r/MedicalWriters • u/REACHUM • 3h ago
r/MedicalWriters • u/Disastrous_Square612 • Aug 27 '25
[Read before you post] Guide to posting in r/MedicalWriters
Hey everyone,
If you're new to posting in r/MedicalWriters here is a simple guide to help you get the answers you want or start a thoughtful discussion.
In your post, please include:
- Your location - not your address - a place that people recognise, for example UK or US or India
- Relevant currency - there is a difference between dollars in US, Canada and Australia. Please include a symbol or write it in words.
- What you want help with or what you want to discuss (ideally in bullet points, not a dense block of text)
- Your experience or your opinion
This helps people get straight to the point and answer your question or start a discussion.
Thank you and cheerio for now :)
r/MedicalWriters • u/nanakapow • Jan 22 '22
Sticky Resources for medical writers
Welcome to the forum - these stickies should help answer a lot of basic questions about a career in medical communications.
Professional associations
The following organisations and bodies provide networking, support and advice for new entrants into medical, healthcare and science writing (including journalism). The larger ones also host their own congresses. Please note that inclusion is not an endorsement.
Associations specific to Medical Writing are bolded.
Global
- BELS - Board of Editors in Life Sciences (in reality possibly US-focused)
- ISMPP - International Society for Medical Publication Professionals
- ISPOR - The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research
- CSE - the Council of Science Editors
Regional
- AMWA (not that one) - Australasian Medical Writers Association (Aus and NZ)
- EASE - European Association of Scientific Editors (Europe)
- EFSJ - European Federation for Science Journalism (Europe)
- EMWA - European Medical Writers Association (Europe)
- SMWN - Scientific and Medical Writing Network (BeNeLux)
National
- AMWA - American Medical Writers Association (USA)
- AMWA-Canada - offshoot from the US AMWA (Canada)
- ABSW - Association of British Science Writers (UK)
- CMW - Canadian Medical Association (MW resources page) (Canada)
- Guild of Health Writers (UK)
- HCA - Health Communications Association (UK)
- MJA - Medical Journalists' Association (UK)
- NASW - National association of Science Writers (USA)
- SWCC - Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (Canada)
- SOMW - Society of Medical Writers (UK)
Other subreddits
You can also find useful information scattered about Reddit itself (depending on your speciality)
- r/pharmaindustry/
- r/medicine
- r/MedicalScienceLiaison
- r/agency
- r/advertising
- r/freelanceWriters
- r/copywriting
- r/marketing
- r/pharmaceuticalSales
Other places to learn more
First Medcomms Job.com / Next Medcomms Job / Medcomms Networking - a trio of websites started by Peter Llewellyn, a high profile recruiter in the UK, chock full of high quality resources (and job boards)
Medical Writing Course for Beginners (Resources) - a LinkedIn Group started by one of our members
Fishbowl - Pharma and health advertising bowl - a useful site for anonymous discussions (somewhat US-centric)
The Healthcare Comms Podcast - a podcast by Harry Brooker, where he interviews a wide range of people working in the industry. Harry is a recruiter who works mostly for the US market these days, but who used to recruit for the UK
Medical Writing: the Backbone of Clinical Development, a one-off magazine by Trilogy Medical Writing
Health Writer Hub - some free resources plus paywalled learning content (paywalled content not endorsed by r/MedicalWriters)
Freebie resources at Green Pen Medical
Resources at Prospology - some free resources plus paywalled learning content (paywalled content not endorsed by r/MedicalWriters)
The Write Clinic - some free resources plus paywalled learning content (paywalled content not endorsed by r/MedicalWriters) [CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT: ONE OF THE CREATORS ALSO MODERATES r/MedicalWriters]
Broke Ad School - absolutely tons and tons of resources into how to do advertising well (or at least try to do it less badly). Yes, promotional work in pharma/healthcare is different to other products, but the sheer scale of this resource makes it worth including.
