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So, you want to be a medical ?

Claire Hawksworth, Angela Garcia-Perez, Medical is the same metaphors like describing the parts of a cell as Yvonne Anderson, and Steven J. Walker but different resembling a fried egg. Sonya Collins defends this Stgilesmedical, London (UK) and Berlin Headlines such as “Antibiotic resistance now a by quoting Professor Patricia Tomas, (Germany) global threat”,1 “Can burnt toast and roasted Programme Chair of the ’s potatoes cause cancer?”,2 and “Cofee: Te Master’s in Health and Correspondence to: behind the health claims”3 appear in the course: “A good health story makes readers feel Claire Hawksworth media daily. Tese articles are designed to engage, smart.”6 Stgilesmedical inform, or potentially shock a reader. Former Both medical and work Te Vestry House editor of New , Michael Kenward, under time pressure, but this can be particularly 60 St Giles High Street explains: intense in the or broadcasting world. London, WC2H 8LG, UK Here you may be asked to produce a story with Science is about explaining complex +44 0207 836 7110 just a few hours’ notice.7 Te temptation for the ideas that nobody wants to keep secret; [email protected] media is just to accept material already writen by is about explaining things a press ofcer working on behalf of industry, that everyone can understand but that some government, or a lobbying group. Also, you are might prefer to keep buried.4 Abstract unlikely to become rich. While many are What are the diferences between medical But what diferentiates medical journalism from employed as editors or staf reporters by a media journalism and medical writing? To fnd out, medical writing? Essential features are subject organisation, the competition is intense and the authors reviewed several health-related mater and delivering understandable, companies are cuting back. Unless they have publications and online resources, and impactful contents. Whereas medical writers established work streams, freelancers ofen interviewed two senior medical journalists. produce text on topics defned by the client or struggle to get published and face competition We learned that medical journalism demands institution that is primarily informative or from unpaid armateurs.8 an investigative nature, the ability to critically intended for regulatory bodies, the priority for evaluate evidence, and the ability to rapidly medical journalists is to narrate stories that will What medical journalists say produce engaging pieces of wide interest. It is engage and maintain interest until the last about their field: An interview a stimulating, sometimes fast-moving world, paragraph. Tis involves delving into the context with two senior journalists although ofen not well-paid. Print media is of what is being reported, seeking comments, To fnd out more about medical journalism, we becoming less common, and most journalistic speaking to independent experts, and interviewed two senior journalists with wide pieces are now published online or through highlighting both positive and negative aspects experience in medical journalism: Nigel Praities, social media. For those interested in a new of the story.5 According to Sonya Collins, the editor at Pulse , and Jacqui Wise, a career, excellent writing skills and an ability secret is to hook readers “with the stories of the freelance journalist who regularly writes for to learn quickly are probably more important real people afected by the science and painting Te BMJ. Between them, they have more than atributes than journalistic qualifcations. verbal pictures of hard-to-grasp concept”.6 Tis 35 years’ experience in medical journalism. Would-be medical journalists should keep in requires a high-level understanding of the science mind that with this power to infuence comes behind each piece. Her experiences as an How does medical journalism difer from responsibility. independent journalist soon refuted her medical writing? preconceptions that medical journalism “was dry, Nigel: Medical journalism is more fast-paced. We heartless and devoid of storytelling and poetry”.6 must react to stories emerging minute-by-minute. Introduction Target audiences are diferent: For medical Tere is a greater range of content too; as well as Many medical writers look over the fence at the journalists, it can range from healthcare , we also produce , opinion pieces, world of medical journalism and wonder what it professionals, providers, webinars, advice articles, is like and how some have reached prominent governing bod ies to and oppor tuni ties for cont- positions in leading publications or on TV. In this newspaper readers and inued professional dev el - article, we explore the diferences between television audiences. Tus, opment. medical journalism and medical writing and what target ing the narra tive is Jacqui: I would probably atributes are important for someone interested important. Some use the terms “medical in becoming a medical journalist. and healthcare professions journalism” and “medical may not feel comfort able writing” inter change ably. I with such a popular suppose medical journa - approach or using lism would involve geting

