The Top 5 Skills for a Medical Writer
Are you considering a career shift into the field of health and medical writing? If you know what a health writer does, it could be an interesting career for you.
So, you read job ads that say things like: “Attention to detail, strong written and communication skills, etc.” If you have already developed these skills, you feel reassured. But, if you haven’t – does that mean you can’t be a medical writer? Of course not! As it is in any field, you will need to learn some new skills – and it is possible to start from scratch.
Check out our list of the top 5 skills every Medical Writer needs to succeed.
1. Language and Medical Terminology Skills
A refresher on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure can benefit anyone, but this step is crucial for non-native English speakers. You may have wonderful ideas and clear thinking, but if your writing is littered with mistakes will lose your reader’s interest.
Health and medical writing require a strong vocabulary and knowledge of medical terminology which allows you to understand medical jargon and translate it to your readers.
2. Research Skills
As a medical writer, it is not enough to use sources from a reputable journal without critically appraising the research. You need to learn what to look for in assessing the text of a research paper and make sure it is trustworthy and appropriate to use as a source for your writing.
Simply put, research forms the main bulk of medical writing. If you are good at research, it will make your process a lot easier!
3. Statistics Skills
Try saying that five times fast! But you don’t need to worry; none of us are experts, but having a basic to intermediate level of knowledge about medical statistics will help you understand a lot of the jargon in research papers and translate it accurately in your writing.
4. Writing and Editing Skills
If you have already established good reading and speaking skills, then it is time to train your writing muscle!
Many freelance writers edit their own work. Self-editing is common, but medical editing has several levels, and doing it professionally requires some more knowledge and skills. By learning professional editing, you can help other writers bring their creations to life.
5. Communication and Office Skills
As a writer, you will communicate with your employer or clients, understand their expectations, seek clarification, and deliver accordingly. Your employers will want to know that you have excellent writing skills, and they may ask you to do a writing test before hiring you.
You may also work with other team members to collaborate on projects. Finally, you need to learn how to communicate your thoughts to your target audience.
Additionally, you will probably spend long hours typing at your computer. Learning to touch-type and learning the tips and tricks of Microsoft Office (or its equivalent) can save you so much time. I’m still learning today, and whenever I learn a new way to do things, I regret not having learned earlier.
Closing
For a newcomer to the field, it is essential to know which boxes you tick and the skills you need to work on to ensure you can deliver high-quality content. Think of job requirements as to-do lists rather than assessment lists; if you do not have something on the list, work on acquiring it! Explore new skills to add to your toolbox; a medical writer is a life-long learner.
The HIR Group Program
Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career as a medical writer, you’re in the right place. Medical writers serve the public in critical ways by detailing, documenting, and sharing news and research that improve health outcomes and save lives.
