Medical Writing for Smart People: Because Dummies Shouldn't Write About Medicine

If you are a relatively active member of society, you are frequently asked what you do for a living. I have used a variety of responses over the years and reactions range from glazed eyes to genuine curiosity. If I am feeling cheeky I will respond simply,"I am a writer." People get excited and ask if they would have read anything that I have written. Not being entirely well behaved I mention a popular series on hepatobiliary disease and let them sort it out. Once I was asked if I write the prescription information on pill bottles. I replied that I can't write that tiny and just walked away.

I have been writing professionally for almost 20 years and I am beginning to appreciate the journey. I didn't approach the job as clear of conscience as I do now. Medicine in the US is a business--a profit generating commodity driven enterprise. Depending on your client you are reminded with every word you write. Perhaps you are a curious observer or boldly entering the field from the lofty perch of academia or clinical medicine. A medical writer develops content about either the practice of clinical medicine, clinical research, or the health policy and economics that influence decisions at the point of care. You my friend, can now have a front row seat.