From Clinical Practice to Medical Writing: A Career Transition Guide (Medical Writing for Clinicians)

Considering the current health care landscape, it’s no surprise clinicians are increasingly looking for reprieve in the form of nonclinical career options, lucrative side hustles, and ways to flex their creative muscles. This book serves as the clinician’s guide to breaking into the field of medical writing. Whereas a number of books on writing instruction and research publication are available, no single resource instructs clinicians on how to get started in medical writing—until now. This book introduces readers to the medical writing landscape, including types of medical writing, differences between freelance and employed work, and what to expect as a clinician in this space. It also guides anyone with a clinical background on how to build a portfolio, find work, network effectively, price work, and, ultimately, find success as a medical writer. Armitage draws on a large knowledge base and extensive experience in the field to provide candid yet actionable advice to the aspiring clinician writer. Just like any other career move, transitioning into medical writing takes time and effort, but with the right resources and perseverance, it can be done.

Mandy Armitage, MD, is a physician, freelance writer, and coach to aspiring clinician writers.