4 Keepers that Will Serve You Well as a Medical Writer

Throughout my career as a medical writer, I have realized that the most recognized medical writers are writers who have kept 4 priorities in the fore-front of their minds. Three of these priorities are based in sound principles of good communication and one is based on a widely recognized and coveted multi-faceted personal value.

Keep Listening.  Receiving and giving feedback is one of the most crucial parts of good communication, and listening is a key part of getting feedback.  Sometimes the feedback may challenge your ability to listen.  Give your full attention to what is being said and avoid thinking about your own response.  By directing your attention to the message and away from your own response, you will be more certain of the message being delivered.  Learn to ask people for feedback and be willing to make some changes to improve your approach.  The more feedback you get, the more effective you will be.

Keep Informed.  In your role as a medical writer, you need to keep yourself informed about the changes that are occurring within the medical writing field, including regulations and guidelines, by seeking out continuing educational opportunities through the organizations you belong to, through the companies you work with, and through your own search efforts to identify relevant training, workshops, meetings and conferences.  In fact, you should have as a long-term personal goal to become known as an expert in medical writing, with objectives including presenting at staff meetings, writing articles for publication, and submitting abstracts to conferences.

Keep Networking.  Rather than sitting in your office waiting for someone to contact you, you could instead check in periodically with colleagues, team members and clients.  Use and develop your people skills and develop relationships with people you work with and get to know people who make decisions in the company.  A common mistake networkers make is not following up with their contacts.  Contact the people you meet, and start a dialogue.  An email that passes along some information, asks a question, or proposes a time and place for a meeting will prompt your reader to action.  Use these opportunities to make yourself useful before you “use” – people are more likely to respond to genuine interest.

Keep Your Credibility.  Take responsibility for what happens in your work.  Your supervisor or client wants to know you are in control of the situation.  Ducking accountability by looking for alibis or blaming others when bad news strikes will only make them question your credibility.  Keep your word, whether you have communicated it in writing or verbally.  Nothing else can erode your credibility faster than repeatedly breaking your promises.  Before you speak, take a minute to think and realistically promise what you know you can deliver.  In the long-run, maintaining your credibility is the best way to be successful.  It is also the best way to gain respect for yourself and your business.  You will eventually build a successful business with clients who will trust you and believe in your company.