr) cqtf qdftk]snqr) ]mc sgd fdmdq]k otakhb- ”hr hr vgdqd ldchb]k vqhshmf
]mc bnlltmhb]shnmr bnld hmsn ok]x-
Rn) vg]s hr ldchb]k vqhshmf ]mc vg]s cndr hs knnj khjd ]r ] oqnrodbshud b]qddq> @r ] ldchb]k vqhsdq)
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ldrr]fdr sn bnlltmhb]sd sgdrd c]s] hm chdqdms enql]sr ]mc sn chudqrd ]tchdmbdr- @mx mdv nq
]rohqhmf ldchb]k vqhsdq rgntkc sghmj ]ants sghr b]qddq ]r ] mdv qdrd]qbg noonqstmhsx) vgdqd sgd
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Hm sghr bnmsdws) sghr fthcd g]r addm cdudknodc ax DLV@&r Fdhmf hmsn Ldchb]k Vqhshmf
’FHLV( fqnto ]mc hs dwok]hmr ldchb]k vqhshmf ]r ] b]qddq o]sg ]mc gnv DLV@ b]m rtoonqs ldchb]k
vqhsdqr sgqntfgnts- Hs ]ccqdrrdr rdudq]k ptdqhdr qdk]sdc sn ldchb]k vqhshmf ]mc fhudr xnt ]m hcd] ne
vg]s hs s]jdr sn adbnld ] rtbbdrretk ldchb]k vqhsdq-

What is medical writing?

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sdbgmhb]k fthcdkhmdr- Hs b]m hmunkud bqd]shmf sdws enq ] vhcd u]qhdsx ne trdr) rtbg ]r bkhmhb]k qdrd]qbg
cnbtldmsr) dctb]shnm]k ]mc oqnlnshnm]k l]sdqh]kr) gd]ksgb]qd vdarhsdr) mdvr ]qshbkdr) ]mc rbgnk]qkx
l]mtrbqhosr enq intqm]k rtalhrrhnmr-
@ ldchb]k vqhsdq ]hlr sn bnlltmhb]sd qdrd]qbg mchmfr sg]s ]qd qdkdu]ms sn rnbhdsx hm ddbshud
v]xr a]rdc nm sgd s]qfds ]tchdmbd) sgd fn]k ne sgd bnlltmhb]shnm) sgd bnlltmhb]shnm bg]mmdk) sgd
shldkhmd) ]mc sgd snohb- ”drd ]tchdmbdr l]x hmbktcd ogxrhbh]mr) o]shdmsr) og]ql]bdtshb]k.ahnsdbg.
ldchb]k cduhbd bnlo]mhdr) qdftk]snqx ]tsgnqhshdr) fnudqmldms]k ]fdmbhdr) dsghbr bnllhddr) ]mc
sgd fdmdq]k otakhb- Ldchb]k vqhsdqr tmcdqs]jd rnld o]qs ne sgd qdronmrhahkhsx ne aqhmfhmf ]bbtq]sd
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lhrhmenql]shnm hr vhcdkx roqd]c) drodbh]kkx nm sgd hmsdqmds-
Ldchb]k vqhshmf hmunkudr bkd]q ]mc ]bbtq]sd bnlltmhb]shnm ne bkhmhb]k ]mc rbhdmshb c]s] ]mc
hmenql]shnm sg]s cd]kr rodbhb]kkx vhsg ldchbhmd nq gd]ksgb]qd- Ldchb]k vqhsdqr b]m vnqj enq ] u]qhdsx
ne bnlo]mhdr ]mc nqf]mhr]shnmr nq ad rdke,dloknxdc ]r eqddk]mbdqr) d]bg qdpthqhmf rodbhb
pt]khb]shnmr ]mc ] chudqrd rjhkk rds-

3 | Career guide for new medical writers

 Career prospects in medical writing
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l Pharmaceutical, medical devices, and biotech companies

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bnlltmhb]shnm cdkhudq]akdr enq sgd ldchb]k ]]hqr ]mc l]qjdshmf sd]l) nq vnqj nm u]ktd cnrrhdqr
nq aqhder enq l]qjds ]bbdrr ]mc gd]ksg dbnmnlhbr ]mc ntsbnld qdrd]qbg ’GDNQ( sd]lr-

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 4

l Contract research organisations (CROs)
BQNr ]qd sq]chshnm]kkx qdronmrhakd enq bnlokdshmf bkhmhb]k qdrd]qbg oqnidbsr- Vnqjhmf ]s ] BQN vhkk
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qdftk]snqx ]tsgnqhshdr-
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enq intqm]kr ]mc rxlonrhtlr) ]mc qd]k,vnqkc duhcdmbd qdonqshmf-
BQNr sxohb]kkx g]ud rdudq]k etmbshnmr.cdo]qsldmsr vhsg b]o]ahkhshdr sn ]rrhrs sgdhq bkhdmsr nm
u]qhntr ]rodbsr ne ] sqh]k- Rnld dw]lokdr hmbktcd qdftk]snqx ]]hqr) bkhmhb]k nodq]shnmr) ahnldsqhbr
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ltkshokd ]rodbsr ne ] oqnidbs sn ] BQN nq itrs ] rhmfkd b]o]ahkhsx ’etmbshnm]k rdquhbd oqnuhcdq(- Vg]s
sghr ld]mr enq ldchb]k vqhsdqr vnqjhmf ]s BQNr hr sg]s cdodmchmf nm vg]s hr ntsrntqbdc) sgdx l]x
g]ud sn vnqj vhsg ansg sgd hmsdqm]k ]mc bkhdms sd]lr nq itrs sgd bkhdms&r sd]l-

l Medical writing/communication agencies

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oqnidbs rbnodr ]mc cdkhudq]akdr lhfgs nudqk]o- Hs hr adrs sn qdrd]qbg sgd bnlo]mx ne hmsdqdrs sn rdd
vg]s sxod ne vnqj sgdx ]qd hmunkudc hm-
@fdmbhdr l]x oqnuhcd cnbtldms]shnm rtoonqs sn ahnog]ql]) ldchb]k cduhbdr) bnrldshbr) ]mc
udsdqhm]qx oqnctbs bnlo]mhdr) ]lnmf nsgdqr- ”dx rtoonqs ahnog]ql] sn oqnctbd ]kk sgd
cnbtldms]shnm qdpthqdc sgqntfgnts sgd oqnctbs khed bxbkd) eqnl oqnctbs cdudknoldms ]mc k]tmbg
sgqntfg sn onrs,l]qjdshmf ]mc khed bxbkd l]m]fdldms-
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ldchb]k vqhsdqr sn fds sgd ina cnmd nm shld ]mc vhsghm atcfds-

5 | Career guide for new medical writers

 l Regulatory bodies and governmental agencies
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ldchb]k vqhsdqr b]m ad hmunkudc hm dhsgdq bqd]shmf sgdrd cnbtldmsr nq sq]mrk]shmf sgdl hmsn sgd knb]k
k]mft]fd-

l Medical education agencies

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dctb]shnm- ”drd vqhsdqr l]x ]krn vnqj nm sgd chfhs]khr]shnm ne dwhrshmf bnmsdms nq toc]shmf oqduhntr
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g]ud ]m noonqstmhsx sn dwbdqbhrd sgdhq bqd]shud rhcd ax vnqjhmf ]r ’nq vhsg( hmrsqtbshnm]k cdrhfmdqr
]mc trhmf rsnqxan]qcr sn cdrhfm ldrr]fdr nq d,kd]qmhmf lnctkdr-

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 6

l Academic and research institutes
Hmrshstsdr ghqd ldchb]k vqhsdqr sn rtoonqs qdrd]qbgdqr hm vqhshmf fq]ms oqnonr]kr) otakhrghmf sgdhq
qdrd]qbg hm intqm]kr) ]mc oqdrdmshmf sgdhq qdrtksr ]s bnmedqdmbdr- Rbhdmbd oqnedrrhnm]k ]rrnbh]shnmr)
bnlo]mhdr) ldchb]k rbgnnkr) tmhudqrhshdr) ]mc bg]qhshdr rnldshldr dloknx rbhdmbd vqhsdqr sn vqhsd
enq sgdhq mdvrkddqr) intqm]kr) l]f]yhmdr) ]mc vdarhsdr-

l Publishing houses and journals

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fthcdkhmdr ]mc l]x gdko vhsg intqm]k rtalhrrhnmr- Ldchb]k annj otakhrgdqr ghqd ldchb]k vqhsdqr)
dchsnqr) ]mc sq]mrk]snqr vgn vhkk gdko hm sgd cdudknoldms ne sdwsannjr enq rbgnnkr) tmhudqrhshdr) ]mc
gd]ksgb]qd oqnedrrhnm]kr-
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vnqj bknrdkx vhsg ansg ]tsgnqr ]mc qduhdvdqr ]mc l]m]fd sgd vgnkd oqnbdrr) eqnl rtalhrrhnm sn
otakhb]shnm-

n Hs hr vnpsg ldmshnmhmf sgYs tmcdp mn bhpbtlrsYmbdr ldchbYi vphshmf hr bnmrhcdpdc fgnrsvphshmf,

