If you’re considering a career in medical writing or healthcare copywriting, or an agency looking for freelance support, you might be wondering “what’s the difference?”
While both involve writing about healthcare, they serve very different purposes, require distinct skill sets, and offer unique career opportunities. So, let’s break it down and explore which path suits you best or which type of writer your project requires.
Medical Writing: Science, Precision, and Compliance
Medical writing is for those who love science, research, and accuracy. It requires a deep understanding of medical concepts and strong analytical skills. Many medical writers have backgrounds in life sciences, medicine, or pharmacy, although it’s not required. Often, a higher degree is needed though – whether that’s a Master’s or a PhD. This line of work covers the full life cycle of a product, including from pre-approval all the way to loss of exclusivity:
Educational content – Training materials for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients, including for accredited or non-accredited e-learning
Key opinion leader (KOL) engagement – Advisory boards, steering groups, speaker slide decks, or events
Scientific publications – Manuscripts, abstracts, and conference posters
Regulatory documents – Clinical study reports, investigator brochures, and submissions to health authorities like the MHRA stands for Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Enjoying working with complex medical data, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and communicating with researchers, regulators, and HCPs is key for Medical Writers.
Healthcare Copywriting: Creativity, Engagement, and Persuasion
Healthcare copywriting, on the other hand, is for those who love creativity and persuasion. While it still demands accuracy, it focuses more on audience engagement and clear messaging. Copywriting is used more frequently in marketing, once a product is launched or prescribed to a patient. But healthcare copywriting isn’t limited to driving prescriptions, but changing behaviour. Healthcare copywriters create content such as:
Marketing materials – Websites, brochures, and sales aids for healthcare brands
Consumer-focused content – Blog posts, social media, and email campaigns
Brand messaging – Taglines, slogans, and advertising copy
Patient/public communications – Support materials, clinical trial recruitment, and disease awareness
Having a flair for storytelling and enjoying simplifying complex healthcare topics is the focus here, as well as connecting emotionally with an audience. Whether that’s for patients, HCPs, or industry professionals.
Which Path Should You Take?
If you love research, scientific accuracy, and regulatory compliance, medical writing is your best bet. If you enjoy creativity, audience engagement, and brand storytelling, healthcare copywriting is the way to go. Some writers even do both, blending technical expertise with engaging messaging.
At RubyDuke, we have specialists along the spectrum so we can cover both (that’s why our writers are known as Medical Communications Specialists). Working with our team of freelance medical writers/healthcare copywriters ensures you get the right expertise for your project, so you can get the best of both worlds!
Need expert writing support? Get in touch at hello@rubyduke.co.uk or check out our services to see how we can help.
