---
title: AMWA Blog | Health communication
description: Health communication | For professional medical writers, medical editors, and medical communicators, the AMWA blog offers relevant and accessible information plus insightful best practices in the field of medical communication.
---
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# AMWA Blog
## [Health Communication Strategies for Reaching a Public Audience](https://blog.amwa.org/health-communication-strategies-to-connect-with-a-public-audience)
As health misinformation spreads and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widely used, the need for clear, accurate health communication continues to grow. For writers interested in health communication, it is crucial to understand key strategies for effectively communicating health information to the general public.
August 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/health-communication-strategies-to-connect-with-a-public-audience)
## [What Do Medical Copywriters Do? Skills, Education, and Career Paths](https://blog.amwa.org/what-do-medical-copywriters-do-skills-education-and-career-paths)
Behind every successful health communication campaign is clear, compelling writing—and medical copywriters are often the ones making that happen. This type of medical writing offers diverse opportunities to influence awareness, behavior, and decision-making in health care.
February 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/what-do-medical-copywriters-do-skills-education-and-career-paths)
## [Basics of Graphical Abstracts: For Medical Communicators](https://blog.amwa.org/basics-of-graphical-abstracts-for-medical-communicators)
Scientific and medical journal articles are adopting new ways to share research. Increasingly, they are using graphical abstracts—visual representations of research findings that help readers quickly grasp the main findings. For medical writers, understanding the **basics of graphical abstracts** is essential, both to support authors and to increase the visibility of research.
October 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/basics-of-graphical-abstracts-for-medical-communicators)
## [Medical SEO in an AI-Centered World](https://blog.amwa.org/medical-seo-in-an-ai-centered-world)
As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the digital landscape, medical writers and health communication professionals must adapt their content strategies to stay relevant in search engine optimization (SEO). AI-driven search algorithms are reshaping the way health care content is ranked and discovered online. In this evolving environment, content must be clear and concise while balancing the need for accuracy in health communication.
April 28, 2025 at 3:11 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/medical-seo-in-an-ai-centered-world)
## [Harnessing the Power of Health Communication on Social Media](https://blog.amwa.org/harnessing-the-power-of-health-communication-on-social-media)
Millions of people log in to one or more social media sites every day, and patients and families are increasingly seeking health information online. This merging of digital media and health care realms makes it imperative that health care organizations, clinicians, researchers, and medical communicators engage with audiences on social media channels.
April 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/harnessing-the-power-of-health-communication-on-social-media)
## [Exploring Visual Communication in Health Care](https://blog.amwa.org/exploring-visual-communication-in-health-care)
With so much digital content vying for our attention, medical communicators need to harness the power of visual communication. Otherwise, high-quality health care messaging could end up buried in a sea of social media reels and misleading posts.
Today’s medical communicators have access to tools for creating engaging visual content. Visual elements such as graphs, maps, infographics, and images can keep health care content visible to target audiences while elevating health care communication in significant ways.
October 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/exploring-visual-communication-in-health-care)
## [Sharing Key Information with Consumers through Health Care and Medical Public Relations (PR)](https://blog.amwa.org/sharing-key-information-with-consumers-through-health-care-and-medical-public-relations-pr)
Health care or medical public relations (PR) is a growing niche for medical communicators that involves translating and sharing complex medical information with a general audience of patients and consumers.
Public relations professionals—both freelance and those employed by companies—play important roles by sharing news of medical discoveries, promoting products, and educating consumers.
June 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/sharing-key-information-with-consumers-through-health-care-and-medical-public-relations-pr)
## [Successful Health and Medicine Communication in Earned, Owned, and Social Media: A Case Study](https://blog.amwa.org/successful-health-and-medicine-communication-in-earned-owned-and-social-media-a-case-study)
This article was written by Bill Ostrem, PhD, and is based on content presented by Abbie Miller, MWC, at the AMWA Medical Writing & Communication Conference. Additional session reports are available in the [AMWA Journal](http://amwajournal.org/).
---
Today's communication and media landscape offers medical writers a multitude of venues or "channels" for their writing. How do you as a medical writer choose an appropriate channel for a given purpose? And how do you tailor your message for that channel?
