The world of medical writing thrives on clarity and precision. As we all know, it’s about conveying complex scientific information in a way that is easily understood by healthcare professionals and consumers alike.

So what happens when the language of medicine, often English, isn’t your native tongue?

For medical writers who speak English as a Second Language (ESL), the writing process is more complex.

It’s a question I asked in a recent LinkedIn post:

• Do ESL medical writers typically draft their ideas in their native language first and then translate them to English, or do they write directly in English from the outset?

The 55+ (and counting) responses revealed a diverse range of approaches, each highlighting the unique skillsets and strategies employed by ESL medical writers.

The bilingual advantage

Brigitta Mueller, MD, MHCM, shared her experience of effortlessly switching between languages, even dreaming in the dominant language of the country she’s visiting. This fluency allows ESL writers like her to leverage the strengths of both languages while crafting medical documents.

Imagine brainstorming ideas in your native language, where cultural nuances might flow more freely, and then translating those concepts into clear and concise English medical terminology.

Direct writing in English for efficiency

For some ESL medical writers, the most efficient approach is to write directly in English.

Like many others who commented, Basel Watfa, a medical writer and pharmacist, said: “I write in English without even thinking of my native language.”

This suggests a strong foundation in medical terminology and the ability to think and express complex ideas within the target language’s framework.

Bypassing the translation step altogether can streamline the writing process and ensure a consistent flow of thought.

Embracing English fluency

Luiza Erthal, a freelance medical writer, emphasised the importance of “thinking in English” throughout the writing process.

“From my experience, it’s a complete game changer to start thinking in English as we work in this language,” she shared in the comments.

This approach allows her to avoid the potential hurdles of translation and fosters a smoother workflow.

Imagine the mental shift required to not just write in English, but to actually think through the concepts and structure the information flow entirely within the target language.

This level of immersion, she suggests, can significantly enhance the quality and clarity of the final product.

Content-driven language choice for audience clarity

Mónica Faut, PhD, a medical writer and researcher, takes a content-specific approach.

“I write in the language that the article will be published in,” she explained. “It is easier for me to do it that way for many reasons, but the main reason is that I focus on the content and deliver it in a way that the target audience can understand.”

This approach acknowledges the importance of cultural context and the potential for misunderstandings when translating medical concepts across languages.

You can read 55+ more comments on the original post here.

Beyond translation: The unique skills of ESL medical writers

These diverse experiences showcase that successful ESL medical writing goes beyond simple translation. ESL writers bring a valuable skillset to the table, as highlighted in the comments by medical professionals:

• Medical terminology expertise: Understanding the nuances of medical terminology in English is crucial. This includes not just definitions, but also context-specific variations and subtle shades of meaning.
• Cultural sensitivity: Effective medical communication needs to be sensitive to the cultural background of the target audience. ESL writers might need to be extra mindful of avoiding idioms or references that could be misunderstood.

The value of multilingual expertise in medical communication

ESL medical writers are valuable assets in the field of medical communication, as many commenters pointed out.

Your multilingual abilities offer a distinct advantage in a globalised healthcare landscape.

• Global reach: You can bridge the communication gap by adapting medical information for diverse audiences across borders.
• Multicultural understanding: Your cultural awareness can ensure that medical information is presented in a way that resonates with different populations.
• Fresh perspectives: Your unique perspectives can enrich medical communication by bringing new viewpoints and approaches to the table.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the expertise of ESL medical writers will be increasingly important in ensuring accurate and accessible medical information for everyone.