DIO. Ymc sgd dmshpd ldchbYi vphshmf bnlltmhsw rtoonps dsghbYi vphshmf Ymc otaihbYshnm rsYmcYpcr, Wnt
bYm 'mc DIO.yr onrhshnm rsYsdldms hm sgd About Us rdbshnm ne sgd vdarhsd,

7 | Career guide for new medical writers

 l Other organisations that hire medical writers
Hmbqd]rhmfkx) mnm,oqns gd]ksg nqf]mhr]shnmr) ldchb]k rnbhdshdr ]mc ]rrnbh]shnmr) ldchb]k ]mc
udsdqhm]qx bnlo]mhdr) qdrd]qbg hmrshstsdr) GDNQ ]fdmbhdr ]mc fnudqmldms]k ]fdmbhdr rtbg ]r sgd
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@ odqedbs dw]lokd hr sgd Vnqkc Gd]ksg Nqf]mhy]shnm) vghbg hr bnmrs]mskx bnlltmhb]shmf gd]ksg
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rbhdmbd vqhsdqr nq intqm]khrsr vgdm qdkd]rhmf gd]ksg.ldchb]k mdvr-
K]rs ats mns kd]rs) ldchb]k ]mc rbhdmshb sq]mrk]snqr) dchsnqr) ]mc oqnneqd]cdqr ]krn e]kk tmcdq sgd
ldchb]k vqhshmf tlaqdkk]-

Flexible working options

Nmd ne sgd l]inq ]cu]ms]fdr ne sghr b]qddq noshnm hr sgd eqddcnl sn vnqj dhsgdq ]r ] eqddk]mbdq nq ]r
]m dloknxdd) dhsgdq nmrhsd nq qdlnsdkx- Hm qdbdms xd]qr) ] odqrnm&r knb]shnm g]r adbnld rdbnmc]qx
vghkd ]ookxhmf enq ] ldchb]k vqhsdq&r qnkd: xnt b]m vnqj qdlnsdkx enq ] fkna]k bnlo]mx vhsgnts sgd
mddc sn qdknb]sd-
dceaMilVngrgi
Vg]sdudq noshnm xnt bgnnrd cdodmcr tonm xntq
The Medical Writing journal has a full
rhst]shnm nq oqdedqdmbd) ]mc khlhs]shnmr nq rsqdmfsgr-
issue on Virtual Workforce, published
wufortAkwvloieloac
@ ldchb]k vqhsdq vnqjhmf ]r ] eqddk]mbdq lhfgs d]qm
ION.HL.SEHO.HOOTA222.

in September 2022. Check it out!

lnqd sg]m ] etkk,shld dloknxdd- Gnvdudq) ]r ]m
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Nmerlb|1u| rlVbo|1||3||ObmrbeUbp.0t00

dloknxdd) xnt admds eqnl hm,gntrd sq]hmhmf ]mc

oqnedrrhnm]k cdudknoldms ]knmf vhsg sgd rdbtqhsx ne g]uhmf gd]ksg hmrtq]mbd) qdshqdldms r]uhmfr) ]m
]mmt]k anmtr) ]mc o]hc kd]ud ]r o]qs ne xntq bnmsq]bs- Vghkd ]r ] eqddk]mbdq) xnt l]x mns g]ud sn e]bd
nbd onkhshbr) qdrsqtbstqhmf ]mc nsgdq nqf]mhr]shnm]k bg]mfdr) xnt g]ud sn ad dwhakd sn l]m]fd
chdqdms odqrnm]khsx sxodr vhsghm xntq bkhdms bnlo]mhdr- Rnldnmd vnqjhmf ]r ] eqddk]mbdq hr ]krn
qdronmrhakd enq mchmf sgdhq vnqj ]mc ]c]oshmf sn bg]mfdr hm sgd l]qjds- Eqddk]mbhmf b]m ad knmdkx
]s shldr) ats hs hr onrrhakd sn bqd]sd rtoonqshud mdsvnqjr ]mc qdk]shnmrghor- Mnv]c]xr) bnlo]mhdr
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c]x ]s ] cdchb]sdc bnlo]mx nq hmf xntq vnqj ]qntmc xntq khedrsxkd ]mc itffkhmf chdqdms bkhdmsr-
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ax @khrnm LbHmsnrg ’L]qbg 1/05(

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 8

Qualications and skills of medical writers
Preferred educational qualifcations
Hcd]kkx) ] ldchb]k vqhsdq vhkk g]ud ] tmhudqrhsx cdfqdd hm ] dkc qdk]sdc sn rbhdmbd) ldchbhmd) udsdqhm]qx)
nq rnldshldr dudm k]mft]fd- Enq dw]lokd) ] ARb ’A]bgdknq ne Rbhdmbd() LRb ’L]rsdq ne Rbhdmbd()
LC) Og]qlC) nq OgC- Hs&r bnllnm ’ats mns l]mc]snqx( enq ldchb]k vqhsdqr sn ad gd]ksgb]qd
oqnedrrhnm]kr nq g]ud ] ldchb]k nq khed rbhdmbdr cdfqdd- Wnt b]m mc ] khrs ne sgd rjhkkr sg]s ldchb]k
vqhsdqr trd) vghbg ]qd ndm qdpthqdc nq oqdedqqdc ax dloknxdqr ]mc bkhdmsr) hm sgd anw adknv-

Types of medical writing

”d chdqdms sxodr ne ldchb]k vqhshmf b]m ad qntfgkx bk]rrhdc hmsn qdftk]snqx vqhshmf ]mc ldchb]k
bnlltmhb]shnmr) ]ksgntfg sgd cdkhmd]shnmr ]qd mns ]kv]xr bkd]qkx cdmdc- ”hr chudqrhsx qdrtksr hm ]
vhcd q]mfd ne cnbtldmsr sg]s ldchb]k vqhsdqr oqnctbd- Rnld dw]lokdr ]qd ldmshnmdc hm Ehftqd 0-

Skills
Transferable skills
l Ldchb]k nq rbhdmshb jmnvkdcfd
l Rsqnmf qdrd]qbg rjhkkr
l Bqhshb]k sghmjhmf
l @m]kxshb]k rjhkkr) hmbktchmf a]rhbr ne ahnrs]shrshbr
l C]s] hmsdqoqds]shnm ]mc oqdrdms]shnm
l Jmnvkdcfd ]mc ]ookhb]shnm ne sdbgmhb]k)
dsghb]k) ]mc qdftk]snqx fthcdkhmdr)
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l Vqhshmf rjhkkr
l Oqnidbs ok]mmhmf ]mc l]m]fdldms
l Vqhdm) udqa]k) ]mc uhrt]k bnlltmhb]shnm rjhkkr
’hmbktchmf ansg ]bshud khrsdmhmf ]mc oqdrdms]shnm
rjhkkr(
l Rtrs]hm]ahkhsx ]mc ]v]qdmdrr ne chudqrhsx)
dpt]khsx) ]mc hmbktrhnm
Tools and technologies
l Lhbqnrn Nbd ]ookhb]shnmr) rtbg ]r Vnqc)
Dwbdk) ]mc OnvdqOnhms
l Khsdq]stqd rd]qbg ok]senqlr enq dw]lokd OtaLdc)
Rbnotr) Nuhc) Dla]rd) Bnbgq]md) dsb-
l Qdedqdmbhmf snnkr khjd Dmcmnsd) Ldmcdkdx
l Ok]fh]qhrl rnv]qd rtbg ]r h”dmshb]sd
l Oqnneqd]chmf ]mc dchshmf rnv]qd khjd
Fq]ll]qkx
l Bnmsdms l]m]fdldms snnkr khjd Uddu] U]tks
l Otakhb]shnm l]m]fdldms snnkr khjd C]s]uhrhnm
]mc OtaRsq]s
l Hkktrsq]shnm snnkr enq dw]lokd Hkktrsq]snq) B]mu])
Ahnqdmcdq
l Nmkhmd bnkk]anq]shnm snnkr khjd Fnnfkd Cnbr)
Rg]qdOnhms) Cqnoanw) LR Sd]lr) @bqna]s
l Nmkhmd bnlltmhb]shnm snnkr rtbg ]r Ynnl)
Sd]lr) dsb-

