Working as a writer in medical communications, need something different but not sure what

[needachangenow]

I'm currently working as a junior writer in healthcare communications. I like the writing aspect of my job and that it's related to my degree (Biochemistry), but I don't like the client-facing aspect.

I've been looking and looking for different job opportunities but can't find anything to go into. I don't have a PhD which prevents me working for a scientific journal. I've thought about regulatory writing but it seems difficult to get into without experience in regulatory writing.

I like the idea of doing desk research e.g. meta-analyses, or working in-house as a writer.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

Regulatory writing is very technical and specific so hard to get into but really desirable and lucrative if you can.
There may be entry level positions available with some companies though who want to train you up as experienced regulatory writers/publishers are hard to find.
Can you look for a Medical writing position with a company that does Reg writing and try and transition across?

@Hoppinggreen

Regulatory writing is very technical and specific so hard to get into but really desirable and lucrative if you can. There may be entry level positions available with some companies though who want to train you up as experienced regulatory writers/publishers are hard to find. Can you look for a Medical writing position with a company that does Reg writing and try and transition across?

That's a good idea, thank you! Do you have experience in regulatory writing?

I'm wondering if regulatory writing companies have a different "feel" to med comms agencies? I don't really like the culture at my current agency, I feel like I don't really fit in there. In contrast, when I was in academia I felt very comfortable.

I'm trying to find something that involves science and writing but is less marketing and commercialised.

Heathcare policy?

Healthcare policy, I mean.

Medical copywriting? Or copy-editing? The latter may be less client-facing.
Publications officer for a Healthcare Regional Team in the NHS?

Meant to say; It’s not particularly unusual to move between (broadly) comms and policy in a career. I see it quite often. There’s a lot of drafting in policy work. At the crossroads between the two is campaigning, which might appeal more?

Everyone is always bemoaning the lack of people with a solid science background. I think you can afford to be bold in what you apply for. If you can also financially afford to step down a grade, it will be easier still.

I'm really interested in doing this for a career too. It's hard to know what's out there, but I've definitely got the scientific background.

Comms or policy @BreakingUpWithMyPhone ?

Different med comes agencies operate their client accounts in different ways. Even within the agency I work at currently,some accounts have client contact for the writers and others don’t - it is led by the client services team.

What is it about the client contact that you dislike? Finding a role that is a better match for you may not mean leaving med comma entirely.

@Thoosa I like the idea of working in healthcare policy

@gingerhills I like those suggestions too, I used to work for the NHS and would love to again but in more of a writing kind of role. I've done some research but can't find much out there that's entry-level though

@JennyWren I've had some bad experiences with difficult clients and I find presenting my work to clients really stressful. When looking at other med comms agencies most do mention client contact in their job descriptions for writers so I think it would be hard to find a position that allows me to avoid it

If you can finance it and want a CV boost to get you on your way I’ve heard good things about Birmingham, York and UCL courses but some of the others look good, too. Some of them are available PT/flexible and this is the perfect time of year to apply;

www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/conversion-courses?extra-criteria=21366&keyword=health%20economics&featuredCourses=140885&page=0

www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/conversion-courses?extra-criteria=21366&keyword=health%20policy&featuredCourses=139792%2C140885&page=0

My experience is in Sales and Marketing with a Regulatory company so no direct experience of medical writing personally but I worked with both external and internal writers and publishers to answer your question.
Generally the writers had more work than they could handle so it’s a good area to get into if you can

I've worked in healthcare 20+ both private and NHS, but really not sure what your current job does? Sorry. I might be way off but some ideas:

• Proof reading for science subjects at high school or uni students? A friend does proof reading but in a different subject area. Its not full time, but if he only works part time elsewhere and really enjoys it.

• Regulatory/quality assurance in clinical research studies. They often have to write medical documents and procedures

• I would have thought that with a biochemistry degree, then a lab type role would be perfect as no client facing? Maybe you did majors in writing and not the lab side?

@Thoosa, I'm not completely sure!

I love the aspects of my current career that involve writing, and wonder whether I could change career to do more of it I suppose. I don't know anyone who does this kind of thing though, so I feel uninformed.

Grant and bid writer for a healthcare charity.