Getting into medical writing

This branch covers entry into medical writing, divided by the entry question: routes into the work, exploring the profession, transferable background and the first post. It leaves qualifications, applications and selection, pay, later specialisation, direct entry into freelancing, subsequent career moves and continuing development to neighbouring branches.

• Entering medical writing — varied routes, testing the fit, contacts, persistence and advice from established writers
• Where a newcomer can find out about medical writing — association resources, practitioner networks, introductory events and independent exploration
• Entering from your own background — transferable strengths and learning needs from different disciplines and careers
• The first medical writing post — employers offering training, experience before employment and expectations in the first job