Now more than ever, scientists must speak up for science - Volume 28, Issue

In this post-truth era we live in, the validity of facts from climate change and evolution to the shape of the earth and even vaccine safety is challenged by misinformation. As scientists,we should make greater efforts to engage with the public and…

English Grammar and Style - Volume 24, Issue

In this issue •  We continue Michael Schneir's fascinating series on distractions in medical and scientific writing, this time concentrating on non-pronoun-induced backtracking with adverbs, verbs, and nouns. This sounds a little…

Gained in Translation - Volume 24, Issue

Welcome to my second Gained in Translation editorial! Translation consulting networks are an interesting ‘assisted-translation tool’, which have had a remarkable appeal for professionals in the field since the late 1990s. Newsgroups, online…

Veterinary Medical Writing - Volume 30, Issue

The placebo-by-proxy effect – another argument against homeopathy

Chances are you know about the placebo effect. There are many variables to study,1 but in general, the placebo effect means that if you believe in a positive outcome of a drug, you wi…

The work model of hybrid freelancing - Volume 32, Issue

Must we choose between a path as a self-employed, freelance medical writer, or as an in-house employee? It might come as a surprise that a medical writer can enjoy both worlds. If you dream of becoming a freelance medical writer but dread losing…

French breast implants, the Medical Device Regulation, and a theoretical case study - Volume 26, Issue

Abstract The 2010-2011 Poly Implant Prothèse scandal triggered a review of the Medical Device Directive. This resulted in a new Medical Device Regulation that was approved this year. It contains many changes, and many questions will arise when…

Getting Your Foot in the Door - Volume 25, Issue

Welcome to Getting Your Foot in the Door or GYFD for short, the latest addition to MEW’s regular sections. It all started at the EMWA 2015 autumn meeting in The Hague. Derek Ho met up with the EMWA Executive Committee (EC) to talk about his idea of…

Potential implications of wider data transparency in medical communications - Volume 22, Issue

The current medical communication environment is characterised by growing calls for increased data transparency. There are ongoing concerns about the selective publication of trial results and the potential impact on use of medicines by prescribers…

Medical Devices - Volume 28, Issue

During a visit to Greece more than 15 years ago when I was involved in an animal protection campaign, I met a journalist who was investi gating prohibited fishing methods that local fishermen were using. When he was asked by the animal protection…

Regulatory submissions of non-interventional post-authorisation safety studies - Volume 26, Issue

The post-authorisation safety study (PASS) is a pharmacovigilance activity often required as a post-marketing commitment to establish a safety profile or address specific safety concerns. An imposed PASS must be submitted in common technical…