I’ve always loved scientific communication, but honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d be a good fit as a medical writer. When I applied for entry-level jobs, the rejections left me feeling lost.
Taking the Plunge with Passion as My Guide
But then, I talked to some industry experts and received a much-needed push from a dear friend. Just before my second child arrived, I decided to take a leap of faith and start freelancing! It was scary, and yes, I hesitated before investing in coaching programs.
Free Resources to Fuel My Journey
Instead, I devoured all the fantastic free resources available. Emma Hitt Nichols, PhD insights were invaluable, and following Anand Devasthanam’s work gave me a clearer picture of what to expect as a medical writer. Joining the Cheeky Scientist community also helped me connect with amazing people in the field.
A Shared Mission: Helping Patients and Each Other
The more I connected, the more I realized something beautiful: everyone in medical writing shares a common goal – to improve patients’ quality of life. There’s another incredible aspect to this field – a genuine spirit of helping each other grow. It solidified my pull toward this amazing profession.
Upskilling and Finding My Groove
To further hone my writing, I took a fantastic free course on Coursera called “Writing in the Science” by Dr. Kristine Sainani. Don’t get me wrong, the first 18 months weren’t easy. It wasn’t until I started following Lori De Milto‘s cold-pitching advice that things really took off.
My Message to You: Don’t Give Up!
If you’re feeling unsure like I once did, here’s my message: perseverance is key! Keep going, and eventually, things will fall into place.
Looking for Support or a Medical Writer?
Are you an aspiring medical writer who needs an accountability partner on your journey? I’m here to help! Or, are you looking for a skilled writer who can create clear and engaging medical content? Reach out at sciencewritermj@gmail.com.