What does a Medical Writer do?
Published on:
20 Aug 2020
Category:
A Medical Writer is a specific type of science writer working for a pharmaceutical company, contract research organisations (CROs), or a communication agency. The job of a medical writer entails documenting and communicating scientific research in a well written, standards-compliant way, that medical professionals can easily read and digest.
Typically, a Medical Writer:
- Reports to, and receives instructions from, the Medical Affairs Director (MAD);
- Assists the clinical trial investigators in organizing and writing their final technical report;
- Arranges and coordinates the publication of the final technical report in established journal(s)—be it local or international;
- Works closely with the Medical Education Specialist (MES), Medical Information Specialist (MIS), or Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in the preparation of press releases and public information materials;
- Gives feedbacks and comments on the promotional and educational materials being drafted by the Brand Managers, MES, MIS or MSL;
- Conducts training on medical writing needed by some staff of the Medical Department;
- Performs other duties that may be assigned to him by the MAD.
Qualifications / Experiences Required
- BSc or MSc in Journalism and/or science.
- Preferably with some units in courses related to life sciences, such as medicine, nursing, physical therapy, psychology, pharmacy, biology, zoology, and medical technology; or in courses related to business administration, sales, and marketing;
- Has evidence of writing or editorial experience. eg: Has worked in a newspaper or pharmaceutical company, or related field, for at least 3 years as Medical Science Liaison, Science News Writer, or as Science Research Specialist in a government agency.
- Has a strong background in writing, and the ability to adapt writing styles.
- Has the ability to communicate and present.
Progression
A Medical Writer, after at least 5 years, might progress to a Brand Manager.
