How to Improve Your Medical Writing: The Basics and More

Medical research is a never-ending journey. Fresh hypotheses, innovative methods, and growing clinical experience all contribute to the ever-expanding field of medicine. And with every discovery about a disease or its treatment, information must be effectively conveyed to many audiences, from healthcare professionals and drug regulators to patients and the general public. 

Effective medical communication plays a crucial role in not just research but also regulatory processes, health education, pharmaceutical marketing, and public health. It follows that becoming an in-demand medical writer requires cultivating a specific skillset. 

Medical writers have the uniquely difficult task of distilling what may be highly technical information to a variety of stakeholders. We’ve gathered a few simple tips on how to improve your medical writing and boost your success as a medical writer. 

1. Build Your Knowledge 

Every medical writer must have a basic understanding of life science concepts and terminology. However, it goes without saying that many forms of medical writing are greatly facilitated by a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. Expanding your knowledge of different medical specialties builds a strong foundation for discussing critical health-related concepts with your intended audience. 

Moreover, understanding the review process for drugs and medical devices—alongside the complex reporting requirements put forth by different regulatory bodies—is especially important for writers who produce regulatory documents.  

2. Sharpen Your Analytical and Statistical Skills

Medical writers perform a variety of analyses, from data analysis to industry analysis. Regardless of their niche, medical writers scan numerous documents and compress large amounts of information into concise, clear, and truthful content that reads well for their audience. 

When summarizing the results of research studies, statistics are almost always vital to the original authors’ findings and subsequent conclusions. A basic understanding of t-tests, P values, and regression analyses is fundamental for all medical writers, especially those responsible for reporting the results of clinical studies. 

3. Stay Consistent and Take Ownership 

As you might imagine, one of the keys to boosting your success as a medical writer is to deliver high-quality work consistently. Clients see consistency as a sign of high personal standards, reliability, and an orientation toward growth.  

As a medical writer, taking ownership of your work is imperative. You are expected to remain accountable for each fact that you present, regardless of whether you’re writing a conference presentation or a product information manual. Accuracy and transparency are non-negotiable. 

4. Keep Yourself Up-To-Date

Another hallmark of a professional medical writer is one who stays up-to-date with the newest developments in the industry. Subscribing to major journals, attending key events and conferences, and completing ongoing training are all excellent ways to stay abreast of a field that’s constantly expanding.  

One attribute recruiters tend to favor is certification. Medical writers who have undergone training at a well-recognized and reputable organization have the necessary credentials to support their portfolio.  

Become a Certified Medical Writing Professional (CMWP)

The Center for Professional Innovation and Education (CfPIE) is a leading global provider of high-quality life sciences training. 

Become a Certified Medical Writing Professional (CMWP) with CfPIE’s comprehensive CMWP program, which gives participants:

• Hands-on training for medical and technical writing 

• Essential lessons regarding regulatory compliance 

• Critical insights into the submission process 

• Official certification for medical writing 

Are you interested in improving your medical writing skills with ongoing training? Get in touch with the CfPIE team at 1-610-648-7550 or info@cfpie.com to get started today.