You might have landed on this blog post because you’re thinking about getting into medical copywriting. Or perhaps you are just wondering what our thoughts are on how to get into healthcare communications.
As with any career path, everyone’s journey can look very different. At RubyDuke, our team of enthusiastic healthcare writers all have diverse backgrounds. Some of us are scientists or have medical backgrounds and a fair few of us are vets (yes, vets, you did read that right). But we all share a passion for health, science and communication.
If you search ‘how to get into medical copywriting’ on Google, the top result suggests that you have to have an advanced degree, and while that might help, there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to get into Medical Writing. Of course, with any job there are job requirements you need to meet, and skills that might mean you’re well equipped to do it, but we think that a passion for healthcare, an analytical mindset and the ability to tell a compelling – and accurate – story are really important.
Here we share 3 simple tips to get you started on your Medical Writing journey.
1. Immerse yourself in science and writing
Much of a healthcare copywriter’s job is shapeshifting complex medical jargon into accessible language for difference audiences. To do that, you need to understand the basic science, as well as the art of clear communication.
You might work within one therapy area or several, but if you’re starting a new project in a new therapy area, you may be given some ‘onboarding’ time to brush up your knowledge of the medical area or disease. You will also likely be writing for different audiences. These may include the public, healthcare providers, or medical professionals so it is worth reading as much as you can to understand the different tones of voice and vocabulary that you may use.
2. Brush up on regulatory compliance knowledge
Medical misinformation is dangerous, so honesty and transparency is the name of the game when it comes to medical copywriting.
All copy that is produced for the pharmaceutical industry will likely be reviewed for compliance to regulatory guidance, such as the ABPI code, to ensure the content is accurate and balanced. If copy is to breach the guidelines, companies may be sanctioned, which can account for some pretty hefty punishments. These guidelines also cover how pharmaceutical companies interact with healthcare professionals – so it’s not just about what’s written on the page.
There are several regulatory bodies around the World that govern this, so it’s important to be aware of the country’s particular guidelines when writing content in the first instance, or flagging potential breaches if you spot them.
3. Consider the different areas of medical copywriting
The medical writing field is generally divided into different specialisms, each requiring specific medical knowledge and technical writing skills. It may be helpful to determine the type of writing you want to specialise in. You may prefer scientific publications or copywriting linked to branding and marketing with more visual elements.
Take a look below at our science and brand comms hubs summaries to see how we divide the specialisms at RubyDuke. Sometimes there is a crossover between the two which allows us to develop skills across the board. Have a think if you prefer one or the other – this might help highlight what you might want to work towards.
You may also find it useful to find a professional coach; RubyDuke have supported multiple writers in their career journeys. Get in touch if you’re looking for support. And lastly, good luck on starting your medical writing journey!
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