Medical Writing Patient-reported outcomes Awareness of medical writing as a profession and its career prospects

Volume 27, Issue 4 - Patient-reported outcomes

Awareness of medical writing as a profession and its career prospects

Abstract

As medical writing (MW) is a growing profession in India, we assessed the awareness among professional medical writers (PMWs) about their job and career prospects. We conducted an anonymous survey among PMWs (N=192) working in a global pharmaceutical company (Novartis Healthcare, India). The survey assessed their awareness level, education/skillset utilisation, and career aspirations. Results showed that the respondents N=154) were highly qualified (97% had a master’s/PhD/equivalent degree) and experienced in the MW field. Only 10% were fully aware of MW as a profession before entering the field, which increased to 57% after joining the profession. PMWs (93%) indicated that their education/skillset was utilised from a good to great extent; their skills were transferable and most had grown within or across functional/operational domains. Most respondents indicated a desire to continue in the profession for at least 5 years (40% for 5 to 10 years and 34% for more than 10 years). Almost an equal proportion preferred to grow as functional (38%) or operational (39%) experts. With ample growth avenues and skillset utilisation, MW may be a rewarding long-term profession.

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Regulatory Matters & Regulatory Public Disclosure
Medical Communications
Medical Devices
Journal Watch
In the Bookstores
Good Writing Practice
Getting Your Foot In The Door
My First Medical Writing
Out on Our Own

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