Historically, hard skills – such as technical, digital, or life sciences qualifications – have been seen as more valuable than soft skills in successful medical writing. However, hiring managers now recognise soft skills as one of the top educational needs in medical communications. Although the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also emerging as a key medical communications tool, there are some things AI simply cannot do. That’s where soft skills, like teamwork, adaptability, and leadership, come in. This article reviews the essential soft skills you now need as a professional medical writer, and how you can optimise them for your career.

Medical Writing. 2024;33(2):24–6. https://doi.org/10.56012/kmhj6459