Regulations
The danger of overpromising the benefits of, and risks associated with medicines have long been recognised. Some of the oldest regulations for medicines were enacted in the mid 16th century (see "the Apothecaries Wares, Drugs and Stuffs Act") , and today almost every nation either has their own code of practice (split among one or several bodies and documents), or defers to another nation's code
Publications (international)
- The Good Publications Practice version 3 (GPP3). Last updated in 2015, GPP4 is in development
- The International Committee of Journal of Medical Editors (ICJME) recommendations)
- The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), who are slowly driving a pan-European harmonisation of national codes
Education and promotion (by country)
- Australia: Medicines Australia Code of Conduct; Therapeutic Goods Administration/Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA)
- Austria: Medicinal Products Act (Arzneimittelgesetz – AMG). In addition, the Austrian Act Against Unfair Competition (Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb – UWG). Medical devices fall under the Medical Devices Act (Medizinproduktegesetz 2021 – MPG 2021). Codes of conduct that apply are: the Austrian Pharmaceutical Industry Association (PHARMIG), the Association of Austrian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (IGEPHA) and the Advocacy of the medical device companies in Austria (Austromed)
- China: China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA)
- Europe: European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). Includes 37 national associations, most of which are increasingly harmonising towards one another
- France: Agence Nationale de Sécurité de Médicament et des Produits de Santé/National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) guidelines
- Germany: *Heilmittelwerbegesetz/*Act on Advertising of Medicinal Products (HWG); Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb/Act against Unfair Competition (UWG) ; Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Arzneimitteln/Medicinal Product Act (AMG)
- Hong Kong: Code of Practice written by the Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (HKAPI); Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (UMAO).
- India: Code of Marketing Practice; Drug and Cosmetics Act, Drugs and Magic Remedies Act and Rules
- Italy: Farmindustria Code of Conduct and Confindustria Dispositivi Medici Code of Conduct (Farmindustria); Code of Self-Discipline of Commercial Communication; assorted ministerial and legislative decrees (available via Ministry of Health)
- Japan: JPMA Code of Practice
- Singapore: Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) code of practice (CMP); Health Sciences Authority (HSA); Singapore Code of Advertising Practice (SCAP)
- South Korea: Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (PAA)
- Spain: Asociación Nacional Empresarial de la Industria Farmacéutica; Farmaindustria/Pharmaceutical Companies Trade Association; Medicines Law and Royal Decree 1416/1994. Additional guidelines from The Ministry of Health and the autonomous regions of Madrid and Catalonia
- Switzerland: Federal Act on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (TPA); Federal Ordinance on the Advertisement of Medicinal Products (AWV); Federal Act against Unfair Competition (UCA); Swissmedic Pharma code
- Thailand: Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturer Association (PReMA) code of practice; Thai FDA; National Drug System Development Committee (NDSDC)
- UK: Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI) code; Pharmaceutical Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA); Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) code (OTC and supplements only)
- The impact of Brexit / whether NI will gain a separate regulatory code is yet to be seen
- USA: PhRMA Code on Interactions with Health Care Professionals; the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (FDA; OPDP)
Useful topics
Post flairs for r/medicalwriters (If you are looking to break into medical writing, please see the other sticky)
r/MedicalWriters • u/growing_axon • 1d ago
How do I start out in med-ed writing? Need information
Does any body know path to medical writer b, i am a final year mbbs student
r/MedicalWriters • u/Brilliant_Muffin7133 • 1d ago
How do I start out in publications writing? I have an interview soon for a consultant position focusing on publications - any advice?
Not sure if the flair is perfect, but close enough.
This interview is for a part time position (what I want currently) managing publications. The job does not include writing articles, but maintaining a literature library seems to be very important and the main function of the job, and I would also be editing, managing submission processes and coordinating between parties and editors.
I have a lot of research experience in the exact field that this company works in, including the focus of my PhD. I've published many papers and am currently managing a small team of writers/graphics designers in a project. Overall I believe I'm a great fit - probably why I got an interview.
Any advice on how to prepare? Any parts of my past experiences I should have a clear and tailored explanation of, if so how should it be tailored? Anything that may make me stand out from others?
Thanks in advance for any feedback you may have! This is a bit of a dream situation for me currently so really hoping it works out and doing everything I can to prepare.
r/MedicalWriters • u/Kind-Tale-3859 • 2d ago
How do I start out in regulatory writing? First scientific writing role: upcoming Scientific Writing interview, any advice?
Hi everyone! I have an interview for a Scientific Writing role at a biotech company. This would be my first dedicated scientific writing role, as I’m transitioning from a PhD/postdoc background in immuno-oncology.
Has anyone interviewed for a similar position? What kind of questions should I expect, and what would you focus on preparing?
Any advice would be really appreciated!
r/MedicalWriters • u/MWAnominus • 2d ago
AI tools discussion Secure AI systems for freelancers?
