Cheeky Logo
Ready To Get Hired?
Apply To Book A Free Call With Our Transition Specialist Team

Forget About Being A Medical Writer If You Have A PhD But Lack These Skills

Who was I kidding?

I didn’t want a bench job, and my research seemed pointless anyway – I wanted out of academia, so I transitioned to my first job in industry: another bench position.

This was not exactly a step up.

I remember how stagnant my career felt back then, like I was flooring the gas pedal and spinning my wheels in the mud.

After that first industry position ended, it took me 6 months of investigation and research to fully realize my passion for science communications.

Sometimes, life surprises you that way – you realize you’ve stumbled upon what you love.

I quickly found industry work as a freelance science editor and slowly transitioned into writing, training, & consultancy roles.

In short, I had finally discovered my own exciting career in medical writing.

Now, I train other PhDs in science communications, acting as a mentor for those looking to break into this amazing field.

Do PhDs and Medical Writing Mix?

A career as a medical writer covers a wide range of subjects

In a word, yes!

Some PhDs haven’t heard about–or even considered–the medical writing career path.

But in spite of our different backgrounds, a lot of PhDs can become qualified to dive into medical writer roles.

Medical writers, sometimes known as medical communicators, commonly create the following:

  • Regulatory applications
  • Documentation for institutional review boards
  • Marketing materials for medical products
  • Clinical trial-related documents
  • Other official paperwork vital to the medical sector.

As the job title indicates, written communication skills are very important for this position.

Medical writing is essentially an umbrella term that covers everything from writing about medicine to editing, translating, and project management.

And industry needs professionals to fill this role – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that by 2026, specialized writing roles of this kind are expected to grow 11% from 2016.

Know These 3 Things Before You Get Into Medical Writing

When it comes to a highly technical career like this one, it’s natural to find yourself at a loss – where do you start?

There’s a “silver lining” here.

One of the positive elements of medical writing is that it can be as diverse as the myriad topics in medical science.

So as you work toward a career as a medical writer, the specific nature of your learning process will vary with the direction you take.

Even so, there are 3 broad items to think about before you decide whether medical writing is for you.

We’re going to cover medical writer backgrounds, the value of medical writing organizations, and the professional virtues of being a skilled writer (and not merely a medical science authority).

1. Medical writers need a solid background in the life sciences.

You as a PhD already have basic skills to be a medical writer

The first key to becoming a medical writer isn’t very surprising – you have to know medical science at a professional level.

On the plus side, you don’t need specific academic qualifications to pursue medical writing.

However, employers do prefer candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant field.

“Relevant” is a pretty broad range though – we’re talking biology, pharmacology, biomechanics, etc.

Whatever your educational background, you’ll need a strong foundation in something related to medical science.

Of course, the kind of technical knowledge required of a medical writer will vary with the nature of the content.

If the focal point of your job is to communicate medical regulations, then you’ll have to maintain a solid grasp on regulatory process and related documentation.

On the other hand, if you’re mainly writing on the topic of clinical trials, you’ll need to know the trial process inside and out.

You’ll also need to stay current on any fundamental changes to standardized clinical processes.

So while an advanced degree in life sciences is ideal, it’s definitely not out of the question for PhDs in other subjects to get a job in medical writing.

In fact, you don’t have to jump out of academia and straight into medical writing.

You can first build up your credentials by taking a job in a related industry field.

It’s not unheard of for medical writers to kick off their careers by first working as scientific researchers, regulatory affairs associates, clinical trials professionals, or other roles in the life science industry.

2. Professional associations grant aspiring medical writers a huge boost in qualifications.

While working toward a job in medical writing, you can greatly improve your chances by taking writing courses for medical writers (and aspiring medical writers).

These are valuable opportunities that provide certifications and training tailored to the medical writing role.

Professional organizations like the American Medical Writers Association, European Medical Writers Association, and the Drug Information Association offer certifications for medical writing that can really help you learn the craft.

But aside from the certifications, another major advantage offered by these organizations is the opportunity to build a network in the medical field.

Additionally, they’ll help you get to know about a given medical sector’s current trends and career opportunities.

Even naturally good writers can benefit dramatically from deep technical knowledge and familiarity with a lot of the terms used in various medical fields.

