Why I Wrote a Book About CME Writing (And Why You Should Care)

Growing demand for continuing medical education (CME) has created unprecedented opportunities for medical writers. When I started in CME almost 20 years ago, there was no roadmap for specializing in #CME content development.

I learned through trial and error – and now I'm sharing those lessons with you in my new book WriteCME Roadmap, How to Thrive in Continuing Medical Education with No Experience, No Network, and No Clue, published October 31, 2024 (Tilt Publishing).

The Hidden Opportunity in Medical Writing

Most aspiring medical writers don't realize that CME writing exists as a specialty. They focus on regulatory writing, journal articles, patient education, or medical communications. But CME is a multi-billion dollar industry with multiple opportunities for skilled writers to create content that supports and educates health professionals.

In fact, CME is the sweet spot for anyone with a clinical, academic, or science background who wants to become a medical writer and offers unique advantages for medical writers:

• Consistent demand: Healthcare professionals need ongoing education to maintain licensure and stay up-to-date with standards of care
• Creative freedom: Unlike regulatory writing, CME allows you to craft engaging narratives and work across multiple formats (slide decks, patient cases, quizzes, games, and more)
• Higher rates: Specialized expertise commands premium compensation
• Professional growth: Work directly with medical experts, leading education institutions, and build an expert niche

Common Challenges in CME Writing

Through mentoring scores of writers over the years, I've noticed recurring obstacles:

1. Understanding the CME ecosystem: Writers struggle to tease out the complex regulatory environment of CME (ACCME criteria, commercial support standards), the key players, (accreditors, educational providers, faculty, commercial supporters), and best practices.

2. Creating engaging content: Making complex topics accessible to learners without oversimplification requires developing specialized knowledge. To shift from good to great you need to apply adult learning principles, craft measurable learning objectives, and appreciate outcomes measurement requirements.

3. Building credibility: Writers often face the "experience paradox". Landing those first few clients without prior CME experience can be tough, especially without CME-specific portfolio samples. And if you are unfamiliar with the CME landscape, it's challenging to position your services.

4. Scaling your business: When you're ready to move from occasional projects to consistent CME work, how do you find those initial clients? CME opportunities are not easily visible and it's challenging to identify the decision-makers. And when you do land a client, how do you price your services?

What's Changed in CME

The field has evolved dramatically since I started:

• Digital transformation: Virtual learning platforms demand new content approaches. Content is becoming shorter, hyperlinked, and highly visual.
• Outcomes focus: There's greater emphasis on measuring behavioral and clinical practice change.
• Regulatory shifts: Updated guidelines affect how we develop content.
• Market expansion: More opportunities are out there for medical writers but there's also increased competition.

Why I Wrote WriteCME Roadmap

This book addresses the questions I wish I'd had answers to when starting out:

• How do you break into CME writing?
• What skills and knowledge are essential?
• How do you create content that meets accreditation requirements?
• Where do you find high-paying clients?
• How do you scale from freelancer to business owner?

Join the Conversation

To celebrate the book's release, I'm hosting an interactive launch party on November 13th at 8am PST.

What to Expect:

• Participation: I've lined up some engaging activities to make this more than just a typical webinar!
• Discovery: Learn one simple strategy to find CME clients.
• Discussion: Connect with your peers and ask me anything to gain insights into the world of CME writing.
• Prizes and Giveaways: Win copies of WriteCME Roadmap, exclusive access to 1:1 coaching packages, WriteCME Pro memberships, and tools & resources for your CME writing journey. Oh, and a chance to win a ticket to a new program to help you launch and grow a sustainable CME writing business.

Register for the launch party here.

What's Next?

The field of CME writing continues to evolve, offering exciting opportunities for medical writers willing to develop specialized expertise. Whether you're just starting your medical writing journey or looking to expand your service offerings, I'd love to help you navigate this rewarding niche.

Drop a comment below with your biggest question about CME writing, and don't forget to register for the launch party!

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#MedicalWriting #CME #ContinuingEducation

Alexandra Howson PhD, CHCP, FACEhp is a CME writing specialist with almost 20 years of experience developing accredited continuing education programs for healthcare professionals. Through WriteCME Pro and the Write Medicine podcast, Alex helps medical writers launch and grow build a sustainable CME writing niche. Her latest book is WriteCME Roadmap, How to Thrive in Continuing Medical Education with No Experience, No Network, and No Clue.