What’s involved?

Medical writers are employed by pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology firms and outsourced contract organisations to write:

• reports on clinical and non-clinical studies
• training manuals
• promotional literature
• reports on drug registration
• investigator brochures
• medical manuscripts.

Key skills

• life science or medical degree (many medical writers have a PhD, but this is not essential)
• good knowledge of anatomy and physiology
• excellent writing and word-processing skills
• attention to detail
• good interpersonal skills and the flexibility needed to deal with many different people and topics
• knowledge of French and German, though not essential, can be an advantage.

Training

The European Medical Writers Association offers an accredited programme of training events for professional development.

Tips for success

If you cannot get into medical writing straight away, get a job in a related area, such as regulatory affairs, gain experience and apply later.