It’s very common for science PhDs to start off as freelance writers to gain experience and establish credibility, and medical writing associations are a tremendous resource during that process.

3. Excellent writing will be just as important as science knowledge.

Medical writing requires communication skills to handle dense medical information

Lots of PhDs have a handle on writing manuscripts and dissertations.

Unfortunately, these styles of writing are not really comparable to what you’ll be doing as a medical writer.

The main reason for this is that academic science writing is chock-full of jargon.

It’s meant for a very narrow range of readers whom it expects to understand complex topics at a high level.

A medical writer, on the other hand, will often be expected to communicate dense medical information in a way that offers clarity to much wider audiences.

In recent years, the medical sector has seen substantial growth, and regulatory guidelines have become more stringent.

More than ever, pharmaceutical companies are pressured to share information with the public.

These trends have produced a rising demand for medical writers with the unique combination of scientific knowledge and writing communication skills.

That’s where medical writers enter the picture.

For medical writers, audience targets may include professionals like clinical regulators, investors, or physicians.

Sometimes, medical writers will even target the general public with their communications.

In some ways, this presents a challenge greater than that of technical academic writing – after all, an average writer can communicate complex ideas in a complex way.

However, it takes a great writer to communicate complexity with accessible, engaging writing.

This is a major goal among medical writers – if readers can grasp the writing, the medical writer has been successful.

So even though they don’t have to be medical science experts, medical writers need a solid background in the life sciences. And science PhDs can support their credentials with other resources too – professional associations grant aspiring medical writers a huge boost in qualifications. Yet technical expertise alone can’t make you competitive. If you’re serious about this profession, excellent writing will be just as important as science knowledge. Medical writers are renaissance professionals wielding the powers of science and art combined.

**Excited to begin your own career in medical writing? For more info, including hands-on writing & editing tests and access to a network of experienced medical writers, our Medical Writing Organization (MWO) is your best bet. MWO represents a comprehensive, PhD-tailored program that equips PhDs to stand out in the crowd and climb the medical writing career ladder. Unlike other programs, MWO is run by actual medical writers with experience in different fields, and it is focused exclusively on the unique transition struggles of PhDs. 

Book a Transition Call
Get Free Job Search Content Weekly

ABOUT EVGUENIA ALECHINE, PHD

Evguenia Alechine, PhD, is a doctor of Biochemistry. She was an academic scientist for eight years before embracing her calling as a science educator & consultant. As both a renowned medical writer and the program leader of Cheeky Scientist’s Medical Writing Organization, Evguenia has a full plate - yet science literature never goes hungry for her important contributions. Even now, Evguenia’s love for health culture compels her to season readers with scientifically derived tips for long, healthy lives.

Evguenia Alechine, PhD

Here's What Others Are Saying

"I'm happy to share that I’m starting a new position as an associate computational scientist at md anderson cancer center!"

James Jennings

James Jennings

Associate Computation Scientist

at MD Anderson Cancer Center

"The made an offer and I accepted it. I am excited and nervous to start a new job and leave academia!"

Valentina Dallacasagrande

Valentina Dallacasagrande

Sr. Scientific Advisor

at reVision Therapeutics, Inc.

"I am thrilled to be starting my position as a Scientist at bioMeriuex! I will be joining the device validation team to bring #invitrodiagnostics to the market!"

Alec Vallota-Eastman

Alec Vallota-Eastman

Scientist

at bioMeriuex

"I’m excited to share that i am starting my new job as a technical support engineer at lumencor, inc. the ultimate goal is to grow potatoes on mars by 2050 and make other advaces for mankind."

 Andrii Repula

Andrii Repula

Technical Support Engineer

at Lumencor, Inc.

"I am deeply grateful for all the incredible support, professional and personal, I got here and was essential for me to get here. I just completed 4 months at my present company and successfully transitioned, from the training process to working full-time in the team in the team I was hired for, this last week! I never fully thanked Cheeky for all the help they gave me in the training in the job search process, in a way that I was able to realize succes on one of the first jobs I applied for, only a bit more than a couple of months after joining the association. I heard and was told it was possible to have such quick results,but I never believed that it would happen to me; for this I am deeply grateful for you all! Joining CSA was one of the best decision I have ever made, and is something that will still help me for many years to come, for as long as my career goes on!"

