Breaking Into Medical Writing: How to Find Your Place as an “Outsider” as a New Medical Writer

Do you ever feel like everyone else in medical writing already knows what they’re doing, and you’re just trying to get your foot in the door?

You’re not alone. Whether you're coming from clinical care, academia, journalism, or education, it's normal to feel like an outsider at the beginning.

The good news? That feeling doesn’t last. Most medical writers have stood exactly where you are now: curious, motivated, and unsure of the next step. There’s no single path into this work, and that’s one of the field’s greatest strengths. Medical writing has space for your experience, insight, and voice. Here’s how to start finding your place in it.

Looking for more direction on your medical writing career? Snag your copy of Chart Your CME Writing Path for a clear roadmap.

You Bring More Than You Think as a New Medical Writer

Are you feeling like an outsider? Or maybe like everyone else is more qualified or further along than you are?  Consider that you’re bringing something fresh to the table. A different lens can be a big strength in medical writing. Your background and perspective, whether it’s nursing, journalism, teaching, marketing, or lab work, have already given you a substantial suite of skills that matter here.

If you aren’t convinced, keep a watchful eye out for what some of us call “imposter syndrome” sneaking in. I prefer not to use that term because none of us are imposters, and many of us are routinely asked to navigate spaces that were not built for our success. If you do feel like an imposter, it’s certainly not a lack of skill or ability – it’s often a lack of representation or support. 

However, the sense that you aren’t quite good enough is surprisingly common for many of us, especially among high achievers who worry that they don’t really have what it takes. You may question whether you're truly prepared or smart enough, even when the proof is in the pudding. 

I’m here to tell you that if you’ve made it this far, you’re already bringing something valuable to this new medical writing career, and you likely possess more skill than you’re giving yourself credit for. The trick is learning to trust your gut, own what you’ve accomplished, and keep showing up anyway. 

The truth is, there’s no one “right” way to get into medical writing. People come from all sorts of paths, and that’s what makes this field so rich and diverse. If you’ve just made a career transition, you're not behind; you’re simply building something new, with experience that counts.

You don’t need to change who you are to belong here. You just need to see your strengths clearly and keep going.

Explore the Medical Writing Industry Before You Pick a Type of Medical Writing

When you're new to medical writing, it’s easy to feel like you need to pick a specific path right away. I would encourage you to do the opposite. Taking some time to try out a mix of patient education, regulatory writing, CME (continuing medical education) writing, and copywriting for different health brands is one of the best ways to figure out what fits.

Exploring all of your options will help you build new skills, learn about your preferences, and discover where your strengths really shine. You might love translating complex science for the public. You might thrive in the highly structured environment of regulatory work. 

You don’t need to know that today. Starting out with curiosity instead of certainty takes the pressure off and helps you stay open to new possibilities that you didn’t even know existed. That’s where real growth starts.

Interested in CME medical writing? Get your free CME competency score to start your path to becoming a CME medical writer.

Build a Health Writer Network From Day One in Your Medical Writing Career

If you're just getting started, it might feel too soon to start networking, but now is actually the perfect time. A strong freelance network can mean the difference between feeling stuck and building a career that grows along with you. According to Forbes, those who have strong connections get more referrals, find better opportunities, and feel more supported long term.

Start simple. Join spaces like AMWA, LinkedIn groups, and Slack communities for writers and healthcare professionals. Reach out to others, not to pitch, but to ask questions and learn. Informational interviews are a great way to connect without any of the added pressure. Show up with genuine curiosity instead of a sales pitch.

You don't need a polished title or years of experience to start building your network. What you do need is connection, and that starts with being human, showing up, and having conversations that go beyond just landing work. When relationships come first, work often follows.

Find Mentors You Trust as You Become a Medical Writer

Mentorship can come in many different forms. It might be a podcast, a blog, a course, or a person you follow who’s just a few steps ahead of you. What matters is finding the right guidance that feels like a good fit. Look for people whose tone, teaching style, and values feel in alignment with how you want to grow in your career.

That’s part of why I created WriteCME Pro - to give new medical writers a practical, welcoming space to build up their skills and confidence level. Whether it’s my blog, courses, or community, I’m always here to help give you some clarity on your next steps.

Want a mentor in your inbox once a week? Get Write Medicine Insider for tools, tips, and tactics on how to build a thriving medical writing career.

Why That First Client is a Turning Point For Your Career in Medical Writing

Landing your first client is an exciting time, but it’s more than just a paycheck. It’s a mindset shift. Suddenly, this idea of being a medical writer isn’t just something you’re working toward. It’s something you’re doing, and it can build a lot of momentum.

This is a process, and every small win counts. That first project? It’s proof that you’re on your way and that someone out there already sees the value in what you do.

It’s Not All or Nothing 

You don’t have to leap into freelance medical writing full-time to be considered “legitimate”. Many writers ease in while holding a part-time job or picking up contract work. This can be a smart way to give yourself the room you need to learn without the pressure to “make it” overnight.

Slow and steady growth builds confidence and skills that you can actually sustain. Each small step counts, whether it’s your first client, your first pitch, or your first published piece. Don’t feel as though you’re behind. You’re building something real, one thoughtful move at a time, and that’s how a sustainable freelance medical writing career is built.

You’re In the Right Place. Keep Going!

Let’s wrap up with this: you do belong here. Whether you’re just starting to explore or are already knee-deep in learning the ropes, your voice and your skills have a place in medical writing.

You don’t need to have it all figured out today. The path takes shape as you keep going, often with many twists and turns you didn’t see coming. You’ll likely try out different projects, learn what you like, figure out what to charge (and keep figuring it out), and build a wonderful community of freelance writers who are in it with you. Most people start out unsure and find clarity by actually doing. You’re allowed to do the same.

And if you’re looking for grounded guidance? You’re in the right place. My blog and the Write Medicine podcast are here to walk with you through the messy middle. And when you’re ready to go deeper, WriteCME Pro gives you the tools, training, and support to get hired in CME writing with a whole lot more clarity and confidence.

You don’t have to do this out alone. And you’re not behind – you’re just getting started!