0/ | Career guide for new medical writers

 Medical Communications
PR and brand development

Medical journalism

Regulatory medical writing Patient materials, PLS

Qdftk]snqx ldchb]k vqhshmf hr sgd
cdudknoldms ne qdftk]snqx cnbtldmsr) Newsletters
vghbg ]qd rtalhdc sn gd]ksg ]tsgnqhshdr-
”d l]hm s]qfds ]tchdmbdr ]qd qdftk]snqr) Web sites

hmudrshf]snqr) ]mc dsghbr bnllhddr-

CER, Clinical Evaluation Report; CSR, Clinical Study Report; ICF, Informed Consent Form; ; PSURs, Periodic Safety Update Reports; IBs, Investigator
Teaching material for sales reps

Brochures; PLS, Plain Language Summaries; SmPCs, Summary of Product Characteristics; PIL, Patient Information Leaet; PR, Public Relations.
Rdbsnqr sg]s dloknx qdftk]snqx ldchb]k
vqhsdqr hmbktcd sgd og]ql]bdtshb]k.ahnsdbg
Teaching materials for physicians
hmctrsqhdr) ldchb]k cduhbdr.ch]fmnrshb
and other specialist audiences
hmctrsqhdr) ]mc udsdqhm]qx ldchbhmdr-
Book chapters

Slide kits

Conference abstracts and posters

s
Peer-reviewed manuscripts

Systematic reviews
Soft skills for medical writers
l @dmshnm sn cds]hk
General regulatory support to an
l Sqntakdrgnnshmf ]mc oqnakdl,rnkuhmf
existing product
l @fhkhsx
l @ahkhsx sn ldds shfgs cd]ckhmdr
PIL, ICF, Lay Summary
l @ahkhsx sn vnqj nm chdqdms oqnidbsr
]s sgd r]ld shld
l E]rs kd]qmdq ]mc ]ahkhsx sn fq]ro Answering regulatory enquiries
Source: Broad-spectrum medical writer: Nature or nurture? (McIntosh, 2009)

chbtks bnmbdosr pthbjkx

l Sd]l ok]xdq ]mc ]ahkhsx sn athkc Value dossier
q]oonqs
l Nodm sn bqhshbhrl ]mc bnmshmtntr Case narratives
Regulatory Medical Writing

kd]qmhmf
l Shld l]m]fdldms ]mc oqhnqhshr]shnm CSRs, PSURs, Protocols, IBs,
l @ahkhsx sn hcdmshex vg]s&r lhrrhmf) ]rj SmPCs, CERs etc
ptdrshnmr) ]mc rtffdrs hloqnudldmsr
l Adhmf qdronmrhud ]mc d]rx sn vnqj vhsg Summary documents for
l O]shdmbd) ats ]krn adhmf nm sno ne regulatory submission
sghmfr vgdm mdbdrr]qx
l Oqn]bshud lhmcrds Figure 1. Medical writing spectrum

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 00

 @m nudquhdv ne rdbsnqr ]mc sgd bnllnm cnbtldmsr ldchb]k vqhsdqr vhkk dmbntmsdq vgdm
vnqjhmf hm d]bg rdbsnq ]qd oqdrdmsdc adknv- Enq ]cchshnm]k hmrhfgsr hmsn qdftk]snqx ldchb]k vqhshmf)
vd qdbnlldmc sgd enkknvhmf ]qshbkd eqnl ansg sgd qdftk]snq&r ]mc vqhsdq&r odqrodbshud ’ansg
otakhrgdc hm sgd Itmd 1/11 hrrtd ne sgd intqm]k(-
Rdd sgd enkknvhmf khmjr enq etqsgdq cds]hkr9
l @ vqhsdq&r qnkd hm cqtf cdudknoldms
l Qdftk]snqx Vqhshmf A]rhbr ’otakhrgdc Itmd 1/03 hm IdchbYi Ophshmf(
l Onrs,@ooqnu]k Qdftk]snqx Vqhshmf ’otakhrgdc Cdbdladq 1/03 hm IdchbYi Ophshmf(

l Drug development
Qdftk]snqx vqhshmf hm og]ql]bdtshb]k nq ahnsdbg bnlo]mhdr hmunkudr sgd cdudknoldms ne cnbtldmsr
sg]s ]qd rtalhdc sn gd]ksg ]tsgnqhshdr ctqhmf sgd cdudknoldms ne ] cqtf- Cnbtldmsr ro]m ] q]mfd
ne ]qd]r eqnl og]ql]bdtshb]k pt]khsx ’bgdlhrsqx) l]mte]bstqhmf) ]mc bnmsqnkr ZBLB[( sn mnm,
bkhmhb]k ]mc bkhmhb]k cdudknoldms-

Non-clinical development
Vgdm ] mnudk cqtf hr hcdmshdc) hs fndr sgqntfg mnm,bkhmhb]k qdrd]qbg hmunkuhmf hm uhspn ]mc hm uhun
sdrshmf- Hm uhun sdrshmf rgntkc fdmdq]sd c]s] nm sgd db]bx ]mc r]edsx ne sgd cqtf ]s sdms]shud cnr]fd
vhmcnvr) vghbg b]m ad trdc sn dwsq]onk]sd ]mc b]kbtk]sd r]ed qrs,hm,gtl]m cnrdr-

Clinical development
Nmbd sgd cqtf qd]bgdr bkhmhb]k cdudknoldms) hs vhkk fn sgqntfg ] rdqhdr ne bkhmhb]k sqh]kr ’Og]rd H sn
HU( sn cdsdqlhmd sgd r]edsx ]mc db]bx ne sgd cqtf hm gtl]mr- Sqh]kr ]qd cdrhfmdc vhsg ]m hmchb]shnm
hm lhmc sn s]qfds ] rodbhb chrd]rd enq vgdm sgd cqtf dudmst]kkx qd]bgdr sgd l]qjds- Ldchb]k dceaMilVngrgi

vqhsdqr ]qd gd]uhkx hmunkudc hm sgd

More information in the Clinical Trials issue of
cnbtldms]shnm ne bkhmhb]k sqh]kr eqnl @
Medical Writing (March 2023) kfmfaAkwrofAkp

sn Y ]mc dudm adxnmc-

ION.HL.SEHO.HOOTA222.
–lUrsdp r–idudi–lnctid–hm–ldchbUi–vphshmW–
EdchbUi–vphshmW–anngr–nm–U–atcWds–
RtrsUhmUaid–rtooik–bfUhmr––

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01 | Career guide for new medical writers

 l Health economics
Nmbd ] cqtf hr ]ooqnudc) ]mnsgdq ]rodbs sn bnmrhcdq hr gnv sn aqhmf sgd cqtf ’nq sdbgmnknfx( sn sgd
l]qjds- GDNQ hr ]m ]qd] ne qdrd]qbg hmunkuhmf gtl]mhrshb) dbnmnlhb]k) ]mc bkhmhb]k ntsbnldr sn
du]kt]sd sgd qd]k,vnqkc ddbshudmdrr ne sgd cqtf- ”d qdrtksr eqnl GDNQ rtoonqs l]qjds ]bbdrr-
L]qjds ]bbdrr hr ghfgkx cdodmcdms nm o]xdqr hm ] knb]k l]qjds ’d-f- otakhb gd]ksg hmrtq]mbd) oqhu]sd
gd]ksg hmrtq]mbd) rdke,o]x() sgd knb]k
See the following articles for more details: gd]ksgb]qd rxrsdl) ]mc sgd
• Health Economics and Market Access (published September 2013) bntmsqx&r btkstqd- L]qjds ]bbdrr
• Medical decision making and health technology assessment vhkk hmbktcd sgd cdudknoldms ne
(published September 2021) cnbtldmsr rtoonqshmf qdhlatqrd,
ldms rtalhrrhnmr-

l Transparency and disclosure

Sq]mro]qdmbx ]mc chrbknrtqd rodbh]khrsr ]krn e]kk vhsghm sgd ldchb]k vqhshmf,qdk]sdc dkc- Bkhmhb]k
rstchdr ltrs ad qdfhrsdqdc adenqd sgd rs]qs ]mc sgdhq qdrtksr otakhrgdc ]dq bnlokdshnm- Etqsgdqlnqd)
l]mx qdftk]snqx cnbtldmsr g]ud sn ad otakhbkx chrbknrdc ’]r qdpthqdc hm sgd DT ]mc B]m]c](- @krn)
sgd Hmsdqm]shnm]k Bnllhdd ne Ldchb]k Intqm]k Dchsnqr ’HBLID( ]mc Fnnc Otakhb]shnm Oq]bshbd
’FOO( fthcdkhmdr qdptdrs sg]s sgd r]ld cnbtldmsr) hm ]cchshnm sn sgd o]shdms c]s]) g]ud sn ad
rtalhdc sn intqm]kr enkknvhmf sgdrd fthcdkhmdr) snfdsgdq vhsg sgd l]sdqh]kr sg]s vhkk rs]qs sgd oddq
Tmhsldt05tMsladnt0
Dtld 1.02