48 | December 2017 Medical Writing | Volume 26 Number 4 Hawksworth et al. – So, you want to be a medical journalist?

comments from experts, analysing , When I returned to the UK, I freelanced– shrank, and I stopped writing for them. or uncovering a new story. Medical writing is working from home. I have writen for many I enjoyed writing a feature for Te BMJ on a more summarising or exploring a topic. publications including Te Guardian, Bella, medical research scandal involving a German Top Sante, Te BMJ, Lancet Infectious Diseases, anaesthesiologist named Joachim Boldt. Almost What are the usual channels through which WHO Bulletin, and Pharmaceutical Journal, plus 90 fraudulent studies of his were withdrawn afer medical journalism is dissem i nated today? reports etc. for companies. it was found he fabricated study data. It was a Nigel: Trough print, online, social media, word fascinating story to write. I also enjoyed of mouth. Tere has been a revolution in recent How does one fnd a story and validate its interviewing the cancer patient and journalist years towards online and social – a very diferent accuracy? Steve Hewlet for a BMJ “Medicine and the model of communicating with your audience. Nigel: Depends on the story – if there is a , Media” feature. He was a lovely man who sadly Jacqui: , consumer , we can go to and confrm, then this is easily done. died only weeks afer talking to me. scientifc or professional journals, online Other times it is more complicated. You journals, websites, and publications from public need multiple sources and to consider What advice would you give on starting a relations or pharmaceutical companies. Tere has whether something is robust career in medical journalism? been a shif towards more online content. A lot enough to put into the public Nigel: My advice would be start writing of magazines aimed at doctors no longer exist or domain. and get it published – it does not only exist online, such as GP and Doctor. Jacqui: Sometimes a news or mater what it is or where. I started features editor asks me to write on out freelancing for Te Guardian, How do media channels difer? a subject and gives me a brief. simply pitching ideas to one of their Nigel: I enjoy them all. Tere is nothing like Sometimes I come up with an idea editors. Tere are no fxed holding a printed journal in your hands, but I also and contact them. Nowadays, I qualifcations, although a journalism really enjoy the instant reaction and two-way mainly write for Te BMJ for the news qualifcation is always helpful. conversations you can have online and through or features sections. Te story will usually We run internship programmes here social media. I learn so much through interacting be based on a piece of new research, report, or for new journalists, although competition is with readers – this is probably the area I enjoy the event. I would only cover something that came ferce. most. from a reputable peer reviewed journal or Jacqui: You need a scientifc background but not Jacqui: I started work as a news reporter on established body. I would contact experts to necessarily medicine – I have a biology degree. MIMS Magazine Weekly – a clinical magazine for check the validity of the story. You also need to be able to write, obviously! general practitioners (GPs) owned by Haymarket You also need some sort of journalistic training. that closed down some years ago, I then moved Is there a demand for medical stories? It’s harder nowadays to get training on the job – to Doctor – a larger for GPs Nigel: Tere is a huge interest in medical stories the big that used to exist for Doctor, that covered clinical and political news. I was frst as it has an impact on everyone. A good story is Pulse, GP, and other publications are no longer clinical editor and then news editor. Tis was one that gets picked up by the national media or there. Tis is a great shame as this was where enjoyable, as there was a large team of reporters TV news – this happens more ofen than you most people learnt a lot. and there was the pressure of daily deadlines. We think. had to compete with GP and Pulse to get the good Jacqui: I think demand is defnitely decreasing. What about remuneration and other stories and the best coverage of issues such as incentives? pay deals, the ARM (the British Medical What are your most exciting pieces of work to Nigel: No one does journalism for the money. Association’s annual meeting), health reforms, date? Tere are lots of freelance opportunities, as many and so on. Doctor, which was owned by Reed, has Nigel: Very hard to choose,but we have publications are understafed, and this area is so also since closed. I then moved to Te BMJ as campaigned for a number of years for additional complex. news editor. Tis was enjoyable in a diferent way support for struggling GPs and practices that are Jacqui: No, I don’t think it is that well paid. But – it was a more relaxed working environment about to close. Tis lobbying has helped lead it is fexible, and you can work from home a lot in-house for the British Medical to a major support package from of the time. Payment depends on where it is Association, and it was the National Health Service, published, the length, etc.: Roughly £120-£200 interesting working with and we have been praised for for a news story, £250-£500 for a feature. I doctors. At the time, there puting this on the national travelled a bit while on Doctor to cover scientifc were no in-house journalists agenda. conferences abroad, but that was when pharma - and so I com missioned Jacqui: I had a number of ceutical companies would pay your costs. Some freelance journ alists from features published in Te freelancers I know still get taken to conferences around the world to write Guardian in the late 1990s and by pharmaceutical companies to write stories or most of the news stories. I lef that was a thrill to see my conference reports. It can be stressful if you need to have my frst child and name in a national newspaper. to rely on journalism to pay your bills and you moved to South Africa for 6 years. Sadly, their health section then don’t have a regular outlet for your work.

