Medical communications vs Medical writing: what’s the difference?
If you’ve been exploring a career in medical writing or medical communications, you’ve probably noticed these terms often used as if they mean the same thing. But are they really the same? What exactly is medical communications?
Table of Contents
What is medical communications?
Medical communications is a broad field that covers all the ways in which medical science and information about healthcare products are shared and distributed. This includes three main types of communication:
- Written Materials: Such as journal articles, press releases, patient information booklets, website content, and marketing materials.
- Video Content: Examples include YouTube videos and webinars.
- Audio Content: Such as podcasts and radio shows.
People working in medical communications can hold a variety of roles. Originally rooted in the pharmaceutical industry, where professionals ensure that drugs and medical devices meet regulatory standards, the field has now expanded to include work in hospital systems, biotech companies, and marketing agencies focused on healthcare.
What is medical writing?
Medical writing is a specific branch of medical communications that centers on creating written content. While both medical writers and medical communications professionals work to create and share information, medical writers specifically focus on producing written materials.
Although writing is a significant part of a medical writer’s job, it’s not the only task they handle.
Medical communications Vs medical writing
- Medical Communications: A Broad Field
Medical communications is a wide-ranging field that involves sharing and spreading information about medical science and healthcare products. It covers various types of communication, including:
- Written Materials: Journal articles, patient information booklets, website content, and marketing materials.
- Videos: Webinars, educational YouTube videos, and other visual content.
- Audio Content: Podcasts, radio shows, and similar formats.
People in medical communications can work in diverse roles, from ensuring that pharmaceutical products meet regulatory standards to creating marketing strategies for healthcare companies.
- Medical Writing: A Focused Subfield
Medical writing is a more specialized area within medical communications. It specifically deals with creating written content. Medical writers focus on producing documents like research articles, clinical study reports, and educational materials.
While writing is the main task for medical writers, they may also be involved in other activities, such as editing, reviewing, and ensuring that the content is accurate and clear.
Key Differences:
- Scope: Medical communications is a broader field that includes various forms of media, while medical writing focuses specifically on written materials.
- Roles: Medical communications professionals may work across different media, whereas medical writers concentrate on writing and related tasks.
Also read What Is Medical Communications?
Conclusion
Medical communications and medical writing are related but distinct areas. If you enjoy working with different types of media and have a broad interest in healthcare communication, medical communications might be for you. If you prefer focusing on writing and creating detailed, written content, then medical writing could be the perfect fit.