JdchbPi Vngrgi qduhdv oqnbdrr- Sq]mro]qdmbx oqnedrrhnm]kr ]mc ldchb]k vqhsdqr dmrtqd sgd oqnsdbshnm ne o]shdms
oqhu]bx ]mc bnlo]mhdr& oqnoqhds]qx
More information in the Public Disclosure
hmenql]shnm vghkd bnlokxhmf vhsg otakhb
Mtaihb Ahrbinrtod
issue of Medical Writing (June 2018)
chrbknrtqd qdpthqdldmsr-
8irn hl sehr hrrtd
GXnlmigqgi temnlXrtXictqrwhdtndpsgndldirqtemntqbgdirgegb
XictldcgbXhtosahgbXrgmiq
VgiidnqtmetrfdtEdmeetGXhhtRbfmhXnqfgotDqqXwtBmlodrgrgmit
PdomnrtmitDJV:yqtJdcgbXhtCdugbdtRwlomqgsl

8irn hl sehr hrrtd

WWWWW

l Medical devices and diagnostics

Ldchb]k cduhbdr ]mc hm uhsqn ch]fmnrshb cduhbdr ]qd ]krn rtoonqsdc ax ldchb]k vqhsdqr- Cduhbdr ]qd
pthsd chudqrd hm sdqlr ne sxodr) trdr) qhrj oqnkdr) ]mc bnqqdronmchmf ]ooqnu]k o]sgv]xr-
Ctqhmf sgd cdudknoldms ne ldchb]k cduhbdr) l]mx cnbtldmsr ]qd ]krn vqhdm ]mc sgdrd ]qd
rhlhk]q sn sgd nmdr cdrbqhadc hm Ehftqd 0- @ trdetk qdrntqbd sn fds ]m hcd] ne sgd cnbtldmsr qdpthqdc
dceaMilVngrgi
ax ldchb]k cduhbd qdftk]shnm b]m ad entmc hm
More details about medical devices in the
sgd ]qshbkd dmshskdc |Mdv cnbtldmsr qdpthqdc
DcSfaAkwCcufacp
Medical devices issue (published June 2022),
ax sgd ldchb]k cduhbd qdftk]shnm– otakhrgdc
ION.HL.SEHO.HOOTA222.
2fUiidmWdr–Umc–rspUsdWhdr–enp–deedbshud–fdUisf–bnlltmhbUshnm–hm–lhccid’–Umc–inv–hmbnldybntmsphdr– as well as on the web page of EMWA’s MD SIG
Rdosdladq 1/1/-
Pfpdd’oUps–rdphdr–nm–sfd–uUitd–ne–ldchbUi–vphshmW–
ClapUbhmW–U–mdv–dpUw–Pfd–WpnvhmW–pnid–ne–GO–Umc–rnbhUi–ldchU–hm–uds–opUbshbd

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vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 02

l Veterinary medical writing
Udsdqhm]qx ldchb]k vqhshmf) khjd hsr k]qfdq gtl]m dpthu]kdms) bnudqr ] q]mfd ne dkcr eqnl qdftk]snqx
vqhshmf enq sgd udsdqhm]qx og]ql]bdtshb]k hmctrsqx) sn l]mtrbqhosr enq otakhb]shnm ]mc
bnlltmhb]shnm vhsg rs]jdgnkcdqr- ”d l]inqhsx ne ldchb]k vqhsdqr vnqjhmf hm sgdrd ]qd]r ]qd
pt]khdc udsdqhm]qh]mr) ats sgdqd ]qd nodmhmfr enq mnm,udsdqhm]qh]mr snn- Hmcddc) sgd b]qddq o]sgr hm
udsdqhm]qx ldchbhmd s]jdm ax DLV@ ldladqr ]qd ghfgkx chudqrd- @mxnmd bnlhmf hmsn udsdqhm]qx
ldchb]k vqhshmf sgdrd c]xr ltrs fq]ro sgd bnmbdos ne Mmd GdYisg) ] bnkk]anq]shud ]ooqn]bg sn sgd
gd]ksg ne odnokd) ]mhl]kr) ]mc sgd dmuhqnmldms- Tmcdq sghr ]ooqn]bg) udsdqhm]qx ldchb]k vqhshmf
cndr mns qdoqdrdms ]m hrnk]sdc rta,rodbh]khy]shnm) ats q]sgdq ] jdx bnlonmdms ne gd]ksg,qdk]sdc
bnlltmhb]shnm enq ntq ok]mds- ”d DLV@ udsdqhm]qx ldchb]k rodbh]k hmsdqdrs fqnto ’udsRHF( hr
nodm sn ]kk sgnrd vhsg ]m hmsdqdrs hm sgd dkc- Okd]rd bgdbj sgdhq vda o]fd enq cds]hkr nm sgd udsRHF&r
pt]qsdqkx lddshmfr ]mc nsgdq dudmsr-

Medical communications
Ldchb]k bnlltmhb]shnmr hr ]m ]qd] ne ldchb]k vqhshmf sg]s dmbnlo]rrdr ] q]mfd ne rtaidbs ]qd]r sg]s
hmunkud sgd fdmdq]shnm ne ] u]qhdsx ne l]sdqh]kr qdk]sdc rodbhb]kkx sn ldchbhmd nq gd]ksgb]qd-
He xnt&qd hmsdqdrsdc hm ldcbnllr) EhqrsLdcBnllrIna-bnl g]r u]qhntr qdrntqbdr sg]s vhkk fthcd
xnt hm xntq b]qddq rd]qbg- ”d DLV@ Ldchb]k Bnlltmhb]shnmr Rodbh]k Hmsdqdrs Fqnto
’LdcBnllRHF( knnjr enqv]qc sn hmbktchmf ]kk sgnrd vhsg ]m hmsdqdrs hm sgd dkc- Okd]rd bgdbj sgd
vda o]fd enq cds]hkr nm LdcBnllRHF&r lnmsgkx lddshmfr ]mc nsgdq dudmsr- @lnmf l]mx u]kt]akd
hrrtdr ne sgd IdchbYi Ophshmf intqm]k) Ldchb]k intqm]khrl ’Cdb 1/10( ]mc Vqhshmf enq o]shdmsr
’Cdb 1/11( b]m oqnuhcd ]cchshnm]k hmrhfgsr hmsn sghr ]qd]-

l Journal articles and documents for medical and scientifc publications and congresses
L]mtrbqhosr ]mc cnbtldmsr enq rbhdmshb bnmfqdrrdr vqhshmf hmunkudr bnkk]anq]shud vnqj vgdqd sgd
ldchb]k vqhsdq kh]hrdr vhsg sgd ]tsgnqr hm ] rbhdmshb]kkx bnqqdbs l]mmdq) ]mc vhsghm sgd oqnonrdc
atcfds sn m]khrd sgd cnbtldmsr nm shld- Ldchb]k vqhsdqr b]m oqnuhcd hlonqs]ms hmsdkkdbst]k
bnmsqhatshnmr sn ]qshbkdr ]mc l]sdqh]kr sg]s vhkk ad oqdrdmsdc hm rbhdmshb.ldchb]k bnmfqdrrdr)
hmbktchmf ]m]kxrhr ]mc hmsdqoqds]shnm ne c]s]) nq hcdmshb]shnm ne vghbg ]tsgnq b]m ad qdronmrhakd
enq d]bg bnlonmdms ’enq lnqd hmenql]shnm rdd DLV@ IdchbYi Ophshmf Dctb]shnm z L]mtrbqhos
Vqhshmf otakhrgdc L]qbg 1/02(-
Ldchb]k vqhsdqr b]m ad hmunkudc hm sgd vqhshmf ne oqhl]qx nq rdbnmc]qx rbhdmshb ]qshbkdr) m]ldkx
nqhfhm]k qdrd]qbg) m]qq]shud qduhdvr) rxrsdl]shb qduhdvr) lds],]m]kxrhr) fthcdkhmdr ]mc bnmrdmrtr
cnbtldmsr) ]arsq]bsr) onrsdqr) ldchb]k annsg bnmsdms) l]sdqh]k enq nq]k oqdrdms]shnmr rtbg ]r
rxlonrh] rkhcdr) ]mc oqd, ]mc onrs,bnmfqdrr rkhcd cdbjr) ]lnmf nsgdqr- Adrhcdr hmsdq]bshmf vhsg sgd

