Preview the Topics that You Will Discover Here

A Directory of All Published Articles by Category and Topic

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If you’re an aspiring or early-career medical writer, this blog is for you. It provides practical guidance, credible insights, and real-world perspectives from fellow medical writers to help you build skills and navigate the field with confidence.

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Articles on This Blog

Articles on the Med Writer’s Notebook fall into two main categories: Research/Evidence-Based Articles and How-To Articles.

Both formats are perspective series, meaning multiple contributors share their experiences, insights, and strategies on the same topic. This allows readers to see different approaches, weigh options, and develop their own informed perspective.

Research/Evidence-Based Articles

These articles summarize peer-reviewed studies or credible evidence and explore what the findings mean for early-career medical writers. Each article includes at least one reference, along with personal interpretation and actionable takeaways.

Topics include:

• Adult Learning Principles in Medical Writing: Apply experiential learning, feedback, and self-direction to improve writing skills.

  • Read the first contributor article here.

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• AI and Learning: Examine how AI tools affect skill development, decision-making, and learning strategies.

  • Start reading the perspective series here.

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• Essential Lessons for CME Writing: Summarize the key knowledge, skills, core concepts and deliverables for continuing medical education

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• Ethical Use of AI in Medical Writing: Discuss limitations of AI, fact-checking methods, and disclosure requirements.

  • Read the first contributor article here.

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• Ethics in Publication Planning: Review research on the role of medical writers, discuss ethical considerations, and highlight how writers can support clarity, accuracy, and effective communication.

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• Helping Graduate Students Write Better: Methods to improve writing skills before transitioning into medical writing.

  • Start reading the perspective series here.

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• Imposter Syndrome Among Medical Writers: Explore strategies to manage self-doubt and maintain confidence.

  • Read the first article from my perspective here.

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• Managing Information Overload: Strategies to stay up-to-date with literature without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Read the first contributor article here.

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• Transitioning from Toxic Work Environments: Address how past toxic workplaces shape expectations, confidence, and collaboration, and suggest strategies for rebuilding professional resilience.

  • Read the first contributor article here.

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• Value of Medical Writing Workshops: Evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of workshops and tools to measure improvement.

  • Read the first article from my perspective here.

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Each article draws on evidence while including multiple perspectives, so you can compare approaches and learn from real-world experience.

How-To Articles

These articles focus on practical strategies to help early-career writers tackle everyday challenges. References are optional, and the content emphasizes actionable steps.

Topics include:

• Building a Peer Community: Overcome isolation and find supportive peers.

  • Read the first article from my perspective here.

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• Feedback Management: Organize and apply reviewer comments effectively.

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• File Organization: Structure documents and folders to save time.

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• Learning from Examples: Analyze sample projects to create original work.

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• Optimizing Microsoft Office Use: Tips for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in medical writing.

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• Professional Branding: Build a credible online and offline presence.

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• Simplifying Complex Topics: Make technical content clear and accessible.

  • Read the first contributor article here.

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• Workflow Optimization: Develop methods to work effectively, reduce stress, and prevent missed deadlines.

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• Writer’s Block: Identify causes and restart stalled projects.

  • Read the first contributor article here.

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• Navigating Team Dynamics: Communicate effectively with editors, art departments, and project managers.

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Together, these two types of articles offer a mix of research, practical guidance, and multiple perspectives. Subscribing will give you access to actionable insights, real-world commentary, and strategies from writers who have navigated the challenges you face.

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I have also created bite-sized lessons that relate to the content in the articles and build on the medical writing career guidance available in the Training Resource Center on my website.

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Your Contribution

We encourage you to join the conversation by sharing questions, experiences, or suggestions in the comments or through the contact links. Your input helps spark discussion, bring in diverse perspectives, and guide future content while supporting your own growth as a medical writer.

If you are interested in contributing to the blog as a writer or editor, fill out the Google form application, and you will receive a follow-up email with further instructions.