Training the Medical Writers of the Future Using a Structured Entry-Level Program: A Life Sciences Communications Agency Perspective

Abstract

Ensuring that associate medical writers are set up for success requires a well-planned entry-level program that integrates training sessions with on-the-job experience. We describe how we have crafted our program for entrylevel candidates starting from our interview process and moving to our training program, how we embed them into teams and provide on the-job training, how our support network is structured, and how we measure success. Feedback from recent participants in our training program offers valuable hands-on insights. A robust foundation of publication training is key to the development of our medical writers, providing skills and helping them develop many of the key attributes that underpin success, including attention to detail, effective storytelling, and industry compliance. Our profession is not static, and training programs need to be agile and pivot quickly to accommodate evolving industry standards, new technologies, and fluctuating client and audience needs and challenges. Staying up to date with future developments in medical writing is crucial, and we do our utmost to train and support our team and futureproof our training, so our junior writers are well equipped to excel and have fulfilling careers in the life sciences communication industry.