What does a Medical Writer do?

What does a Medical Writer do?

The description of what a medical writer does varies widely. I have complied a few examples of the Medical Writer job description from actively searching companies:

From CHC:

The Medical Writer is responsible for developing scientific projects and content as assigned. This includes outlines, manuscripts, abstracts, scientific posters, and slide presentations across several therapeutic areas. The Medical Writer works closely with other Editorial and Client Services team members to meet client expectations, budgets, and timelines.

Qualifications:

1-3 years of broad-based scientific, pharmaceutical, or medical writing experience

Advanced degree in life sciences (PhD, PharmD, MD)

Gracious and proactive ability to interact with clients

Ability to meet or beat deadlines every time

From Envision Pharma:

Job Duties:

Work with pharmaceutical clients and key opinion leaders 

Write medical communications and publications including manuscripts, posters, slide kits, product monographs

Work with an account manager to coordinate activities with client and internal teams

Help implement publication planning strategy and implementation

Ensure your writing is medically and scientifically accurate and meets client objectives, timelines, and budgets.

Requirements:

Advanced degree in biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, biomedicine, or medically related field (MD or PharmD) 

Minimum of 3-years’ experience in medical writing directed to scientists and physicians, not patients or general public

Experience working with pharmaceutical clients, thought leaders, and authors. 

Superlative communications skills 

Excellent project management skills 

Knowledge of American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines and Good Publication Practice (GPP) for pharmaceutical companies.

From Me:

Click on any of the links under Medical Communications Agencies and you will begin to appreciate the type of work that medical writers do.

In a broad and general sense, a medical writer in responsible for the scientific accuracy and medical rigorousness of anything he or she writes. This includes appropriate interpretation of data, accurate fact checking, and correct referencing. Ultimately, the documents you develop will be used by thought leaders in your field as well as healthcare providers to guide further research and patient care.

Hope this helps!

Stay tuned to learn how much you can earn as a medical writer …