The Importance of Medical Writing
Medical is a science and art of healing, and it encompasses many fields of study, practice, and research. Medical scientists use the methods of physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and statistics to study living organisms and their parts, disease processes, and ways to prevent or cure illness.
Medical doctors are the practitioners of medicine, and their training varies around the world, but all have the same basic requirements: an undergraduate degree; medical school, usually followed by residency (or a similar clinical internship); and then board certification in their chosen specialty. There are two main medical degrees in the United States: a Doctor of Medicine (abbreviated M.D.) and a Doctor of Osteopathy (abbreviated D.O). Both require years of education and rigorous application, but the differences in training are small.
Historically, much of medicine was considered an art, with strong connections to the religious and philosophical beliefs of a culture. However, in recent centuries, as medicine has become more a scientific discipline, the art of medicine has merged with knowledge and understanding of biological and physical processes. For example, while the stitching technique for sutures is an art learned through practice and skill, the science of what happens at the cellular and molecular levels when the stitches are placed has changed the way surgery is performed.
The scientific disciplines that make up modern medicine include anatomy (the study of structure), biochemistry, cytology, embryology, endocrinology, epidemiology, genetics, histology, immunology, and microbiology. These disciplines are essential for understanding how the human body works, and they have greatly influenced medical diagnosis and treatment.
Another important field of modern medicine is clinical pharmacology, which involves the development, evaluation, and monitoring of medicinal drugs. The pharmaceutical industry relies on this field for the discovery of new medicines.
Technical medical writing is required for all of these fields, but perhaps the most critical role it plays is in the area of public health, combating the spread of misinformation that can lead to public panic (as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic). The skills of the best medical writers are in high demand, as is their expertise in translating complex medical information into material that’s understandable by non-specialists.
Medical is a science and art of healing, and it encompasses many fields of study, practice, and research. Medical scientists use the methods of physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and statistics to study living organisms and their parts, disease processes, and ways to prevent or cure illness. Medical doctors are the practitioners of medicine, and their training varies around the world, but all have the same basic requirements: an undergraduate degree; medical school, usually followed by residency (or a similar clinical internship); and then board certification in their chosen specialty. There are two main medical degrees in the United States: a Doctor of Medicine (abbreviated M.D.) and a Doctor of Osteopathy (abbreviated D.O). Both require years of education and rigorous application, but the differences in training are small. Historically, much of medicine was considered an art, with strong connections to the religious and philosophical beliefs of a culture. However, in recent centuries, as medicine has become more a scientific discipline, the art of medicine has merged with knowledge and understanding of biological and physical processes. For example, while the stitching technique for sutures is an art learned through practice and skill, the science of what happens at the cellular and molecular levels when the stitches are placed has changed the way surgery is performed. The scientific disciplines that make up modern medicine include anatomy (the study of structure), biochemistry, cytology, embryology, endocrinology, epidemiology, genetics, histology, immunology, and microbiology. These disciplines are essential for understanding how the human body works, and they have greatly influenced medical diagnosis and treatment. Another important field of modern medicine is clinical pharmacology, which involves the development, evaluation, and monitoring of medicinal drugs. The pharmaceutical industry relies on this field for the discovery of new medicines. Technical medical writing is required for all of these fields, but perhaps the most critical role it plays is in the area of public health, combating the spread of misinformation that can lead to public panic (as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic). The skills of the best medical writers are in high demand, as is their expertise in translating complex medical information into material that’s understandable by non-specialists.