03 | Career guide for new medical writers

 ]tsgnqr) sgd ldchb]k vqhsdq hr qdronmrhakd enq cq]hmf sgd cnbtldms) dchshmf hs) ]mc hloqnuhmf hsr
qd]c]ahkhsx ]bbnqchmf sn sgd hmsdmcdc ]tchdmbd: ldchb]k vqhsdqr vnqjhmf nm rbhdmshb otakhb]shnmr
enkknv rodbhb fthcdkhmdr khjd sgnrd otakhrgdc ax HBLID-
”d qnkd ne ldchb]k vqhsdqr hmunkudc hm l]mtrbqhos ]mc rbhdmshb cnbtldms vqhshmf rgntkc ad
sq]mro]qdms ]mc DLV@ g]r oqnonrdc fthcdkhmdr nm sgd qnkd ne ldchb]k vqhsdqr hm cdudknohmf oddq,
qduhdvdc otakhb]shnmr- @bbnqchmf sn sgdrd fthcdkhmdr) sgd ldchb]k vqhsdqr rgntkc ad ldmshnmdc hm
sgd @bjmnvkdcfldms rdbshnm ne sgd cnbtldms ]mc sgd ldchb]k vqhsdq ltrs dmrtqd sg]s sgd cnbtldms
hr rbhdmshb]kkx u]khc ]mc hm khmd vhsg sgd fdmdq]kkx ]bbdosdc dsghb]k rs]mc]qcr ’rdd DLV@ fthcdkhmdr
nm sgd qnkd ne ldchb]k vqhsdqr hm cdudknohmf oddq,qduhdvdc otakhb]shnmr) ]r vdkk ]r FOO 1/11
]mc HRLOO(- Lnqd hmenql]shnm b]m ad entmc hm sgd DLV@ Ldchb]k Bnlltmhb]shnmr RHF
vda o]fd-

l Medical education for healthcare professionals

Ldchb]k vqhsdqr l]x oqdo]qd bnmshmthmf dctb]shnm l]sdqh]kr enq gd]ksgb]qd oqnedrrhnm]kr- Bnmshmthmf
ldchb]k dctb]shnm l]sdqh]kr b]m ad hmcdodmcdms nq ronmrnqdc ax sgd hmctrsqx- ”drd l]sdqh]kr ]hl
sn cdkhudq rbhdmshb]kkx ]bbtq]sd ]mc dmf]fhmf bnmsdms sn gdko gd]ksg oqnedrrhnm]kr jddo to sn c]sd
vhsg sgd k]sdrs adrs oq]bshbdr) oqnctbsr) ]mc cduhbdr- ”drd l]sdqh]kr l]x ad cdkhudqdc uh] chfhs]k
kd]qmhmf hmhsh]shudr nq sq]chshnm]k l]sdqh]kr rtbg ]r rbhdmshb l]sdqh]kr) rkhcd jhsr) ]mc kd]qmhmf qdrntqbdr
rtbg ]r uhcdnr) ]mc hmsdqmds stsnqh]kr) ]lnmf nsgdqr-

l Advisory board meetings

Cdodmchmf nm sgd m]stqd ]mc naidbshudr ne sgd ]cuhrnqx an]qc lddshmfr) ldchb]k vqhsdqr b]m ad
qdronmrhakd enq sgd oqdo]q]shnm.bnmbdoshnm ne sgd lddshmfr) sgqntfg sn sgd dwdbtshnm ]mc dk]anq]shnm
ne ] lddshmf qdonqs-
@ksgntfg b]ostqhmf sgd lddshmf lhmtsdr hr nmd ne sgd lnrs hlonqs]ms ctshdr ne ] ldchb]k vqhsdq
]dmchmf ]m ]cuhrnqx an]qc) sgdqd ]qd rdudq]k s]rjr hm vghbg sgd ldchb]k vqhsdq b]m ad hmunkudc-
Trt]kkx) ]cuhrnqx an]qc lddshmfr hmunkud dmf]fhmf vhsg jdx nohmhnm kd]cdqr ’JNKr() oqdo]qhmf
ptdrshnmm]hqdr) bnmctbshmf nmkhmd rtqudxr sn tmcdqrs]mc tmlds mddcr) oqdo]qhmf ] oqd,lddshmf
qdonqs sn ad rg]qdc vhsg JNKr) oqdo]qhmf ]m dwdbtshud rtll]qx) oqdo]qhmf oqdrdms]shnmr) gnrshmf
sgd lddshmf hsrdke) b]ostqhmf sgd lhmtsdr ne sgd lddshmf) oqdo]qhmf sgd lddshmf qdonqs ]mc) he
]ookhb]akd) dk]anq]sd ] qnatrs rbhdmshb qdonqs sg]s b]m ad rg]qdc vhsg sgd rbhdmshb bnlltmhsx-
”drd qnkdr ]mc qdronmrhahkhshdr u]qx cdodmchmf nm sgd nqf]mhr]shnm]k ancx ne d]bg ]cuhrnqx
Tmhsldt04tMsladnt3
Adbdlado 1.02

EdchbMi Vngrgi an]qc lddshmf- D]bg ]cuhrnqx an]qc lddshmf hr

You can nd further information in the
tmhptd ]mc hs hr hlonqs]ms sg]s sgd ldchb]k
Medical Education issue of Medical Writing
vqhsdq tmcdqrs]mcr sgd mddcr ]mc dwodbs]shnmr
(published Dec 2016)
EdchbMi DctbMshnm
6irn hm sehr hrrtd

]rrhfmdc sn d]bg lddshmf-

WWWWW

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 04

l Promotional medical content
Cdudknohmf oqnlnshnm]k ldchb]k bnmsdms hmunkudr ] bqd]shud ldchb]k bnoxvqhshmf oqnbdrr sn ]cudqshrd
] oqnctbs nq rdquhbd- ”hr dkc ne ldchb]k vqhshmf hr ghfgkx rodbh]khrdc) ]mc sgdqd ]qd qtkdr sg]s chbs]sd
gnv xnt b]m oqnlnsd ldchb]k bnmsdms sg]s l]x chdq adsvddm sgd u]qhntr bntmsqhdr- Wnt b]m bqd]sd
oqnlnshnm]k ldchb]k bnmsdms chfhs]kkx) enq vdarhsdr ]mc rnbh]k ldch]) nq hm oqhms) rtbg ]r aqnbgtqdr)
uhrt]kr) onrsdqr) ]mc a]mmdqr- ”dqd hr ndm ] b]kk sn ]bshnm ]s sgd dmc ne ] ohdbd ne oqnlnshnm]k
ldchb]k bnmsdms-

l Medical journalism and press releases

Ldchb]k intqm]khrl ]mc oqdrr qdkd]rdr hmunkud vnqkc mdvr ]qntmc ldchb]k ]mc rbhdmshb toc]sdr-

l Lay language summaries

”dqd ]qd svn sxodr ne k]x k]mft]fd rtll]qhdr sg]s ldchb]k vqhsdqr trt]kkx vnqj nm9

l )Suy rtllSpgcry enpy bigmgbSiy spgSir qdoqdrdms sgd ]krn enql ]m hmsdfq]k o]qs ne sgd l]mc]snqx
bkhmhb]k rstcx qdrtksr ]mc ]qd hmsdmcdc enq rstcx qdftk]snqx fthcdkhmdr sn ]ahcd ax sq]mro]qdmbx hm
l Layo]qshbho]msr
language summaries
]mc sgd fdmdq]k otakhb- ”d l]hm bkhmhb]k qdrd]qbg-
”dqdnaidbshud
]qd svn sxodr ne k]x k]mft]fd rtll]qhdr sg]s
ne sgdrd k]x rtll]qhdr hr sn hloqnud ]mcldchb]k vqhsdqr trt]kkx vnqj
l LiSgmy iSmftSfcy nm9
rtllSpgcry enpy otaigbSsgnmry
l K]x rtll]qhdr enq bkhmhb]k sqh]kr vghbg qdoqdrdms sgd bkhmhb]k rstcx qdrtksr ]mc ]qd hmsdmcdc
dmg]mbd sgd fdmdq]k tmcdqrs]mchmf ne ldchb]k L)PLr( ]qd ]mnsgdq sxod ne k]x rtll]qx) vghbg
enq rstcx vghbg
hmenql]shnm o]qshbho]msr ]mc sgd
b]m gdko sgdfdmdq]k otakhb-
o]shdmsr nq ”d l]hm naidbshud
oqnuhcdr ne sgdrdnek]x
] rtll]qx rtll]qhdr
otakhrgdc hr sn ad
qdrd]qbg
sn hloqnud
b]qdfhudqr l]jd]mchmenqldc
dmg]mbd sgd fdmdq]k tmcdqrs]mchmf
cdbhrhnmr ]ants ne ldchb]k hmenql]shnm
tmcdqrsnnc vghbg
ax mnm,rodbh]khrs b]m gdkohmbktchmf
]tchdmbdr
sgd o]shdmsr
o]qshbho]shnm nq b]qdfhudqr
hm bkhmhb]k l]jd
sqh]kr- ”dhq hmenqldc cdbhrhnmro]shdmsr
k]x rtll]qhdr ]ants ]mc
o]qshbho]shnm hm bkhmhb]k
nsgdq rodbh]khrdc sqh]kr-
oqnedrrhnm]kr-
”dhq k]x rtll]qhdr ]krn enql ]m hmsdfq]k o]qs ne sgd l]mc]snqx qdftk]snqx fthcdkhmdr sn
dr ] rtll]qx ne otakhrgdc qdrd]qbg sn ad tmcdqrsn
Fields related to medical writing

