These days, you can find podcasts on just about any topic – and, thankfully, there are plenty of interesting and helpful podcasts for health and medical writers. Here are our top picks to get you started.
Health literacy, video, misinformation: HCRR #11
The spread of misinformation, weaponised health communication, and more – browse the latest health communication research here.
Freelance career growth – what are your options?
Whether you’re an aspiring or professional freelance writer, career growth is a key – and ongoing – consideration. Here are some questions to help you think about your future options.
How young people (14-22) use the internet to research their health
We already know that adults around the world are prolific internet users. But what about teens and young people – do they have the same internet behaviours as adults?
Integrity in a post-truth world: lessons from AMWA 2018
At AMWA 2018, a hundred or so health and medical communicators gathered in Melbourne for two days to explore the theory behind the concept of integrity in medical communication. Delegates from Australia and New Zealand heard from science communicators, journal editors, news reporters, content marketers and business owners about how to maintain integrity in challenging […]
Fitness apps, sugar, medication bias, digital tech: HCRR #10
The Health Communication Research Review highlights new and exciting research in health and medical communication. This series aims to give you ideas and inspiration for creating effective, useful health content that makes a difference. Click on the links to read the full studies (some articles may require a fee). Working out content for Chinese fitness […]
Is humour an effective health communication strategy?
If you write online health content for the general public, should you consider upskilling in a bit of humour writing?
Is Reddit a useful source of health information?
We know that people turn to user-generated content on social media to research their health concerns, but how influential is this health information?
And, more importantly, how does this type of influence impact the health content we create?
Delivering bad news in writing: an evidence-based approach
While there are many evidence-based writing techniques we can use to engage readers to try and get their full, undivided attention, controlling how our readers react to bad news is just as important as engagement. So, if you’re working on a project that requires you to deliver bad news, what’s the most appropriate communication strategy?
Superheroes, antivaxxers, cultural messages, Reddit: HCRR #9
The Health Communication Research Review highlights new and exciting research in health and medical communication. This series aims to give you ideas and inspiration for creating effective, useful health content that makes a difference.
Tips on writing a successful medical ethics column
Daniel Sokol, lawyer and medical ethicist, has just been shortlisted for the ‘Best Columnist of the Year (Consumer Media)’ award at the PPA Awards 2018 (“the Oscars of the UK publishing industry”). In 2015, Daniel won ‘Best Column’ at the UK Medical Journalists’ Association Awards. In this article, he gives aspiring medical columnist some tips for success.
Transitioning to freelance life? Ask yourself these questions first
If you’re contemplating a move from working as an employed health writer to working for yourself, it’s important to realise the magnitude of this decision. Working as a freelance health writer has the potential to change your hours, job purpose and even personal life.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy in writing
Had The Lancet not published their now retracted article, “Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children” by Andrew Wakefield et al. in 1998, perhaps we wouldn’t be facing one of the most significant public health challenges of our time.
Fear-mongering and scare tactics in writing: do they work?
Fear-mongering and scare tactics are used in public health campaigns to drive behavioural changes. We see fear in headlines for online articles, food label warnings, pamphlets and brochures. But how effective are these fear-based messages?
Health writing checklist: free downloadable list
Producing clear, accurate and engaging health content for a lay or consumer audience can seem extremely daunting. My clear health writing checklist helps you break down the art and science of clear health writing.