In the health and medical fields, technical communicators are also known as medical communicators. Medical communications is the translation of complicated information into easily understood material, applied specifically to the health, medical, and pharmaceutical fields.
Some of the projects that medical communicators might work on include:
- medical conference abstracts and posters
- government and industry regulatory documents
- grant proposals
- patient education materials
- marketing and advertising copy materials
- journal articles
Medical communicators can be broadly categorized into two groups, each offering a distinct career track. Scientific medical communicators target a highly specialized audience (e.g., healthcare professionals or scientists), and their projects can be focused on specific content. These communicators typically have an advanced degree or extensive training in a medical or scientific field.
Non-scientific medical communicators work on projects for a broader audience. They may write for both professionals and the general public, but the content of their work is generally less technical. These communicators typically have a Journalism, Communications, or English degree.
Despite the varied backgrounds, medical communicators share some common attributes. They have an interest in or aptitude for learning about medical topics and writing. Those who find success in the field also tend to be deadline-driven, enjoy the process of research, and have the ability to think and write clearly and logically.
Medical communicators can find work in a variety of places. They may work with biopharmaceutical companies, foundations, medical communications companies, hospitals, non-profit associations, educational institutes, or in the government. They may also freelance.
There is often no typical path to getting started. Some work as healthcare professionals or scientists for many years and gradually take on more communications work. Other people work as general communicators for a while and build up a portfolio of health or medical related work. Some elect to take a formal course of study in medical communications.
For more information, the European Medical Writers Association has a great YouTube video that gives a brief five minute overview of medical writing. You can also check out the following sites:
American Medical Writers Association (with a Canadian chapter)
European Medical Writers Association