www.emwa.org Volume 26 Number 4 | Medical Writing December 2017 | 49 So, you want to be a medical journalist? – Hawksworth et al.

Conclusion What are the exciting and interesting Box 1. Journalistic tips for Medical journalism demands an investigative aspects of medical journalism? investigating a story nature, the ability to critically evaluate evidence Nigel: You can make people laugh, cry, In a 2005 article published in and the ability to rapidly produce engaging pieces or feel angry, and perhaps occasionally, the Te Write Stuf,9 Jo of wide interest. It is a stimulating, sometime fast- change their view of the world. Tat is an Whelan gives the following moving career, although ofen not a well-paid incredible power – but also a tips for investigating a story: one. For those interested in medical journalism responsibility. 1. Never take press releases, as a career, excellent writing skills and an ability Jacqui: I enjoy working to deadlines; corporate publications, or to learn quickly are probably more important without one I would never get anything done. newspaper/magazine articles at face value. atributes than journalistic qualifcations or deep Te work can be interesting – although it can be 2. Get the background on your story. knowledge. very boring at times. Geting your head around a 3. Ask searching questions when you We end by paraphrasing our two complex topic and puting it across clearly can be interview people. contributors: very satisfying. Features involve a lot more work 4. Always get an independent expert to but are ultimately more satisfying than news. comment. Medical journalism has the potential to However, the good thing about writing a news 5. Be aware of people’s motivations, agendas, change somebody’s outlook on the world – story is that it can be “done and dusted” quickly, conficting interests, and possible with this opportunity comes great and then you can forget about it. I like the prejudices. responsibility. fexibility of working as a freelance journalist – 6. Don’t report statements as fact. Use great if you have kids and want to work from qualifying phrases like “according to Acknowledgements home. Kuritech”, or “says Dr X”. We are grateful to Jacqui Wise and Nigel Praities for their time and insight. Making the transition from magazines is a good way of seeking inspiration. medical writing to medical Approach companies using freelance writers, and Conflicts of interest journalism submit original pieces or suggest new ideas. If you Te authors declare no conficts of interest If you are a medical looking to are unsuccessful, ask for feedback to improve related to this article. transi tion to medical journalism, future submissions. Te websites for the your understanding of scientifc Association of British Science Writers References writing will help, but you will (www. absw.org.uk) and the Medical 1. Stephens P. Antibiotic resistance now need to be able to investigate and Journalists Association (www. ‘global threat’, WHO warns. 2014 [cited critically analyse and not only mjauk.org) are excellent 2017 July 13]. Available from: htp://www. summarize or describe. While it is resources and are used by bbc.co.uk/news/health-27204988. possible to be both a medical writer and a editors to source freelance 2. Senthilingam M. Can burnt toast and medical journalist, some may fnd switching journalists.5 roasted potatoes cause cancer? 2017 [cited between the diferent styles of writing Formal journalism 2017 July 13]. Available from: challenging.5 quali-fcations and in-depth htp://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/23/ As discussed, most commercial medical experience are an asset, but what health/burnt-toast-cancer-risk-roast- writing involves presenting data in the interests maters more than anything is a good potatoes-acrylamide-bn/index.html. of companies and organisations, medical writing style, a desire to disseminate scientifc 3. Hewings-Martin Y. Cofee: Te science journalism requires the evaluation of numerous stories, and the ability to learn quickly.10 You behind the health claims. 2017 [cited 2017 sources to deliver what should be a balanced and must love words. Catherine Murray writes July 13]. Available from: htp://www. unbiased story. Unfortunately, articles such as the “I love using words to reveal medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ one on burnt toast seem more intent on worrying the pictures emerging from the 318350.php. rather than informing the reader. In a 2005 fog of my sensations and I don’t 4. Association of British Science article,9 EMWA member Jo Whelan ofers feel satisfed Writers. So you want to be a sensible advice on “true” journalism rather than until I fnd the science writer? [cited 2017 uncritically accepting press releases or exact words October 08]. Available from: reproducing the work of others, a process which give shape htps://www. absw.org.uk/ nicknamed “churnalism” (Box 1). to those pictures. images/ stories/pdf/so-you- Diferent sources tend to ofer the same And the more I am able want-to-be-a-science- advice for budding medical journalists: Simply to create a whole picture writer.pdf. start writing, keep going, and reach out to a wide refect ing the com plex ity range of potential outlets. Researching the of reality, the happier I published content of journals, websites, and feel.” 11

