Plain language and readability - Volume 24, Issue

Plain language is writing in clear, concise language that is easy to read and understand. Whenever I hear the term plain language I am reminded of a lay summary I was once asked to edit. The stream of technical language (‘self-source bias’, ‘effect m…

Message from the President - Volume 22, Issue

Dear colleagues Time really does fly when you're having fun: I'm writing my third message since becoming EMWA President in May! The 37th EMWA Conference in Barcelona was an exciting event in a great location. We welcomed 102 new members, and 240…

The Light Stuff - Volume 22, Issue

A call to abandon the useless anachronism of the ‘define at first use’ rule for abbreviations Definitions CTD – Common Technical Document (dossier submitted for marketing authorization) eCTD – Electronic Common Technical Document QC – Quality…

Good pharma - Volume 22, Issue

Drugs companies publish only a fraction of their results and keep much of the information to themselves. Drug companies are ‘debasing’ drug trials whose publication in journals can apparently confer scientific approval. Merck had fought for years to …

Passing the torch - Volume 21, Issue

This issue is the first where I will be serving as Editor-in-Chief of Medical Writing (MEW). Elise Langdon-Neuner, Editor-in-Chief since 2004, will be stepping down. This is yet another step in the evolution of the journal.

For those of you unfamili…

Out on Our Own - Volume 30, Issue

Editorial Welcome readers, I’ve lost count how many times people ask me, what is a medical writer? And it isn’t just my mum and aunt who ask me such a question; medical doctors, PhD students, and academic professors are often surprised that…

Out on Our Own - Volume 25, Issue

In this edition of OOOO, we are pleased to bring to you four diverse and thought provoking articles, and some practical tips. We thank you for your contributions and once again invite you to submit any articles that you wish to share with your…

Out On Our Own - Volume 22, Issue

The EMWA autumn conference is always so well placed in November, giving us the chance to meet friends and colleagues before the onslaught of traditional end of year festivities. Barcelona's conference was no exception. We were pleased to welcome new …

Instructions for Authors

Instructions for Authors SCOPE Medical Writing, the official journal of EMWA (the European Medical Writers Association), is a quarterly journal that aims to educate, inform, and entertain medical writers. Medical Writing publishes themed issues…