March 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/successful-health-and-medicine-communication-in-earned-owned-and-social-media-a-case-study)
## [Furthering the Public’s Understanding of Science with Plain Language Summaries](https://blog.amwa.org/furthering-the-publics-understanding-of-science-with-plain-language-summaries)
In recent years, medical communicators have been creating documents called plain language summaries (PLS) to help patients, caregivers, and the general public to better understand the latest scientific findings and clinical trial results.
The terms *plain language summaries (PLS)*, *plain language summaries (PLS) for clinical trials*, *plain language summaries for publication (PLSP)*, and *plain language writing* can be confusing — and are sometimes used interchangeably. Although each term has a different application, the documents share a single goal: to work toward inclusion and empowerment of nonexpert audiences.
January 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/furthering-the-publics-understanding-of-science-with-plain-language-summaries)
## [An Introduction to Equity Science and Medical Writing](https://blog.amwa.org/an-introduction-to-equity-science-and-medical-writing)
We do not live in a world where everyone — regardless of race, gender, gender identity, disability status, or income level — has the same access to high-quality health care, adequate housing, or nutrition. As a result, health outcomes are vastly unequal, causing marginalized populations to experience lower life expectancies and higher levels of preventable diseases.
November 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/an-introduction-to-equity-science-and-medical-writing)
## [Resources for Writing for a Global Audience](https://blog.amwa.org/resources-for-writing-for-a-global-audience)
We live in an increasingly globalized world, and the field of medical communication is no exception. In fact, most medical writers and editors are creating materials for a global scientific audience.
A number of helpful resources, online and in print, exist to help people write clear, translatable prose for global audiences.
October 17, 2023 at 8:25 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/resources-for-writing-for-a-global-audience)
## [The Past, Present, and Future of Medical Misinformation](https://blog.amwa.org/the-past-present-and-future-of-medical-misinformation)
[Fake political news](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/false-news-travels-6-times-faster-on-twitter-than-truthful-news) has dominated the headlines over the past few years, but the proliferation of science denial and misinformation about health and medicine has also caused widespread concern.
August 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/the-past-present-and-future-of-medical-misinformation)
## [Using PEMAT to Create Effective Patient Education Materials](https://blog.amwa.org/using-pemat-to-create-effective-patient-education-materials)
If patients and consumers don’t understand patient education materials — or don't know what action to take after reading or viewing them — those materials aren’t doing their job.
The result could be confusion, disengagement, or poor health outcomes.
But how do we know whether health education materials are effective? One important health literacy tool that is used to assess patient education materials is the [Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT).](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/patient-education/pemat.html)
March 6, 2023 at 2:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/using-pemat-to-create-effective-patient-education-materials)
## [Telling It Like It Is: Informed Consent in Health Care](https://blog.amwa.org/informed-consent-in-healthcare)
*By Charlotte Crowder, MPH, ELS, Freelance Medical Writer and Editor*
Use these tips to help [medical writers](https://info.amwa.org/medical-writing-a-professionals-guide-to-advancing-your-career) create plain language, ethically sound informed consent documents with easy-to-read formats for participants in investigative clinical trials.
September 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/informed-consent-in-healthcare)
## [Helping Patients Make Informed Choices by Writing Decision Aids](https://blog.amwa.org/helping-patients-make-informed-choices-by-writing-decision-aids)
*This blog is based on content presented by Kathi Whitman, MA, Senior Medical Writer/Project Manager, Intermountain Healthcare, at the AMWA Medical Writing & Communication Conference and published in* AMWA Journal *v 31 n 4.*
Making medical decisions can be challenging and frustrating. So many options and possible treatments exist, and doctors aren’t supposed to tell patients what to do.
One of the more direct applications of [medical writing](https://info.amwa.org/medical-writing-a-professionals-guide-to-advancing-your-career) skills is helping patients to make informed choices about their health care.
March 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/helping-patients-make-informed-choices-by-writing-decision-aids)
## [3 Tips for Success in Medical Journalism](https://blog.amwa.org/3-tips-for-success-in-medical-journalism)
As a medical writer, chances are high that you’ve crafted a document or two without your byline attached. After all, much of the content medical writers create doesn’t require authorship. If you’re interested in [advancing your career](https://info.amwa.org/medical-writing-a-professionals-guide-to-advancing-your-career) and seeing your name in print, consider medical journalism. Nurturing relationships with publications that focus on health and well-being for a public audience is also a smart move for [freelance medical writers](https://info.amwa.org/expert-tips-for-freelance-medical-writing). Having bylined publications can fortify your position as an expert in medical communication.