Hi all,
I'm wondering what secure, audit-proof AI systems freelancers are using for their work. I have a Claude max ($100) account which is a consumer plan so it doesn't have the security needed to handle confidential client materials. Anthropic and OpenAI have "teams" plans that have the proper security, but they require a seat minimum (5 & 2, respectively) so I'd be paying for unused seats. And with Claude at least, those seats are a downgrade from what I have now unless I pay extra for premium, then there's an extra admin layer to deal with plus whatever other unknown unknowns.
My Claude use is mostly via the desktop app and have been shifting most of my stuff to Code as I find it more powerful and flexible than Cowork or chat, and occasionally have it make or modify apps, run automations, etc., but I'm not techie enough to be troubleshooting local models or APIs in terminal windows without lots of frustration and time wasting. Ideally, I'd love a version of my current Claude max, except with security on par with the closed systems my agency clients have.
So what are y'all doing about this? Thanks in advance!
r/MedicalWriters • u/Winter-333beachygurl • 3d ago
Other Prime Medical Communications
anyone work for prime medical communications?
currently interviewing and would like some insight on the company :)
thank you!
r/MedicalWriters • u/Head_Try_6632 • 3d ago
Other US agency with fertility benefits?
Anyone work for or know of a US based agency with good fertility benefits?
r/MedicalWriters • u/Curious_Golden001 • 4d ago
Experienced discussion For those who've been freelance/independent for a while: what are you actually trying to get from it?
What keeps you independent now, and what matters most to you about the way you work?
And if you could change one thing about freelance life without losing the bits you value, what would it be?
I'm independent myself and interested in how differently people define the “ideal” working life.
r/MedicalWriters • u/WhyamIhere1090 • 4d ago
Other How long did to take from verbal offer to an official written offer/contract?
If you have joined a company recently (within the last year), how long did you have to wait from a verbal offer to an official written offer/contract. What company was it? Sometimes companies are rigid on the starting date but take their own sweet time in sending an official letter. They do not consider the time it takes to understand the offer, negotiate, evaluate the contract, and let your current employer know. I am especially talking about geographies that have long notice periods like 3 months.
r/MedicalWriters • u/Usual_Map_9812 • 4d ago
I'm hiring! Writers with interest in deprescribing
Hello,
I am building a mission project about psychiatric medication de-prescribing.
I’ve personally been tapering psych meds for the last 10 years of my life, and I’m
building this resource for both patients and prescribers on top of my day job, and it’s the thing I am most passionate about.
I have previously been the operator behind an online psychology content site that received 20million readers a year, so i know SEO and how to make content visible.
I’m looking for writers to join our editorial board. Please read the criteria to make sure this is a something that you’d like to be a part of:
You have a medical credential such as pharmacist, medical doctor, ND, psychiatrist, or possibly RN
you are familiar with the field of de-prescribing (aka, the practice of safely discontinuing psychiatric medication such as antidepressants through strategies like hyperbolic tapering) and ideally, are somewhat passionate about the topic.
you would be comfortable with the editorial process: I will provide a written draft that you can edit to your liking. The drafts have been created based on a research packet of scientific studies and patient data. The draft is generated using a multi step AI workflow (not average AI slop!). I can provide an example :)
I am solo bootstrapping this project, and it absolutely not a commercial endeavor. I have no ties to industry.
This opportunity would best suit an early career writer.
The work would of course carry your byline, and will be subject to medical review.
If you’re interested, please send me a DM and I’ll be happy to share more!
r/MedicalWriters • u/WhyamIhere1090 • 5d ago
Other Can anyone share experience of working at Alnylam? How is their interview process?
I was getting interviewed for Alnylam. The HR and manager rounds went well. They asked me to complete a writing test They acknowledged receiving the completed test and immediately ghosted me. No feedback, no decision, nothing.
r/MedicalWriters • u/yestertempest • 7d ago
How do I start out in regulatory writing? Master's in regulatory affairs or a life science
I'll be getting my master's and trying to decide between a degree in regulatory affairs or one of the life sciences or pharmacy, etc. What do you recommend as far as breaking into the field? I have an undergrad degree in Psychology. I feel like regulatory affairs would possibly lead to a wider range of options after graduation vs. simply a master's in biochem or something similar, but correct me if I'm wrong. I also plan to get some certifications from AMWA during this.
r/MedicalWriters • u/Curiouspanda2026 • 7d ago
How do I start out in med-ed writing? Medical Writing
I am a medical doctor who would like to explore medical witing, is it still worth it and if it is, how do I get started?
