3 Tendencies that May be Holding You Back as a Medical Writer

So you have been a medical writer for several years now and still you seem to be working on the same type of assignments. You also noticed that others who came in around the same time seem to be getting noticed and are getting the most visible projects. At this time you may be feeling a bit undervalued and maybe a little resentful. However, have you taken a personal assessment of your own behaviors lately? Below are 3 potential tendencies that may be working against you.

1.  Tending to take criticism of the document personally.  As writers, we need to learn from our mistakes and make the necessary changes to improve our writing. However, we should not take the criticism of a document as a personal attack on our character or on our ability to write clear and accurate prose. The intent of peer or team review is to ensure that all involved parties have the opportunity to read and confirm the integrity of the text, tables, and figures used to express the results of the clinical trial. In the end, these reviews should make for a stronger and more tightly written document.

To avoid the likelihood of receiving criticism of a personal nature, make an effort to involve or to interact with the people who are responsible and accountable for the content of the document.  Let’s face it, everyone has an ego. The more a person feels that he or she has been included in developing the document, the greater the likelihood his or her review will remained focused on the content rather than on personal preferences.

2.  Tending to let your writing speak for itself.  Writing is a static form of communication. Even if your prose is beyond reproach, it cannot address a reader’s immediate concern or question. Even with email, there is still a lag between receiving a question and formulating a reply. In dynamic situations such as seeking and exchanging opinions or developing a full understanding of the issues, verbal communication is still your best bet. Whether it’s to discuss results, review comments or formulate a course of action, your ability to state your point of view by choosing your words with the intent of making your message as clear as possible is crucial to your success as a medical writer. By employing good communication skills, others may view you as demonstrating the characteristics of strength, self respect, confidence, assertiveness and self control.

Fortunately, effective communication skills can be learned. It’s important to listen well, recognize nonverbal communication signals, manage stress, and stay connected to your emotions. Of course, it takes time and effort to develop these skills and become an effective communicator. The more effort and practice you put in, the more instinctive and spontaneous your communication skills will become.

3.  Tending to expect to be recognized. If you expect to be recognized as the go-to medical writer, you may be waiting in vain, especially when your peers are doing whatever it takes to show that they are the logical choice for the next big project. With the emergence of the global economy and the influx of new medical writing resources from around the globe, merely being a competent medical writer may not insure your place in the medical writing community. To be truly successful, a medical writer needs to incorporate new skills and hone personal attributes that will help him or her embrace medical writing within the context of a global environment. Not only will the new breed of medical writers be expected to write well, they will also be expected to plan and implement effective documentation processes, by using tools such as project management and workflow assessment, as well as contribute to best practices in planning, authoring, and reviewing. Medical writers will also be expected to be effective communicators, with knowledge of interpersonal communication and group dynamic strategies, who will foster greater understanding among colleagues of different gender, nationality, and culture.

To begin reinvesting in yourself, check with your HR department or Training group to see if there are courses available to you that focus on broadening your skill sets and personal attributes. There are also many online resources that are available for free or for a modest fee. Also inquire about a mentoring program within your company. A mentorship is a great way of learning about your organization as well as learning about how others have become successful. Alternatively, think about becoming a mentor. The potential benefits of being a mentor include broadening your skills and knowledge, increasing your personal and professional network, and seeing others develop from your experience.