Career Options in Scientific Writing
Marco P. Cicero, PhD Medical Writer DesignWrite
The Primary Objectives of Scientific (Medical) Writing
• Communicate scientific and clinical data to a range of audiences in a wide variety of formats • Writers combine their knowledge of science and their research skills to present information at the right level for the target audience
Types of Writers
• Medical • Technical • Regulatory • Journalism • Marketing
What do Medical Writers Produce?
• Journal articles • Multimedia (CD-ROMs) • Internet content • Posters and abstracts • Monographs • Slide presentations
Where do Medical Writers Work?
• Academic medical centers • Associations • Pharmaceutical companies • Medical communication agencies • Contract research organizations (CROs) • Publishers (journals and textbooks) • Websites
DesignWrite
• Medical Communications company in Princeton, NJ • 100 total employees • 16 medical writers with PhDs in the life sciences • Therapeutic areas:
• Infectious Disease • Oncology/Hematology • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Pain Management • Hypertension • Diabetes • Cardiovascular • Hormone Replacement • Reproductive Health • Respiratory/Allergy • Cholesterol • Wound healing
“Typical” Day on the Job
8:00 – 9:00 9:00 – 9:30 9:30 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:30 11:30 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:30 12:30 – 2:00 2:00 – 3:30 3:30 – 4:00 4:00 – 5:30 5:30 – 6:00 Scan recent articles, respond to emails Phone calls Revise manuscript #1 Attend teleconference with client Finish manuscript revisions, give to editor Lunch (check journals for relevant new articles) Work on slide presentation for Dr. Smith Attend meeting for launch of new project Meet with art department to check posters Prepare manuscript #2 for submission to journal Collect new journal articles
Is Medical Writing for you?
• Enjoy writing • Ability to write well • Good interpersonal skills • Detail-oriented • Must meet deadlines! • Multi-tasking essential • Ability to learn on the job
Professional Skills
• Advanced degree • Computer skills – MS Office, Reference managing software, Med Lit search • Not required but helpful: – Pharmacology course – Basic statistics – Understanding of medical terminology
Disadvantages of Medical Writing
• Leaving bench science • Unknown contributor • Job security • Stress • Long hours
Advantages of Medical Writing
• Still involved in science • High demand • Ease of switching jobs • Paves way for various opportunities • Travel • Pays well
Income by Educational Level
Education Level Associate degree or below Bachelors Masters Advanced
Mean Income ($) 45,300 61,800 66,700 78,400
AMWA. 2002 Salary Survey.
Income by Primary Employer
Primary Employer University or medical school Pharmaceutical company Association or professional society Journalism or publishing Communication or advertising Healthcare organization Contract research organization
AMWA. 2002 Salary Survey.
Mean Income ($) 55,100 78,100 56,500 54,900 63,600 53,800 64,100
Pharmaceutical vs Smaller Companies
• Pharmaceuticals – Job stability and benefits – Limited therapeutic areas – Small piece in the puzzle – New ideas are slow to be accepted • Smaller Companies – Wider range of projects and responsibilities – Bigger impact – Quicker advancement within the company – More pressure, less stability
Freelancing
• Pros – No boss – Make your own hours – Work from anywhere – Can pay well (typically $50 - $100 per hour) • Cons – Search for clients and business – Unsteady income – No paid vacations or benefits – Administration and collection of fees
The Job Search
• Carefully prepare your c.v. and cover letter – Stress communications skills • Apply for all reasonable positions • Take advantage of internet applications
Improving Your Writing Skills
• Literature – “The Science of Science Writing,” George D. Gopen and Judith A. Swan, American Scientist, Vol 78, Nov-Dec 1990. – “Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace,” by th Joseph M. Williams, 6th Edition, 2000. • Take a course – Medical writing programs offered at Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of the Sciences – AMWA workshops
Web Resources
• Medical Writing – American Medical Writer Association • www.amwa.org – European Medical Writers Association • www.emwa.org – Science’s Next Wave • Job Sites – Pharmaceuticalcareers.com – Science Careers, Naturejobs.com – Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com
Thank You
mcicero@dwrite.com