Jose Hugos Elsas

Jose Hugos Elsas

Geophysical Researcher

at CGG

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Scientist in Pharma Division at NeoGenomics Laboratories! After all the trainings and advice I could get a 25% increase in my salary! So I’m very happy for that."

Maribel Donoso

Maribel Donoso

Scientist in Pharma Division

at NeoGenomics Laboratories

"I'm happy to share that I'm stating a new position as Medical Science Liaison at Celltrion Healthcare Co, Ltd.!"

Tammy Virdi

Tammy Virdi

MSL

at Celltrion Healthcare Co, Ltd

"'....all the modules and associates really helped me understand the job and interview aspects really well. Meera specially helped me a lot prepare for the 8 interviews (written, analytical, on-site, assessments). She was very prompt in responding to my questions and concerns and really helped me keep my morale whenever I felt I might loose this position.... This is something I was looking for in a job so it is perfect for me."

Haymanti Bhanot

Haymanti Bhanot

Editorial

at Elsevier

"Going with Nyxoah! Thank you for all your help Isaiah!"

Pratik Chhatbar

Pratik Chhatbar

Senior Clinical Research Scientist

at Nxyoah

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Senior Actuary, Pricing at HDI Seguros!"

Claudia Wehrhahn

Claudia Wehrhahn

Senior Actuary, Pricing

at HDI Seguros

"I would like to express my appreciation and assure that your school was eye-openning, thanks! I registered on your course 2 months ago and from total ghosting I ended up with a dream job in biotech."

Petro Starokadomskyy

Petro Starokadomskyy

Senior Scientist

at Kyverna Therapeutics

"I accepted my job offer today. I was able to get 5k more + the exact PTO package I wanted. I am very happy and very thankful for everything that I learned through the event. I plan to stay involved with Cheeky Scientist as I love what y'all are doing and I'm still learning."

Tracy Gardner, PhD

Tracy Gardner, PhD

Senior Measurement Advisor

at Pearson

"I am delighted to announce that I have accepted the role of Research Scientist with a base salary of 90k. The cheeky scientist resources have helped me immensely and I am really grateful."

Amninder Singh Sekhon

Amninder Singh Sekhon

Research Scientist

"I got a job offer from a pharma company, which I am going to accept..thank you for your amazing support!"

Gonzalo Rosso

Gonzalo Rosso

Formulation Scientist

at Coriolis Scientist

"I am THRILLED to share that I am starting a new position... my sincerest thanks and gratitude to all the inspirational people who've I met along the way in my journey as an aspiring MSL, who helped make this happen."

Leandra Mangieri

Leandra Mangieri

Medical Science Liaison

at Allergan Aesthetics

Similar Articles

Have A PhD And Over 40 Years Old? Better Do This

Have A PhD And Over 40 Years Old? Better Do This

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Isaiah, I’ve got 15 years of experience, a PhD, and more publications than I can count, yet no one seems to want to hire me.  What am I doing wrong?”  I hear this from PhDs over the age of 40 who are struggling to get their foot in the door, and the truth is, your age and experience may be working against you in today’s job market.  Employers, especially younger hiring managers, may see you as overqualified, set in your ways, or not as easily trainable as a younger candidate.  The unfortunate reality is that ageism is rampant in today’s…

Why PhDs Are Mentally Tough (& How They Use It To Get Hired)

Why PhDs Are Mentally Tough (& How They Use It To Get Hired)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Isaiah, I’m at my wit’s end.  I’ve applied to countless jobs, networked extensively, and still, nothing.  It feels like I’m just spinning my wheels.”  This is a sentiment I hear often from PhDs who are navigating the challenging waters of the job market.  The frustration and mental fatigue are real, especially when you’re used to achieving high levels of success in academia.  But let’s get one thing straight – you are not alone, and this is not the end.  It’s just a bump in the road.  Yes, the job search is grueling.  There’s no sugar-coating it.  But here’s the thing…

3 Entry-Level PhD Jobs Pay Six Figures A Year

3 Entry-Level PhD Jobs Pay Six Figures A Year

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

I was determined to stay in academia… until I wasn’t.  It took almost six years for me to reach the conclusion that academia just wasn’t for me.  My PhD defense was just a few months away, and I can’t lie: I was literally willing myself to stick it out. But what about after that? Professorship had been the goal for me before I ever even enrolled in college. It had been my dream. I had absolutely no idea what to do if it wasn’t going to teach. I knew what I didn’t want: I didn’t want to be tethered to…