June 7, 2021 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/3-tips-for-success-in-medical-journalism)
## [5 Tips for Equity and Inclusion in Medical Writing and Editing](https://blog.amwa.org/equity-inclusion-tips)
**Talking so everyone can hear**
We have heard the words “equity” and “inclusion” many times in recent months. But we may not all have connected them with our work as writers and editors in health, medicine, and science. **How can medical communicators help create a more equitable, inclusive world?**
As writers and editors, we can play a role in giving all people the opportunity to understand and use health information so that they can participate in clinical trials, understand their health care providers’ instructions, and take other actions that help reduce and eradicate social, economic, and health disparities.
April 26, 2021 at 2:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/equity-inclusion-tips)
## [5 Tips for Being an Excellent Health Communication Specialist](https://blog.amwa.org/5-tips-for-being-an-excellent-health-communication-specialist)
To work in health communication, you need both detailed knowledge about health care and marketing and the ability to manage a variety of editorial and writing tasks.
Whether you’re starting out in health communication or considering a shift from another type of medical communication or [medical writing](https://info.amwa.org/medical-writing-a-professionals-guide-to-advancing-your-career), these tips can help you succeed.
April 6, 2020 at 12:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/5-tips-for-being-an-excellent-health-communication-specialist)
## [6 Steps to Writing Health Content That Moves People](https://blog.amwa.org/six-steps-to-writing-health-content-that-moves-people)
*This article is based on content presented by [Debbie Dakins](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-dakins-90a0102/) and [Colleen Cronin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-cronin/), at the AMWA [Medical Writing](https://info.amwa.org/medical-writing-a-professionals-guide-to-advancing-your-career) & Communication Conference. It was originally published in the* [AMWA Journal](https://www.amwa.org/page/Journal)*.*
You’ve heard the phrase “Put words into action”? Well that, my friends, is what I’m going to attempt to do here. In this recap of the 2016 AMWA conference presentation “Six Steps to Writing Content That Moves People,” I will try to apply what I learned from Debbie Dakins and Colleen Cronin’s tips to help writers create informational materials for the general public that can inspire and motivate people to make changes to improve their health and wellbeing.
December 2, 2019 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/six-steps-to-writing-health-content-that-moves-people)
## [The Medical Writer’s Role in Promoting Shared Decision Making](https://blog.amwa.org/the-medical-writers-role-in-promoting-shared-decision-making)
*This article is based on content presented by [Kathi Whitman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/incredibleenglish/), MA, at the AMWA Medical Writing & Communication Conference. It was originally published in the* [AMWA Journal](https://www.amwa.org/page/Journal)*.*
Imagine your loved one has been newly diagnosed with a chronic disease such as end-stage renal disease, breast cancer, or obstructive sleep apnea. Owing to the stressful diagnosis, your loved one may have trouble taking in new information and choosing among numerous treatment options within a limited time. Can your [medical writing](https://info.amwa.org/medical-writing-a-professionals-guide-to-advancing-your-career) skills help this difficult process?
November 4, 2019 at 1:00 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/the-medical-writers-role-in-promoting-shared-decision-making)
## [3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing for Lay Audiences](https://blog.amwa.org/3-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-writing-for-lay-audiences)
As medical writers, the heart of our work is to convey information to a specific audience. Writing for patients, we are trusted with interpreting highly technical information to educate, protect, enable, and empower our readers. The result of poor understanding can be directly harmful to health. However, successfully informing patients leads to better health outcomes, including more preventative care and [fewer hospitalizations](https://health.gov/communication/literacy/quickguide/Quickguide.pdf).
In this post I offer 3 questions that will help you use plain language effectively and successfully when writing for lay audiences.
October 28, 2019 at 5:30 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/3-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-writing-for-lay-audiences)
## [Building a Health-Literate Society \[Communication Strategies\]](https://blog.amwa.org/building-a-health-literate-society)
Health literacy is important for improving people’s long-term health and quality of life. In an ideal society, health literacy would be high and people would regularly take preventative measures to protect their health, manage chronic conditions, and have better health outcomes.
July 8, 2019 at 5:30 PM
[Read More](https://blog.amwa.org/building-a-health-literate-society)
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