Medical writing is often viewed as a solitary profession, with writers spending hours researching, synthesizing information, and crafting clear, engaging content. However, the reality is that thriving in the field of medical writing at any career stage requires more than strong writing skills.

Success in this field, especially for a freelance medical writer, is deeply tied to the strength of the medical writing community you build around yourself.

Whether you are a new or experienced medical writer, developing a network of peers, mentors, and collaborators can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for professional development.

In this blog, we’ll explore why a medical writing community is essential, the key benefits of medical writing mentorship and networking, and practical steps to build and engage with a supportive medical writing community.

The Power of Community for Medical Writers: Support, Growth, and Connection

No writer succeeds in isolation. Mentors, networks, and community are essential elements for professional growth. Let’s talk about mentors first.

Find a Mentor with Medical Writing Experience to Guide Your Career Growth

Medical writing involves mastering complex regulations, understanding medical terminology, and developing high-quality content across a broad range of therapy areas, especially in niches such as regulatory writing or continuing medical education (CME). A medical writing mentor can provide personalized guidance on these aspects. Mentors help with:

• Navigating Career Transitions – Moving from academia, clinical practice, or another professional niche into a medical writing career can feel overwhelming. A mentor helps support a growth mindset.

• Developing Specialized Skills – Some medical writing areas, like CME require a unique skill set. A mentor can offer insights into the knowledge and skills required to write needs assessments, outcomes reports, and evidence-based educational content.

• Avoiding Common Pitfalls – A good mentor provides practical advice about the broader responsibilities, client services, and soft skills necessary for medical communications and help you avoid relationship errors.

If you are new to medical writing, find a mentor through professional organizations, LinkedIn outreach, or join WriteCME Pro. If you have years of experience, consider mentoring new writers—it not only strengthens the community but also enhances your own expertise.

Explore Eleanor Steele's mentorship offerings through MedComms Mentor. For mentoring in healthcare advertising, seek out Top Medical Writer. WriteCME Pro is the premier mentoring program for writers trying to break into CME. 

Looking for a comprehensive guide on all things CME? Buy your copy of WriteCME Roadmap and start offering you CME medical writing services today!

Build A Network

Building a network is important as a medical writer. A network is a structured set of relationships that helps us exchange information, opportunities, or professional connections. Networks are often transactional, where the primary focus is on expanding contacts, exchanging knowledge, or advancing career opportunities. LinkedIn is the perfect example of a platform specifically designed for networking.

To build your medical writing network:

• Join and participate in professional associations – Become an active member of AMWA or the European Medical Writers Association. Attend events, participate in webinars, and volunteer for committees to increase visibility and connect with industry leaders.

• Share your knowledge and experiences – Join LinkedIn groups, Twitter/X or Reddit discussions, o CME-focused communities, like WriteCME Pro.

  • Write blog posts or LinkedIn articles on original research you might have done as an academic, medical writing best practices, your prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.

  • Host or join webinars to discuss challenges, share job postings, and exchange industry insights.

  • Actively comment on discussions, answer questions, and share useful resources to establish credibility and grow your professional network

While relationships in a network can be meaningful, they are typically less personal and do not require ongoing engagement to function. As Stanford sociologist Mark Granovetter explained in his seminal 1973 paper, The Strength of Weak Ties, networks are based on weak ties. They are valuable for spreading information and finding new opportunities, but not necessarily fostering strong emotional connections.

For this, we need community.

WriteCME Pro

Cultivate Your Life Sciences Community

A strong medical writing community is more than just a network—it’s a dynamic space where professionals come together to support, challenge, and uplift each other. In a field where much of our work is done in solitude, a supportive community serves as a powerful anchor, providing resources, wisdom, and encouragement to help you thrive.

Community is where writers can exchange feedback, brainstorm ideas, and find accountability to stay on track with our career and business goals.

The most effective communities thrive on generosity—giving more than you take fosters a cycle of shared knowledge and collective success. Whether you need a fresh perspective on a draft, guidance on pricing your services, or encouragement during a tough phase, your community is there to help.

Simply sharing a challenge or decision you’re working through can spark valuable insights from others who have faced similar situations. And because we all have moments of doubt, sometimes what you need most is a boost—a reminder that you’re on the right path.

So a strong professional community offers:

• Guidance – Learning about the practice of medical writing from both your peers and those with a wealth of experience will help you navigate challenges and industry nuances.

• Support – A community provides encouragement and reassurance when you face difficult projects or career decisions or feedback and encouragement as you build your portfolio samples. 

• Knowledge Sharing – Engaging with your community helps you stay updated on industry trends, compliance changes, and best practices and opens doors to freelance contracts and collaborations.

WriteCME Pro members highly value the sense of community and connection with peers to share struggles and project opportunities, as well as to receive guidance on negotiation, pricing, and project management, ask questions, and learn from others' experiences.

Combat Isolation in Community

We need community more than ever.

A strong medical writing community is not just about professional advancement—it’s about connecting with others in the field to combat the isolation that can come with freelance work. Being part of a community helps us build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging, by sharing knowledge, and supporting each other in a demanding and ever-evolving field.

Being a member of a community can help you actively network, enjoy mentorship, and engage in peer collaborations. By doing so, you can establish a thriving career in medical writing and contribute to a more knowledgeable, connected, and empowered medical writing field.

Take Your CME Writing Skills to the Next Level with WriteCME Pro

Are you ready to build your CME writing community? Learn more about how to break into CME and build a sustainable, specialized freelance medical writing business with WriteCME Pro. Receive comprehensive group coaching and one-on-one guidance as you grow your career as a CME medical writer. Join WriteCME Pro today!