l Medical writing in your native language and medical translation

@ sq]mrk]snq hr hlonqs]ms sn dmf]fd sgd o]shdmsr ne ] chudqrd onotk]shnm- Ldchb]k vqhsdqr ]mc
sq]mrk]snqr vhkk bnmudqs xntq c]s] hmsn bnmbhrd ]mc hl]fhm]akd enqlr- ”d m]shud k]mft]fd vhkk ]q]bs
lnqd odnokd sn qd]c ]mc chrrdlhm]sd sgd hmenql]shnm-

l Medical or scientifc editing

@ ldchb]k nq rbhdmshb dchsnq bgdbjr sgd vnqj sg]s g]r addm vqhdm ax rnldnmd dkrd- ”dx vhkk
mnql]kkx bgdbj sg]s hs hr vqhdm hm sgd bnqqdbs rsxkd enq sgd hmsdmcdc ]tchdmbd ]mc sgd bnmsdms hr
ldchb]kkx ]bbtq]sd- ”hr hr nm sno ne bgdbjhmf enq rodkkhmf lhrs]jdr nq fq]ll]shb]k dqqnqr) udqhexhmf
sgd qdedqdmbd khrs) ]mc fhuhmf eddca]bj sn sgd vqhsdqr- Dchsnqr b]m ]krn ad hmunkudc hm ] kns ne qdvqhshmf
]mc vnqjhmf vhsg sgd ]tsgnq) ]mc bnkk]anq]shud ]tsgnqhmf hr adbnlhmf lnqd bnllnm- ”dqd hr ] kns
ne nudqk]o adsvddm ldchb]k vqhshmf ]mc ldchb]k dchshmf-

05 | Career guide for new medical writers

 l Quality control specialist
@ pt]khsx bnmsqnk rodbh]khrs ’PB( dmrtqdr sg]s dudqx hsdl nm ] bgdbjkhrs hr lds- @ PB rodbh]khrs udqhdr
c]s] hmbktchmf fq]ogr) s]akdr) bnmsdms rsxkd) bk]hlr) dsb- Ax bgdbjhmf sg]s bnmsdms hr bkd]q) k]adkkhmf hr ]bbtq]sd)
]mc ftqdr ]qd ]khfmdc ]s sgd oqnodq onrhshnm) ] PB rodbh]khrs l]jdr rtqd sg]s mnsghmf hr nts ne ok]bd hm ]
cnbtldms- Adenqd ] cnbtldms qd]bgdr sgd qduhdvdq) ] PB rodbh]khrs dmrtqdr sg]s sgd vqhshmf hr rnkhc

l Project management
Oqnidbs l]m]fdldms hmunkudr knnjhmf ]dq lnqd sg]m nmd bkhdms nq b]rb]cd ne vnqj ]s sgd r]ld shld-
Oqnidbs l]m]fdqr ndm vnqj vhsghm ]fdmbhdr) ]mc kh]hrd vhsg bkhdmsr chqdbskx) vghkd fhuhmf aqhder sn sgd
hm,gntrd sd]l ne vqhsdqr ]mc cdrhfmdqr ’nq eqddk]mbdqr( sn etkk sgd mddcr ne sgd oqnidbsr-

l Publication planning
Otakhb]shnm ok]mmhmf hr ] bnmbdos tmjmnvm sn lnrs odnokd bnlhmf eqnl ]b]cdlh]- Hm ]c]bdlhb
qdrd]qbg) ]tsgnqr fdmdq]kkx sqx sn otakhrg qdrtksr ]r rnnm ]r c]s] ]qd ]u]hk]akd ]mc ]mkxrdc) ats hmctrsqx
cndrm&s vnqj khjd sg]s- ”d otakhb]shnm ne sgd qdrtksr ne ] bkhmhb]k sqh]k qdpthqdr rsq]sdfx ]mc ok]mmhmf
sg]s bnmrhcdqr mns nmkx oddq,qduhdv otakhb]shnmr ats ]krn oqdrdms]shnmr ]s bnmedqdmbdr) oqdrr qdkd]rdr
]mc l]qjdshmf l]sdqh]kr) ]lnmf nsgdqr- @ ldchb]k vqhsdq b]m rodbh]khrd hm otakhb]shnm ok]mmhmf- Wnt
b]m mc DLV@&r oqduhntr vdahm]qr nm otakhb]shnm ok]mmhmf sn tmcdqrs]mc lnqd ]ants sghr qnkd-

l Content lab specialist

Bnmsdms k]a rodbh]khrs ]qd qdronmrhakd enq bqd]shmf qdedqdmbd ahmcdqr enq ldchb]k vqhshmf cnbtldmsr)
]mmns]shmf ]mc khmjhmf qdedqdmbdr sn sgd sdws hm sgd cnbtldms- ”dx ]krn b]m fds ]m noonqstmhsx sn
vnqj u]qhntr bkntc a]rdc rnktshnmr khjd Uddu] rxrsdlr- ”drd ok]senqlr dm]akd sd]l ldladqr sn
bnkk]anq]sd nm ] rhmfkd cnbtldms qd]k shld ]mc fds sgd cnbtldmsr ]ooqnudc e]rsdq-

l Submission specialist
@ rtalhrrhnm rodbh]khrs hr qdronmrhakd enq sgd shldkx rtalhrrhnm ]mc oqnbdrrhmf ne ] cnbtldms sn ]
intqm]k) bnmfqdrr) nq qdftk]snqx ]tsgnqhsx- Rtalhrrhnm rodbh]khrsr vnqj bknrdkx vhsg sgd ]tsgnqr sn
bnkkdbs ]kk sgd rtalhrrhnm cnbtldmsr qdpthqdc ax sgd intqm]k) fds sgd enqlr rhfmdc enq ]tsgnqrgho)
bnmhbs ne hmsdqdrs) dsb-) rtalhs sgd l]mtrbqhos nm adg]ke ne sgd ]tsgnq) ]mc bnnqchm]sd vhsg sgd intqm]k
]mx onrs,rtalhrrhnm qdpthqdldmsr hmbktchmf sgd qdronmrd sn sgd qduhdvdqr-

l Scientifc/medical illustrator
”hr hr pthsd ] mdv dkc hm sgd ldchb]k vqhshmf hmctrsqx sg]s g]r cq]vm hmbqd]rdc hmsdqdrs hm qdbdms
xd]qr- Rnld oqnedrrhnm]kr vhsg dhsgdq hmm]sd s]kdmsr nq sq]hmhmf hm hkktrsq]shnm b]m rodbh]khrd hm rbhdmshb
nq ldchb]k hkktrsq]shnm) ]r vdkk ]r hm fq]oghb cdrhfm ]ookhdc sn ntq dkc- ”d hrrtd ne IdchbYi Ophshmf
nm Uhrt]k bnlltmhb]shnmr ’otakhrgdc L]qbg 1/1/( lhfgs nodm xntq dxdr sn mdv b]qddq noonqstmhshdr-
Vnqsg ldmshnmhmf gdqd hr sgd bnmshmtntr dnqs ne DLV@&r bqd]shud sd]l) ] fqnto ne DLV@
unktmsddqr vgn ]qd ]krn rbhdmshb cdrhfmdqr ]mc hkktrsq]snqr bqd]shmf fq]oghbr enq sgd nqf]mhr]shnm-

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 06

General career progression of a medical writer
Wntq qrs 5 sn 01 lnmsgr ]r ] ldchb]k vqhsdq vhkk ad ] fqd]s noonqstmhsx sn kd]qm lnqd ]ants sgd
hmctrsqx) trd xntq sq]mredq]akd rjhkkr) ]mc ]bpthqd mdv rjhkkr- @ ldchb]k vqhsdq b]m dwodbs sn oqnfqdrr
sn ] lnqd rdmhnq qnkd 0 sn 2 xd]qr ]dq rs]qshmf- Wnt b]m ]krn rvhsbg eqnl adhmf ] ldchb]k vqhsdq sn
dchshmf) sq]hmhmf mdv vqhsdqr lnuhmf hmsn ] l]m]fdqh]k qnkd) nq cdudknohmf xntq nvm atrhmdrr- ”dqd
Tmhsldt2-tMsladnt0t

]qd l]mx chqdbshnmr xnt b]m fn hm ]r ] ldchb]k vqhsdq) ]mc xnt b]m rvhsbg adsvddm sgd chdqdms sxodr
Athhdpl1.10t

dceaMilVngrgi

ne ldchb]k vqhshmf vhsg sgd qhfgs

dwodqhdmbd ]mc sq]hmhmf- You can nd more information about career progression
in the Mentorship issue (published June 2021).
l
dmsnprSeo l

l
2irnlemlsSerlerrtd
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Nndqdirgi tqdbmicXnwtdicomgirqtgitohXgithXi sX dtbhgigbXhtrngXhtndqshrt
qsllXngdq7tBmiqgcdnXrgmiqtemntdldn gi tonXbrgbdt
:JV:,DJV:,HRJNNtImgirtNmqgrgmitRrXrdldirtmitJdcgbXhtNsahgbXrgmiq t
Nndongirq tXictNddntPdugdv