50 | December 2017 Medical Writing | Volume 26 Number 4 Hawksworth et al. – So, you want to be a medical journalist?

Author information Claire Hawksworth is Research Lead and Project Manager at St Gilesmedical. She has a degree in medical biochemistry from University of Birmingham, with further qualifcations in autism and nutrition.

Angela Garcia-Perez is an intern medical writing at St Gilesmedical. She has degrees in biotechnology and drug innovation. She is currently fnishing a PhD in chemical biology at Warwick University.

Yvonne Anderson is Director and Compliance Lead at St Gilesmedical. She has an academic and commercial background in education and mental health.

Steven Walker is Scientifc Director at St Gilesmedical in London and Berlin. He has degrees in medicine, education and clinical 5. Whelan J. Medical journalism: Another 9. Whelan J. Medical journalism – a career oncology. Steven’s focus is on medical writing, way to write about science. Med Writ. move? Te Write Stuf. 2005;4(2):52–54. research and efective healthcare communi - 2015;24(4):219–21. 10. Health careers. Medical Journalism. [cited cation. 6. Collins S. Elements of storytelling in 2017 July 13]. Available from: medical journalism. Med Writ. htps://www. healthcareers.nhs.uk/ 2015;24(4):222 –4 i-am/working-health/information- 7. Association of British Science Writers. doctors/ alternative-roles- Science writing: Te basics. [cited 2017 doctors/medical-journalism. October 08]. Available from: htp://www. 11. Mary C. From science writing to absw.org.uk/fles/SYWTBASW_PDF journalism: How ‘Te Ghost Writer’ _MB1_1.pdf. changed my life. Medical Writing 8. Lederer E. Medical journalist – a dream 2013;22(2):63–4. job? Med Writ. 2013;22(2):150–151. Save the date

The 46th EMWA Conference in Barcelona, Spain May 1-5, 2018 Featuring a symposium on medical devices

www.emwa.org Volume 26 Number 4 | Medical Writing December 2017 | 51