"I'm a former medical transcriptionist (13 years' experience) with a B.A. in English; however, for the past six years, I have worked in Internet Marketing and Web development. While I have significant freelance writing experience, I have very little medical writing experience. I just filled out my applciation for the M.S. in Biomedical Writing at USP; however, I'm nervous about switching careers. Any advice?"

Most of us become nervous when we're about to embark on something new, so your nervousness is certainly understandable. You've applied to a great program that will give you a strong foundation in medical writing. Plus your experience as a medical transcriptionist, your degree in English, and even your background in internet marketing and web development, will all serve you well in your new career. Our advice: embrace your nervousness, but don't let it paralyze you. If you've read our first book, The Accidental Medical Writer, you know that neither of us had medical writing experience when we began. That didn't prevent us from building successful careers in the industry, and it shouldn't keep you from moving forward with your dream. Early in our careers, we both found mentors who offered advice and gave us opportunities. Finding your own mentor might be something you want to consider. Meanwhile, we will continue to be a "virtual" mentor to you through our books and this website, including the latest book in our series, Nude Mice And Other Medical Writing Terms You Need To Know. Good luck!

--Cyndy and Brian

"Hello! I am interested in medical writing. I have read your book. I have checked out the AMWA website. I am not sure what to do next. I have been a copyeditor for medical journals for 8 years, so I feel like the self-study workshops on grammar and punctuation might be a waste of money. What should I do next?? Thank you!"

Thanks for sending in your question. We're always delighted to advise up-and-coming medical writers. Your question is one we hear often from folks who are looking to break into the profession. Your experience as a copyeditor for medical journals will serve you well in this business and you are correct in believing that workshops on grammar and punctuation will not be the place for you to start. Although, you'll be surprised by what even an experienced writer or editor can learn in a basic AMWA workshop!

As for your next step, you should decide what type of medical writing you want to pursue, and whether you want to be an employee or a freelance. We believe medical writing can be divided into 3 broad categories: Regulatory, promotional, and educational. To learn more about the scope of medical writing, read through the tool kit for new medical writers created by our friend and colleague, Lori DeMilto, of the Delaware Valley Chapter of AMWA. You'll find lots of resources at this website, too, that will help you learn more about medical writing.

Once you decide what type of medical writing you want to do and how you want to work, the next step is to identify the companies that employ or purchase that type of writing. They include pharmaceutical companies, CROs (contract research organizations), medical education companies, medical communications companies, and medical advertising agencies. Of course, you could also decide you want to write for a medical journal or a hospital, or even start a health column in your local newspaper. As you can see, there lots of avenues for you to explore!

You should also become an AMWA member and start to attend meetings of your local chapter. There you'll be able to network with other medical writers and get a feel for the writing needs in your area.

If you decide to freelance, one final suggestion is to begin to promote yourself to prospective clients. An easy way to start doing this is to join an online social network for professionals, such as LinkedIn. Create a profile, seek out contacts, start discussions, and respond to discussions that are already ongoing. This is just one such network, others exist. Use this as a tool that will allow prospective future clients to get to know you. We can't stress enough the value of networking, especially virtual networking.

We wish you success in your future writing endeavors. Keep checking our website often for new information!

--Cyndy and Brian