Regulatory writing basics - Volume 23, Issue

The role of a regulatory writer is to produce regulatory documents (usually taken to refer to documents that are submitted in some form to the health authorities). These documents should adhere to the relevant guidance and be fit for purpose, meani…

Writing for pharmaceutical or medical device companies: A survey of entry requirements, career paths, quality of life, and personal observations - Volume 25, Issue

The spectrum of medical writing activities across the pharmaceutical and device industries is vast. We conducted a limited survey of medical writers predominantly working in industry or for agencies to learn of their personal and professional…

Medical Communications and Writing for Patients - Volume 30, Issue

Dear All,

As I write this, at least some of us are likely to still be in some form of lockdown or quarantine. I pray that you and your families are all managing to stay as sane as possible, and I sincerely hope that you all stay safe and healthy.

I…

Medical writing at the management level - Volume 28, Issue

Discussion with writers from all walks of life and from across the globe has revealed that we have all come to our chosen career through different pathways. Furthermore, writer jobs are highly variable; two medical writers may have completely…

Medical writing in paediatrics: Children and the future - Volume 21, Issue

‘Children are one-third of our population and all of our future.’ Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981 With the falling birth rate I wonder if they still are a third of the population, but there is no doubt that they are our…

One size doesn’t fit all: Tailored medical writing mentoring and training - Volume 30, Issue

While there is ultimately no “secret sauce” to mentoring, in this article I outline my nonnegotiables, which, although not rocket science, often take the mentor’s concerted effort to implement. Firstly, everyone is different. While hardly…

Advancing the Medical Writing profession: The Joint Position Statement on the Role of Professional Medical Writers - Volume 26, Issue

A wintry London in January saw the release of the first joint position statement on the role ofthe professional medical writer (page 7). But why do we need such a statement and what does it say? The Executive Committee identified the need to update…

On educating the medical writer - Volume 22, Issue

Most medical writers received their education on the job rather than through formal education. These writers may have gaps in knowledge when compared with lists of competencies published by professional organisations in the clinical research and…

Seventh Freelance Business Survey: The freelance landscape 2018-2023 - Volume 32, Issue

The freelance medical writing landscape has evolved in recent years, with more market demand for competent medical writers who can work on a project basis. In January 2023, the European Medical Writers Association’s (EMWA) Freelance Business Group…

Fifth EMWA freelance business survey - Volume 25, Issue

Following surveys in 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2012, the fifth EMWA Freelance Business Survey was conducted in 2015. 181 respondents, most based in Europe, completed the survey. The findings indicate that freelance medical writing and related activities…