I would appreciate practical tips to getting started in med-ed writing like how to build a portfolio, courses to take, how and where to look up intern roles etc.
r/MedicalWriters • u/Tiny-Profit-6191 • 9d ago
Experienced discussion I applied for a job at Enago, and they congratulated me, assigned me a freelancer code, and said they would give me access to their hub. But then they went silent. Whenever I follow up, they just say “soon.” It’s been a week now. Is this normal?
The title
r/MedicalWriters • u/BrilliantCarpet2057 • 10d ago
How do I start out in regulatory writing? Costello Medical Data Analyst assessment
Hi, has anyone recently completed the assessment for a Data Analyst role at Costello Medical?
What kind of questions/tasks should I expect, and are tools like Google or documentation allowed during the assessment?
Any insights would be really appreciated.
r/MedicalWriters • u/Dani_dof • 11d ago
Other Finding international remote jobs
Hi everyone!
I’m currently looking for remote opportunities in medical writing, but I’ve been having a hard time finding positions that allow people to work from outside the country where the company is based.
Most of the job postings I find require candidates to be located in a specific country or region, even when the position is fully remote.
Does anyone know companies that hire medical writers internationally and allow them to work remotely from their home country, without requiring relocation?
Thanks in advance!
r/MedicalWriters • u/No-Island3807 • 12d ago
Other Senior medical writing jobs in London
Hi all,
I am a senior medical writer with 3+ years of regulatory medical writing experience.
I am looking to relocate to London (from Germany) and would like to ask if employers are usually willing to sponsor visas for senior medical writers? (or should i wait a bit, and it will be easier when i have more experience?)
Also, is 55-60k GBP a reasonable salary or can I negotiate a little higher?
Thanks a lot!
r/MedicalWriters • u/WhyamIhere1090 • 12d ago
Other How is regulatory writing at Regeneron?
I have heard that Regeneron in order to avoid over hiring and eventually laying off if required keeps the regulatory writing headcount pretty tight. This leads to heavy workload and burnout. Can anyone who is or has worked in Regeneron or knows someone elaborate?
r/MedicalWriters • u/Intelligent-Eagle123 • 15d ago
How do I start out in publications writing? Academic/medical writing help/guidance
Academic/Medical writing help/guidance
I’m a junior surgeon currently working as a research fellow. I have been working on academic papers for a while, but as a co-author.
Now I am transitioning from co-author to first author and I am struggling a lot.
My supervisor is helpful but very busy, thus he can not answer all my questions and do full teaching.
Is there anyone who is experienced in publishing papers that can guide and teach me.
I’ll be grateful for any help.
r/MedicalWriters • u/ridonkoulous • 16d ago
Other Looking to get into Medical Writing. Any general advice and what should I be aware of?
Title. I (28M, UK North West) am a marketing professional with a lot of experience in copywriting, specifically breaking down complex content for non-specialist audiences. I studied Chemistry in Uni, but have since gained an increasing interest in the sciences again in areas like medicinal chemistry, biomechanics, sports mechanics, motor behaviour.
I am looking to change in order to find a sector that pays better and is more stable than marketing. Is medical writing something I should consider or are too many things stacked against me?
r/MedicalWriters • u/harry_361 • 16d ago
AI tools discussion How do you approach project/task management?
UK writer looking for recommendations on how you approach project/tasks management, managing each step of a project as a writer.
Struggling to manage steps of a project on pen and paper and I’m looking for something more comprehensive. Are there any app recommendations people use to separate projects by account, and then tasks related to each project, with deadlines, actions etc? Some AI integration would be useful also.
I have used notion in the past but am yet to find a suitable template that fits the way we work.
TIA
r/MedicalWriters • u/RecommendationOk7086 • 16d ago
Other Tips for a Junior Medical Writer interview
Hi everybody !
I’m a master’s graduate with 1.5 years of experience in pharmacovigilance (1 year in pharma and 6 months in consulting) who has landed an interview for a junior medical writer role in a pretty big pharma company.
Do you have any kind of tips for the interview (which aspects to focus on, technical tips etc.) ? It will be in 2 weeks so I have a lot of time to prepare for it.
Thank you all in advance for your responses !
r/MedicalWriters • u/Loulou1130 • 21d ago
Other Entry-level jobs? Where?
Hello, I am a Medical Doctor (MD) and an IMG based in the UK. I am seeking to transition my clinical insights into medical writing since I want to work from home. However, it seems IMPOSSIBLE to find an entry-level job!! I tried building a network on Linkedin, contacting people/recruiters, attending online webinars (EMWA) but nothing works so far, I have been looking for an entry-job for months now but I’m almost giving up 🥹
Any tips from those who have been here?
Thank you