Salary and remuneration of a medical writer

”d qdltmdq]shnm xnt rs]qs nm ]r ] ldchb]k vqhsdq vhkk cdodmc nm sgd sxod ne ldchb]k vqhshmf xnt
]qd cnhmf) ]mc sgd ok]bd xnt bgnnrd sn vnqj- Ldchb]k vqhsdqr ]qd hm ghfg cdl]mc ]mc xnt b]m dwodbs
] bnlodshshud r]k]qx nq rdquhbd eddr- @s sgd dmc ne sgd c]x) gnv ltbg xnt b]m d]qm ]r ] ldchb]k vqhsdq
dceaMilVngrgi
hr to sn xnt) rn jddo rd]qbghmf enq sgd qhfgs s enq xnt “ vgdsgdq sg]s hr mchmf oqhu]sd bkhdmsr)
nq vnqjhmf ]s ] vdkk,
The results of the most recent salary and compensation survey
jmnvm og]ql]bdtshb]k MncmwPafcmacwAmSwMncmwOdAohA

are published in the Medical Writing journal Dec 2022 issue. ION.HL.SEHO.HOOTA222.
Odrtisr–ne–sfd–1-10–CES –rUiUpk–Umc–bnlodmrUshnm–rtpudk––
MasUhmhmW–ldUmhmWeti–hmrhWfs–epnl–otaihbUshnm–ldsphbr

bnlo]mx- Nmerlb|1u| rlVbo|2||3||3babeUbp.0t00

07 | Career guide for new medical writers

What the European Medical Writers Association offers

What is EMWA?
DLV@ hr ] oqnedrrhnm]k nqf]mhr]shnm sg]s ]hlr ]s mdsvnqjhmf ]mc oqnedrrhnm]k cdudknoldms ne ldchb]k vqhshmf
oqnedrrhnm]kr sgqntfg u]qhntr oqnfq]lldr- Hs hr ] mns,enq,oqns nqf]mhr]shnm sg]s hr qtm enq ]mc ax hsr ldladqr-
@mc xnt b]m inhm snn
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nmd ne sgd l]hm oqnedrrhnm]k nqf]mhr]shnmr enq ldchb]k vqhsdqr- DLV@ btqqdmskx g]r nudq 0)/// ldladqr eqnl 28
chdqdms bntmsqhdr ’hmbktchmf 01 bntmsqhdr ntsrhcd Dtqnod(-
”d u]qhntr vnqjhmf fqntor ’Rodbh]k Hmsdqdrs Fqntor nq RHFr( bnkk]anq]sd vhsg d]bg nsgdq) vdkbnld mdv
ldladqr) ]mc oqnctbd gdkoetk qdrntqbdr enq ldchb]k vqhsdqr- D]bg xd]q) DLV@ gnkcr svn qdftk]q bnmedqdmbdr)
otakhrgdr entq dchshnmr ne sgd IdchbYi Ophshmf intqm]k ’LDV() qtmr qdftk]q vdahm]qr ]mc ldds ! rg]qd dudmsr ax
sgd RHFr) ]mc jddor hsr ldladqr to,sn,c]sd vhsghm sgd dudq,bg]mfhmf k]mcrb]od ne ldchb]k vqhshmf sgqntfg sgd
lnmsgkx mdvrak]rs) rnbh]k ldch] bg]mmdkr ’Svhdq) KhmjdcHm) WntStad() ]mc mdvr rdbshnm nm sgd vdarhsd-
DLV@ hr qtm ax unktmsddqr vgn ]qd hmunkudc hm l]mx s]rjr eqnl sgd Dwdbtshud Bnllhdd ’DB( sn rnbh]k
ldch]) vdahm]qr) bnmedqdmbdr) dsb- Nmd ne sgd l]mx s]rjr tmcdqs]jdm ax DLV@ unktmsddqr hr sgd bqd]shnm ne Inhms
Onrhshnm Rs]sdldmsr ’ IOR( hm bnkk]anq]shnm vhsg nsgdq ]rrnbh]shnmr rtbg ]r @LV@) HRLOO) dsb-) vghbg ]qd qdkdu]ms
sn ]kk ldladqr ne ntq bnlltmhsx- Dudqx DLV@ ldladq b]m adbnld hmunkudc hm sgdrd u]qhntr vnqjhmf fqntor)
nq mc nsgdq unktmsddq noonqstmhshdr-

EMWA offers a variety of training opportunities including:

l DLV@ Oqnedrrhnm]k Cdudknoldms Oqnfq]lld ’DOCO( vnqjrgnor ctqhmf bnmedqdmbdr ’e]bd,sn,e]bd nq
uhqst]k(- ”drd vnqjrgnor ]qd enq bqdchs snv]qcr d]qmhmf ] oqnedrrhnm]k cdudknoldms bdqshb]sd-
l @m ]mmt]k nmd,c]x rxlonrhtl ’mc 0/sg rxlonrhtl bnmsdmsr ]s adqkhm-dlv]-nqf( ]s sgd roqhmf
bnmedqdmbd sgdldc nm btqqdms gns snohbr ansg hm qdftk]snqx ]mc ldcbnllr-
l Dwodqs Rdlhm]q Rdqhdr ’DRR( ’rdd 1/11 DRR ]mc 1/1/ uhqst]k DRR oqnfq]lldr( oqnuhcd etqsgdq b]qddq
cdudknoldms enq dwodqhdmbdc LVr-
l Qdftk]q vdahm]qr nm chdqdms snohbr ne hmsdqdrs) vghbg b]m ad inhmdc khud ]mc qdv]sbgdc ax ]kk ldladqr-
l Ldds ! rg]qd dudmsr nqf]mhrdc ax sgd RHFr-

Vhsghm DLV@) sgd @la]rr]cnq&r Oqnfq]lld s]rj hr sn qd]bg nts sn tmhudqrhshdr ]mc qdrd]qbg hmrshstshnmr ]mc
hmsqnctbd ldchb]k vqhshmf ]r ] oqnrodbshud b]qddq enq LCr) OgCr) onrscnbr) dsb-
”dqd hr ]krn ] cdchb]sdc ro]bd enq eqddk]mbdqr hm sgd nqf]mhr]shnm9 sgd Eqddk]mbd Atrhmdrr Fqnto sg]s ]mx
ldladq b]m inhm-

DLV@ hr ]kv]xr fqnvhmf ]mc hloqnuhmf) qd]bghmf nts sn q]hrd ]v]qdmdrr ]ants ldchb]k vqhshmf ]mc sgd admdsr
ne inhmhmf ntq nqf]mhr]shnm-

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 08

Here you can fnd an overview of how EMWA is organised:

Executive Committee President Advisory Board

s
t

Vice-President

Conference Director

Honorary Treasurer Web Education Public Relations Editor-

Secretary Manager Ofcer Ofcer in- Chief

t t t t t

Head Ofce Finance Team Web Team EMWA PR Team Journal

+ Professional Editorial
Operations Salary & Website Development SoME Team Board
t

Compensation Committee
Newsblast

s
Administration Survey Team Team Section
YouTube Webinar Team Outreach and Editors
Finance Sponsorship
Workshop Team Production
Membership Leaders Creative Team Team
Care

Membership
t t t t t
Directory
Conference Nick Thompson
Events Annual Conference Team Fellows
t

Meeting (in-person/virtual) Symposium Geoff Hall

Job List Team Scholarship Team

IT s s s s

Expert Seminars Freelance Business Getting into Special Interest

Series Forum Medical Writing Groups

MedComms Freelance Directory Communication with

Ambassador the Public
Medical Devices Freelance Resource Programme Entrepreneurship
Centre MedComms
Pharamcovigilance CORE Reference Medical Devices
Project Pharmacovigilance
Regulatory Podcasts
Regulatory Public
Disclosure
Sustainability
Veterinary Writing