5 Positions In Biopharma Perfect For Any PhD

5 Positions In Biopharma Perfect For Any PhD

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

It was by chance that I even considered a career in biopharma.  As far as I was concerned, academia was all there was. The world of industry was a big question mark to me, and that was fine. I found myself working on a postdoc, waiting for a tenure-track position to open up.  At first, it was exciting: a real, paying job as a PhD-level scientist. I showed up early, stayed late, and was happy to do it.  But a change happened, gradually. There was so much repetition in my day, and so much emphasis on performing tasks that required…

Top 5 Industry Career Tracks For PhDs

Top 5 Industry Career Tracks For PhDs

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

From the time I started graduate school, there was only one point in the future that I could focus on: the finish line. I was swept up in my own expectations and also caught up in what I thought was expected of me. But something I hadn’t given much thought to was what I actually wanted to do. I was about six months away from defending my thesis. That’s when I started to give some serious thought to what would happen after I added the “Dr.” to my name. It’s when I began to admit to myself that academia was…

Spin The Hard Knocks Of Academia To Your Advantage To Get Hired

Spin The Hard Knocks Of Academia To Your Advantage To Get Hired

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Something that comes up a lot when I talk to new PhDs is that they think they don’t have enough on-the-job experience to apply for the high earning jobs they’re perfect for. I see this imposter syndrome prevent PhDs from even trying to apply for jobs – and puts a stop to their journey to getting hired in industry. So they settle.  For academia, where they don’t have job security.  For jobs that pay less and don’t value their abilities.  For a job they’re not interested in and don’t want, but they think it gets them “started” in industry when…

6 Rewarding Careers In Research Policy, Funding & Government

6 Rewarding Careers In Research Policy, Funding & Government

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

An indomitable spirit is a rare quality, but not among PhDs. Perseverance is a prerequisite that comes standard with every doctorate.  It seems like there’s no shortage of things that can stand in the way when you’re pursuing a terminal degree. Yet I’ve only met a handful of PhDs who weren’t cut out for the hardships of academia. They made it past the gauntlet of frustrating academic advisors, endless hours in the lab, and year upon year of compounding stress. But there are some things that arise that you simply can’t prepare yourself to push through. Sometimes life happens. PhDs…

Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies January 7, 2023

Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies January 7, 2023

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Every week, we at Cheeky Scientist scour the Internet for the best articles on topics that help in the search for the Best of Transition: PhD Job Search in the industry. Our two consultants independently search for the most informative articles in the categories of networking, CVs/resumes, interviews, transferable skills, academic blues, industry positions, and business acumen. Our consultants vote on a top article for each category and a top overall article for the week – if it’s a recent article that can help readers find and acquire PhD jobs, then we want to include it in this weekly digest.…

4 Red-Hot Intellectual Property Positions For PhDs

4 Red-Hot Intellectual Property Positions For PhDs

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

I just got off the phone with an old friend of mine.  We were researchers at the same lab back in our university days. We had lost touch, but when he found me on LinkedIn I couldn’t wait to hear what he’s done since graduation.  He told me he had not wound up in chemistry, which had been his major. Biomolecular chemistry, he reminded me. Instead, he decided to pursue a career in patent law.  Here’s his transition story: I was in the process of earning my PhD in biomolecular chemistry. That’s where I learned that patents were unrecognized by…

Our Members Get Hired At Top Industry Companies

Top Industry Career eBooks

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD & Arunodoy Sur, PhD

Learn about the best 63 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs – all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it.

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes.

AI & ATS Resume Filters

AI & ATS Resume Filters

Isaiah Hankel

In today's competitive job market, understanding the impact of AI is crucial for career success. This involves ensuring your resume stands out in the digital realm, mastering your online presence, and being aware of how AI assigns reputation scores. Discovering how to leverage AI to your advantage is essential, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping professional opportunities.

Complete LinkedIn Guide For PhDs

Complete LinkedIn Guide For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel

The LinkedIn tips & strategies within have helped PhDs from every background get hired into top industry careers.