Whether you’re an expert or are just starting out, there are certain medical writing skills and attributes that great health writers need.

People often tend to put a lot of emphasis on qualifications and writing experience.

But specific skills and attributes are just as – if not more – important than those things.

SIRO put a useful infographic together on what they believe every good medical writer requires and I’ve summarised these attributes below.

The top medical writing skills

Their top ten medical writing skills include the following.

1. Domain knowledge

Substantial knowledge of varied therapeutic areas, regulatory/scientific guidelines and key statistical concepts.

2. Knowing your audience

Understand your audience. Are you writing for regulators, scientists, doctors, or consumers and the general public?

3. Writing skills

Logical and succinct with accurate data interpretation and representation.

4. Data integrity

Maintain accuracy, consistency and security of data – using stringent document management systems.

5. Keeping yourself up to date

Keep abreast of new relevant information, and undergo regular training and online courses to enhance your skills.

6. Clarity

Establishes clear objectives, organises ideas and embraces creativity. Learn how to write quality content that your readers will understand.

7. Literature search

Uses well-planned search strategy, appropriate keywords and a variety of sources when researching journal articles and medical research papers.

8. An independent outlook

Performs critical content reviews, correctly interprets results, identifies potential limitations and discusses unexpected findings.

9. Interpersonal skills

Well-honed verbal, non-verbal and listening skills for problem solving, negotiation and decision-making.

10. Project management skills

Highly organised, proactive, respects metrics driven timelines and accountability for quality. Accepts responsibilities and delegates efficiently.

I would also argue that PASSION is a key medical writing skill.

If you’re a freelance healthcare writer, it makes sense that you’re passionate about your chosen career. Passion is what drives you forward and motivates you to care about the quality of your writing. Curiosity is also important – it’s a key journalistic trait but is extra important in health.

What are your must-have medical writing skills?