Medical Writer CV: How to write a CV for this role (with example)
Also known as: healthcare writer, medical information analyst, medical editor, regulatory medical writer, medical publications associate, medical technical writer, research medical writer
A Medical Writer CV is more than just a list of scientific publications. It is a strategic document that demonstrates your ability to bridge the gap between complex research and clear, actionable medical communication. Whether you are aiming for a role in regulatory affairs, medical marketing, or clinical research, your resume must prove you can collaborate with experts and translate data into structured documentation.
This guide will walk you through the process of highlighting your specialized expertise, technical proficiencies, and healthcare communication experience. We will explore how to format your background to satisfy both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by major pharmaceutical and MedTech firms.
What does a Medical Writer do?
Medical Writers are essential links in the healthcare value chain, responsible for creating a wide variety of documents that range from regulatory submissions to educational materials for doctors. They take raw clinical data and transform it into structured reports, clinical study protocols, and patient education leaflets. The role requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, drug development processes, and strict adherence to ethical guidelines.
Success in this field involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, including principal investigators, clinicians, and regulatory managers. You are not just writing; you are ensuring that scientific claims are accurate, well-supported, and compliant with international standards like the FDA or EMA. Medical Writers often specialize in specific areas such as oncology, neurology, or cardiology, providing the deep domain expertise required to explain complex mechanisms of action or clinical trial results.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Authoring clinical study reports (CSRs), protocols, and Investigator Brochures (IBs).
- ➜ Drafting abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
- ➜ Collaborating with clinical trial teams to interpret data and ensure scientific accuracy.
- ➜ Developing content for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and healthcare marketing.
- ➜ Ensuring all documentation complies with AMA, ICH, and GPP guidelines.
- ➜ Managing the peer-review process for medical publications.
- ➜ Reviewing and editing scientific content for clarity, flow, and formatting consistency.
How to write a Medical Writer CV
To secure a competitive medical writing role, your CV should emphasize your scientific literacy and writing precision. You need to quickly communicate your ability to handle heavy data while maintaining readability. Focus on your therapeutic area expertise and your familiarity with the regulatory landscape.
01 CV Structure
A standard Medical Writer CV should follow a reverse-chronological format. Start with a professional header and a strong summary. Follow this with a dedicated skills section, detailed professional experience, and a specialized education/certification section. Given the nature of the role, a 'Selected Publications' or 'Project Portfolio' section is often included if you have peer-reviewed work.
02 Professional Summary
Your professional summary acts as your 'elevator pitch.' It should include your years of experience, primary therapeutic areas, and your most significant value proposition, such as experience with FDA submissions or high impact factor publications.
Example Summary
Senior Medical Writer with over 8 years of experience in regulatory and clinical writing for oncology and immunology. Proven track record of producing high-quality CSRs and manuscripts for Top 10 pharmaceutical companies. Adept at transforming complex datasets into clear, compliant documents while meeting strict project timelines.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Led the preparation of 4 successful New Drug Applications (NDAs) submitted to the FDA.
- ➜ Reduced manuscript turnaround time by 20% through the implementation of a new cross-functional review process.
- ➜ Co-authored 12 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals including The Lancet and NEJM.
- ➜ Managed a team of 3 junior writers to deliver a comprehensive suite of CME materials for a flagship cardiovascular drug launch.
Experience Guidelines
In the work experience section, focus on outcomes rather than just tasks. Use action verbs and quantify your impact whenever possible, such as the number of successful submissions or the speed of your project delivery cycles.
Education Guidelines
List your highest degrees first. Most Medical Writer roles require at least a Master’s degree or PhD in a life science (Biology, Pharmacology, etc.) or a PharmD. Include any relevant certifications like the AMWA or EMWA credentials.
Key skills for a Medical Writer
Technical Writing
Soft Skills
Tools & Compliance
Medical Writer CV example
The following example illustrates how a mid-to-senior level Medical Writer should structure their experience, emphasizing both regulatory competence and scientific storytelling.
Notes for adapting this example:
Tailor the 'Languages' and 'Therapeutic Areas' sections to match the specific job description. If you are applying for a regulatory role, highlight your ICH and FDA knowledge. If applying for medical communications, highlight your manuscript and CME experience.
Pro Tips for a Standout CV
List your therapeutic expertise (e.g., Oncology, Rare Diseases) clearly at the top of your resume.
Mention your familiarity with specific style guides like AMA, APA, or internal corporate standards.
Include a link to a digital portfolio or a list of DOIs for published works if allowed by confidentiality agreements.
Use keywords like 'cross-functional,' 'data interpretation,' and 'regulatory compliance' to pass ATS filters.
Highlight experience with document management systems like Veeva or Documentum.
Common Medical Writer CV Mistakes
Vague descriptions of writing projects without specifying the document type (e.g., CSR vs. Marketing piece).
Grammar or spelling errors, which are unforgivable for a role centered on writing precision.
Neglecting to mention regulatory knowledge (ICH-GCP) when applying for pharma roles.
Using overly technical jargon that a HR recruiter might not understand in the first screening.
Failure to quantify achievements, such as the number of submissions or pages authored.
FAQ about Medical Writer CVs
What is the average salary for a Medical Writer in the US?
As of 2024, the average salary for a Medical Writer in the United States typically ranges from $85,000 to $130,000 per year. Senior-level writers or those in specialized regulatory roles at major pharmaceutical companies can often earn upwards of $150,000 plus bonuses.
Do I need a PhD to be a Medical Writer?
While not strictly required, many employers prefer candidates with a PhD, PharmD, or MD due to the high level of scientific complexity involved. However, candidates with a Master's degree and significant clinical or writing experience can still be highly competitive.
Should I include my full publication list?
If your list is extensive, include only the most relevant or high-impact 'Selected Publications' on the CV. You can provide a full list as a separate addendum or via a link to your ORCID or LinkedIn profile.
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Build with VitaeLast updated: 1/5/2026