Becoming a Medical Writer

Medical Writers often work within the communications department of large biopharmaceutical and medical device companies, or for a private medical communications (MedComms) company that has the former as clients. Medical Writers are responsible for producing all types of communications materials for their clients. This includes presentations, newsletters, conference reports, and other educational materials for their client’s product.  

Medical Writers often work in close contact with Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and key opinion leaders (KOLs) such as researchers and clinicians. MSLs are commonly instructed to oversee the development of influential and educational materials surrounding the product they are representing. They also are involved in the organisation of conferences and seminars, for which KOLs are typically recruited as speakers.  

What does a Medical Writer do?      

The responsibilities of Medical Writer principally involve the writing and editing of commercial or medical materials. The type of materials written depends on the client, but it is important to remember that each client will have a different preferred “style” or writing and messages they want to communicate. Some examples of the types of materials that Medical Writers produce for their clients are listed below:      

  • Abstracts for medical journals and conferences 
  • Advertisements 
  • Advisory board summaries  
  • Pamphlets and decision aids for patients 
  • Grant proposals 
  • Magazines and newspaper articles 
  • Marketing materials 
  • Literature Reports 
  • Journal articles for publication 
  • Posters 
  • Regulatory Applications 
  • Sales training aids 
  • Slide decks (usually PowerPoint slideshows) for medical conference and symposia  
  • Clinical trial-related documents 

Other than writing these materials, Medical Writers are also responsible for:  

  • Meeting with clients to discuss feedback on materials, provide updates, or develop new ideas for materials 
  • Analysing data to determine how it aligns with a companies’ message 
  • Working with creative teams to develop visual media used in materials 
  • Briefing and rehearsing with KOLs for symposia and conferences 
  • Coordinating with accounts teams who manage project timelines 
  • Taking in revisions on written materials suggested by senior reviewers and editors 

What do I need to become a Medical Writer?    

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field (a 2:1 is commonly required)     
  • Although not necessarily required, a Masters or terminal D degree (i.e. PhD, PharmD, MD) in a relevant therapeutic area will increase the chances of attaining a position  
  • Superb verbal and written communication skills  
  • Excellent problem-solving skills  
  • Skilled analysis and strong critical thinking when assessing trial and study data 
  • Superb peer-to-peer and client interpersonal skills  
  • Confidence when interacting with senior experts and MSLs 
  • Ability to travel on occasion to conferences and client meetings 
  • Capable of quickly understanding data specific to drugs, clinical trials, and medical devices 

How do I apply to become a Medical Writer?           

Vacancies for Medial Writers are common and can often be found online, either through a job-seeking website or the medical communication companies’ own website. Many of these companies are located close to areas where large biopharmaceutical companies are also found. Despite the proximity to large pharmaceutical companies previously being thought of as being advantageous for MedComm’s business, many roles also offer remote working. This is either as a hybrid of home- and office-work, or fully remote.  

How does the career and salary of a Medical Writer progress?                

Progression of Medical Writer is similar throughout most companies. It is important to remember that with progress, most Medical Writers will enter management roles and spend more time reviewing and editing the work of their peers and co-workers than writing.   

An example of the progression of the career of a Medical Writer can be found below:

Estimated Year into Career   Title    Average Salary Range1    
0 – 2   Associate Medical Writer   £28,373   
2 – 5   Medical Writer   £36,443 
5 – 7   Senior Medical Writer   £44,927   
7 – 9    Principal Medical Writer   £59,385   
9 – 11  Associate Communications Director  ~£70,000 
11+  Communications Director ~£90,0002 
1: Average stated on glassdoor.com [Accessed 26/08/2021]; 2: Estimated from available information on recruitment websites 

 It is important to note that Medical Writing may also provide the experience needed to start a career as a MSL. 

Tips for applying to become a Medical Writer:                

  • Ensure that your cover letter and CV are well written and free of typos and errors 
  • Demonstrate your design abilities by producing a professional, yet visually appealing CV, as you will likely be using these skills to produce presentations 
  • If possible, gain experience in science writing by submitting articles to university magazines or newspapers, or publishing your own blogs on LinkedIn 
  • Many companies only advertise on their own websites; make sure to identify companies you align with and apply to them directly 
  • In your cover letter, identify the “values” of the company (usually stated on their website) and highlight how you align with them