How Jo Broke into Medical Writing – and What You Can Learn from Her Journey

As an aspiring or professional medical writer (MW), you probably know the role is so much more than ‘just writing.’ MWs translate complex science into meaningful stories that shape healthcare decisions, corporate strategy and impact patient lives.

But here’s the challenge: Breaking in to medical writing isn’t always straightforward.

There are a number of challenges:

• The minefield of trying to understand the myriad of roles in the medical writing space
• A lack of understanding in what hiring mangers and/or clients’ value in their MWs
• And competition for these lucrative, often remote positions, is fierce

I remember when I was transitioning into medical writing myself, I felt completely overwhelmed by all the unknowns.

So, how do you position yourself? What skills are employers really looking for? And how do you stand out in such a competitive space?

That’s why I love sharing stories from people who’ve done exactly that; made the leap into medical writing. These journeys show us not only that it’s possible, but also how it’s done.

In today’s post, I’m excited to spotlight Jo Mattocks, one of my clients who recently secured a role as a medical writer at one of the largest medical communications (MedComms) agencies, all in a remote position.

In my conversation with Jo, she shared insights that are invaluable if you’re looking to break into medical writing. She shares her backstory before MedComms, why she chose to be a MW, and how she broke in. She also provides key tips for other aspiring MWs.

So if you’re where Jo was just a few months ago, this video offers you practical guidance to help you take that first step to break in.

Breaking into medical writing can feel daunting, especially if you’re coming from academia, research, or another industry entirely. But Jo’s journey is proof that with the right strategy, persistence, and self-presentation, it’s absolutely possible.

Watch the Full Discussion Here: