To succeed as a medical communicator, writers and editors must master essential technical skills such as medical terminology, grammar, and statistics. However, medical communicators who excel offer more than technical expertise.
What Are Soft Skills for Medical Writers?
Soft skills for medical writers, also known as transferable skills, are interpersonal competencies that help technically proficient medical writers stand out in their profession. Employers and clients want technically savvy professionals who are also creative, empathetic, and collaborative team players.
In an AMWA Journal article, Kelleen Flaherty, MS, explains that technical skills are only part of what makes “complete professionals.” She writes: “Soft skills were the kinds of things you learned in kindergarten, scouting, church, team sports, and yes, even from your parents and teachers.” Technical skills are important, but soft skills elevate your brand.
8 Top Soft Skills for Medical Writers
Successful medical writers rely on a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. These soft skills can help medical communicators collaborate effectively, build professional relationships, and advance their careers.
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Communication skills
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Time management
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Teamwork
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Critical thinking
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Ethics
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Conflict resolution
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Leadership
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Positive attitude
How Can Medical Writers Develop Soft Skills?
Developing strong soft skills takes practice and self-awareness. The following strategies can help medical writers strengthen these skills in the workplace.
Communication Skills
Sharpen your communication abilities by working on public speaking and presentation skills. Learn when to speak, what to say, and when to listen, and avoid interrupting. Cultivate flexibility with clients and coworkers, and understand when to compromise.
Etiquette
Put your phone and earbuds away during conversations and meetings. Be polite, say please and thank you regularly.
Time Management
Be early to meetings, don’t procrastinate, and never miss a deadline—coworkers need your work before they can do theirs.
Teamwork
Demonstrate your commitment to working toward a common goal. Participate in team‑building events. Collaborate, share ideas, and support coworkers.
Critical Thinking
Keep an open mind, think analytically and holistically, and use critical thinking whether you are a freelancer or an employee. Recognize and set aside biases and judge issues based on merit. Be the team member who calmly and effectively assimilates seemingly opposing views.
Ethics
Adhere to professional ethics because they safeguard patients’ health and well‑being. Reject all unethical behavior in business, medical, or personal areas. Don’t work for a company you don’t trust.
Conflict Resolution
Communicate effectively, use active listening techniques, and show empathy for others’ perspectives. These actions all improve conflict resolution skills, an area that many people shy away from.
Leadership Skills
Learn to motivate and guide others while also trusting them to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Leading with personal power, gained through demonstrating integrity and respect for others, can encourage others to engage in your goals and vision.
Positive Attitude
Remember that negativity and positivity are infectious. Maintaining a positive attitude toward team members and projects can strengthen collaboration and morale.
Other Ways to Strengthen Soft Skills
Additional soft skills can also help medical writers build stronger workplace relationships and professional habits.
Interpersonal Skills
Connect with the people you work with, even in remote and hybrid work environments. Interpersonal skills mean smiling, making eye contact, and listening to others.
Etiquette
Put your phone and earbuds away during conversations and meetings. Be polite, and say please and thank you regularly.
Self-Confidence
Trust your abilities and problem‑solving skills. No one is perfect, but self‑confident people aren’t afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. They tackle challenges head‑on, and that “can do” attitude is contagious. When you believe in yourself and your skills, others will reflect that energy.
Work Ethic
Take your work seriously, give it your best, show up on time, help your coworkers, and take on additional responsibility when possible. Set clear boundaries around time off to maintain your work‑life balance.
Mindful Respect
Be aware of demographic differences, such as age, race, ethnicity, physical ability, and marital and family status. Encourage and respect various perspectives. Recognize the unique contribution every team member provides.
Flaherty describes several other soft skills, including grace under pressure and flexibility. “There is no official list of soft skills. You can find many resources online, but rarely will two of them have the same set of skills, or group the skills the same way, or emphasize the same items as the most important skills.”
She recommends people identify soft skills they want to improve and work toward that goal.
Developing Soft Skills Over Time
“No one has all the soft skills,” writes Flaherty. “You are deluding yourself if you think you do.… You must recognize where you have challenges and try to improve them.”
To choose which soft skills to work on, medical writers can identify the qualities they appreciate in others and want to further develop in themselves. Then, they can objectively inventory their soft skills, noting areas of strength and areas to fine‑tune.
Why Soft Skills Matter for Medical Writing Careers
Strong soft skills are crucial tools for navigating the modern work environment. Technically savvy medical writers with strong soft skills make collaborative team members, positioning themselves, their projects, and their teams for sustained growth and future success.
This content was originally written by Kelleen Flaherty, MS, and was published on the AMWA blog in 2019. It has been rewritten/updated by AMWA for republication. AMWA acknowledges the contributions of Kathy Adamson, DVM, for peer review in the development of this AMWA resource.