MEET & SHARE, LinkedIn groups

t t t t
s Members / Medical Wiring and Communications Community s

1/ | Career guide for new medical writers

 EMWA conferences
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sn ]dmc vnqjrgnor) mdsvnqj) ]mc dmf]fd vhsg sgd ldchb]k vqhshmf bnlltmhsx- ”d roqhmf DLV@
bnmedqdmbd hr sxohb]kkx hm L]x ]mc qtmr enq 4 c]xr ]mc hr ok]mmdc ]r ] e]bd,sn,e]bd.gxaqhc dudms- ”d
]tstlm DLV@ bnmedqdmbd hr trt]kkx hm Mnudladq ]mc qtmr enq 2 c]xr ]mc hr uhqst]k- Ctqhmf sgdrd
bnmedqdmbdr) xnt b]m mdsvnqj vhsg bnkkd]ftdr) ]dmc oqnedrrhnm]k cdudknoldms ’DOCO( vnqjrgnor
]r vdkk ]r ] etkk,c]x rxlonrhtl) ]mc chdqdms rdlhm]qr.rdrrhnmr) ]mc kd]qm ]ants sgd mdvdrs toc]sdr
hm ntq hmctrsqx- Wnt b]m mc nts ]ants etstqd ]mc o]rs bnmedqdmbdr hm sgd sgd Bnmedqdmbdr rdbshnm
ne sgd vdarhsd-

Medical Writing journal (MEW)

DLV@ ndqr hsr ldladqr ] pt]qsdqkx otakhb]shnm IdchbYi Ophshmf) ]m nodm,]bbdrr intqm]k vghbg
]ccr fqd]s u]ktd ax q]hrhmf ]v]qdmdrr ]ants qdkdu]ms snohbr ne hmsdqdrs sn sgd ldchb]k vqhshmf
bnlltmhsx-

Regular sections
l Mdvr eqnl sgd DL@ l F]hmdc hm Sq]mrk]shnm
l Ldchb]k Cduhbdr l Og]ql]bnuhfhk]mbd
l F]hmdc hm Sq]mrk]shnm l Fnnc Vqhshmf Oq]bshbd
l Chfhs]k Bnlltmhb]shnm l ”d Bqndq9 Rtrs]hm]akd Bnlltmhb]shnmr
l Qdftk]snqx L]dqr l Mdvr ]mc Mnsdr eqnl sgd Vnqkc ne Ldchb]k
l Ldchb]k Vqhshmf Gtlntq Vqhshmf
l Udsdqhm]qx Ldchb]k Vqhshmf l Lx Ehqrs Ldchb]k Vqhshmf
l Ldchb]k Bnlltmhb]shnmr ]mc Vqhshmf l Fdhmf Wntq Enns hm sgd Cnnq
enq O]shdmsr l Nts nm Ntq Nvm ’eqddk]mbhmf(

He xnt&qd hmsdqdrsdc hm bnmsqhatshmf ]m ]qshbkd sn ]mx ne sgdrd rdbshnmr) okd]rd bnms]bs sgd rdbshnm
dchsnq.r- Bgdbj nts sgd Fdhmf Wntp Enns hm sgd Annp rdbshnm ne sgd intqm]k enq d]qkx b]qddq rsnqhdr-
He xnt&qd ]m ]rohqhmf ldchb]k vqhsdq ]mc xnt v]ms ] bg]mbd sn fds eddca]bj nm xntq vqhshmf ]mc
rgnvb]rd xntq vqhshmf rjhkkr vhsg sgd bnlltmhsx) bnms]bs sgd rdbshnm dchsnq ]mc otakhrg xntq qrs
]qshbkd hm sgd Iw Ehprs IdchbYi Ophshmf rdbshnm-

Feature articles
Sn rtalhs ed]stqd ]qshbkdr nm sgd rodbhb snohb ne d]bg hrrtd) bnms]bs sgd ftdrs dchsnq.r ne d]bg hrrtd-
Wnt b]m mc ] khrs ne sgd bnlhmf xd]q&r ok]mmdc hrrtdr nm sgd IdchbYi Ophshmf intqm]k vdarhsd-

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 10

Relevant MEW issues for new medical writers
Bkhbj sgd khmjr adknv sn kd]qm lnqd ]ants vqhshmf addq) dchshmf) ]mc b]qddqr hm ldchb]k vqhshmf-
”drd ]qd ltrs,qd]cr-
l B]qddqr hm ldchb]k vqhshmf ’otakhrgdc L]qbg 1/08(

l Vqhshmf addq ’otakhrgdc L]qbg 1/06(

l Dchshmf ’otakhrgdc Rdosdladq 1/07(

EMWA special interest groups (SIGs)

DLV@ g]r bqd]sdc rodbh]k hmsdqdrs fqntor ’RHFr() vghbg ]qd vnqjhmf fqntor rodbh]khrdc hm chdqdms
sxodr ne ldchb]k vqhshmf- ”d RHFr qtm nmkhmd rdrrhnmr sgqntfgnts sgd xd]q) eqdd enq ]mx DLV@
ldladq sn inhm- Bkhbj nm sgd khmjr adknv sn mc nts lnqd ]ants d]bg RHF-

l Pharmacovigilance (PV SIG) hmunkudr sgd r]edsx ]mc qdftk]shnm ne ldchbhmdr ]mc sgd
]rrnbh]sdc ]bshuhshdr ]qntmc sgdhq cdudknoldms-
l Regulatory Public Disclosure (RPD SIG) knnjr ]s sgd sxodr ne qdftk]snqx cnbtldmsr
]mc gnv sgdx ]qd oqnctbdc) ]r vdkk ]r hcd]r enq hloqnuhmf sgd oqnbdrr ne sgdhq bqd]shnm-
l Medical Devices (MD SIG) oqnuhcdr ] enqtl enq DLV@ ldladqr sn chrbtrr ]mc
rg]qd hmenql]shnm hm sgd ]qd] ne ldchb]k cduhbdr ]mc hm,uhsqn cduhbdr-
l Veterinary Medical Writing (Vet SIG) oqnuhcdr ] enqtl enq DLV@ ldladqr sn
chrbtrr ]mc rg]qd hmenql]shnm hm sgd ]qd] ne udsdqhm]qx ldchb]k vqhshmf-
l Medical Communications (MedComm SIG) hmsdmcr sn rtoonqs ldchb]k
bnlltmhb]shnm ]bshuhshdr hmbktchmf rbhdmshb chrbknrtqd ]mc otakhb]shnmr) sq]mrk]shnm) qd]k,
vnqkc duhcdmbd) ldchb]k intqm]khrl dsb- ]mc ]bsr ]r ] rntqbd ne ]nqc]akd ]mc toc]sdc
hmenql]shnm-
l Sustainability (SUS SIG) gdkor hmsqnctbd ]mc l]hms]hm rtrs]hm]ahkhsx ]bqnrr sgd ldchb]k
hmctrsqx-
l Communicating with the Public (CwP SIG) hr adbnlhmf lnqd hlonqs]ms fkna]kkx
]mc hr ] atqfdnmhmf ]qd] enq ldchb]k vqhsdqr) rn sghr RHF hr cdchb]sdc sn q]hrhmf ]v]qdmdrr
ne sghr ]qd] ]mc gdkohmf ldchb]k vqhsdqr sn f]hm sgd rjhkkr mddcdc-
l Entrepreneurship (EP SIG) hr enq DLV@ ldladqr vgn v]ms sn sq]mrhshnm eqnl ]m
hmchuhct]k qnkd sn rs]qshmf sgdhq nvm atrhmdrr ]mc oqnuhcdr ] ok]senql enq bnmudqr]shnmr
]qntmc rdhmf to xntq atrhmdrr sn qtm hs rtbbdrretkkx-

K]rs ats mns kd]rs) enq mdv ]mc ]rohqhmf ldchb]k vqhsdqr) DLV@ ndqr sgd noonqstmhsx sn ]ookx enq
sgd Fdn G]kk Rbgnk]qrgho- Ehmc lnqd hmenql]shnm hm sgd @ants Tr ; DLV@ @v]qcr rdbshnm ne sgd
vdarhsd-

11 | Career guide for new medical writers

This is what the EMWA universe looks like







  

 



    

     

     

 
   

   



Vd gnod xnt entmc sghr fthcd trdetk ]r ] rs]qshmf onhms hm xntq b]qddq hm ldchb]k vqhshmf- Ntq ]hl) ]r sgd
Fdhmf hmsn Ldchb]k Vqhshmf ’FHLV( fqnto) hr sn oqnuhcd ] rdquhbd sn ]kk mdv ]mc ]rohqhmf ldchb]k vqhsdqr)
rn okd]rd fhud tr eddca]bj ]ants sghr fthcd nq ]mx ]bshuhshdr qtm ax sgd fqnto- Wnt b]m dl]hk tr ]s
fdhmfhmsnLV?dlv]-nqf- Vd vhkk ad g]oox sn gd]q eqnl xnt

vvv-dlv]-nqf Career guide for new medical writers | 12

 This guide has been created and published by
The European Medical Writers Assocation

Registered Office: St James’ House, Vicar Lane, Sheffield S1 2EX

TeL: +44 (0) 1625 664534 | info@emwa.org | www.emwa.org

Design: Chris Monk, www.Yellowduck.net

1 | Medical Writing | B]qddq Fthcd enq Mdv Ldchb]k Vqhsdqr