I have had a couple of experiences working in healthcare marketing, public relations, and communications, so I know how hard it can be to get medical and pharmaceutical news to the right reporters.
Generally, it’s hard to stand out in the healthcare field because writers get a lot of pitches from PR firms, hospitals, drug companies, and other groups. If you don’t have links to authoritative voices who cover your beat, even the most amazing study or breakthrough could be missed.
Well, the days of desperately trying to get attention from the media are over. This article will help you get in touch with the medical reporters, publications, speakers, and trusted voices that really make a difference. After careful research, here is a list of 2024’s top medical journalists I have put together across every beat.
Key Points
- The best medical journalists have a strong background in both medical science and journalism skills.
- Medical journalists conduct rigorous evaluations of medical research, distinguishing high-quality studies from those that are less reliable.
- Building good contacts with healthcare professionals and actively engaging in medical conferences keeps them up to date on the newest trends and discoveries. T
What is a medical Journalist?
A medical Journalist is one kind of technical writer who focuses on subjects connected to medicine and health care. Many sectors use medical writers. They frequently provide information for academic institutions, manufacturing firms, pharmaceutical businesses, insurance companies, marketers, and publishers in addition to medical and healthcare facilities.
Medical writers may create content that is appropriate for several audiences, such as patients, healthcare providers, insurance providers, buyers of medical supplies, and members of the public. Here are a few instances of medical writing:
What Is Medical Journalism
Disseminating information about health care and medicine understandably and correctly should be the aim of any writer, whether they specialize in medical journalism or health communication. Medical journalists accomplish this by informing the public about research, medical news, and scientific discoveries. They serve as a link between the general public and experts in science and medicine.
Medical journalists contribute to numerous publications, including:
- Newspapers
- Print consumer publications (such as Psychology Today, Popular Science, Modern Healthcare, and Scientific American)
- Websites for radio and television
Salary for a Medical Journalist
In the United States, a medical journalist can expect to make $75,116 in total compensation per year, with an average salary of $64,843. The middle of the ranges from our unique Total Pay Estimate model, which is based on wages gathered from our users, is represented by these values, which are known as the median. The expected yearly increase in earnings is $10,273. Commissions, tips, profit-sharing, and cash bonuses are examples of additional compensation. Values that fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles of all pay data available for this role are represented by the “Most Likely Range”.
How to Become a Medical Journalist
If you want to become a medical writer, here are a few actions you may take to improve your chances of success:
#1. Consider Taking Specialist Classes
There are a range of official educational courses available for prospective medical journalists. These courses strengthen writing and editing mechanics while also covering manuscript preparation, subspecialties of medical writing, ethical considerations, writing for specialized audiences, and organization advice. Many of these courses also offer certifications, which can help you stand out for medical writing positions.
#2. Create a Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of sample work that shows what you are capable of. Starting, I know of a close friend who is a journalist, she had to establish a portfolio by working on spec pieces, which are unsolicited works created to appeal to a buyer or employer. To generate ideas for spec pieces, and research trends in medical writing and the medical industry in general. Which helped her discover a new medical technique that she wrote, about and included in her portfolio. She even sold and published the work, which benefited her resume.
Once you’ve gathered some professional examples, you may develop a digital portfolio to help you establish your online profile. Because it helped her display her work by providing examples that prospective employers can study and compare to the types of writing they need. As she said, she had to obtain permission from the company for which she authored these articles before posting them on her portfolio page, so consult with your supervisor about adding professional work first.
#3. Select a Path
Because of the wide range of businesses that recruit medical journalists, as well as the diversity of this area, it can be useful to determine the forms of writing in which you want to concentrate. Knowing this before pursuing certain professions will help you develop a more focused professional path. Consider your hobbies and strengths before deciding on a course of action. If you’re interested in public health, you may check into medical writing chances for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or consider working for the government.
#4. Get a College Degree
Though there is no set education requirement for medical journalists, employers are likely to expect candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. English, journalism, and mass communication are some of the most prevalent degree subjects for medical writers. Consider expanding your medical knowledge by completing additional classes in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Expertise in these areas can help you write more authoritatively about medical and health-related issues.
Some medical journalists may pursue advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree. This can provide even more opportunities to polish your writing skills and gain competence in medical language.
#5. Read Medical Journals
Reading high-quality writing is one of the finest methods to improve your writing skills. Try to read as much writing in your chosen field as you can. If you want to write for medical journals, for example, you should regularly research the journals that interest you. Familiarity with the content in your selected speciality exposes you to examples that you can emulate and keeps you up to date on trends in the style of writing you wish to produce.
The Top 2024 Medical Journalists
#1. Sarah Kliff
Sarah Kliff, who remains at the New York Times, delves further into healthcare issues than is typically covered in the news. Numerous of those examinations show the discrepancy between the well-meaning objectives of healthcare policy and its actual impact on citizens’ lives.
She also keeps up with daily events in the corridors of power, as evidenced by her archive at the New York Times. Despite this, she publishes at a remarkable rate and continues to produce long-form pieces.
Kliff, who frequently appears on various media platforms, is adept at bridging the gap between the human-scale accounts of the situation on the ground and the larger-picture influences impacting healthcare policy.
#2. Charles Ornstein
Charles Ornstein covers a wide range of news stories as a member of ProPublica, but the past year’s events have forced him to concentrate on covering healthcare. Naturally, this started with the COVID outbreak but has since expanded to include a variety of topics that are all loosely connected through characters in the fields of medicine, science, and government.
#4. Author Caitlin Owens of Axios Vitals
Axios provides daily doses of essential news across a broad range of subjects. Their healthcare-focused page delivers news and hot topics in a way that is quick and easy to peruse. Give Axios a few minutes, and they’ll catch you up on the stories that are relevant right now.
Caitlin Owens is a member of a small group that chooses and analyzes news articles about healthcare for the day. You should add this contact to your list immediately if your announcement has anything to do with public policy, ongoing government efforts, or a hot political topic. Being a highly skilled professional, she is accustomed to receiving requests and will be able to comprehend the importance of your statement concerning the healthcare and medical sectors.
#5. Glen Gilmore
The traditional definition of “journalist” has drastically shifted in the era of social media. People with significant internet followings who share their interests are now included in this newfound liberty. While some of those interests are fairly wide, others are occasionally very specific.
Include Glen Gilmore in the latter group. Gilmore is a champion for digital transformation across a wide range of company verticals, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between digitization and all forms of business growth. This covers accounts from the healthcare industry, especially those that highlight new technologically driven efficiencies. Glen Gilmore ought to be at the top of your media contacts list if this pertains to your PR.
#6. Julie Rovner is Kaiser Health News’ Chief Washington Correspondent
Jule Rovner has a large following on several media platforms, including journalists, medical experts, and people who are just interested in following developments in the field. She presently works for Kaiser Health News as the Chief Washington Correspondent.
Her regular podcast, What the Health? provides her with a forum to explore the most recent developments in healthcare engagingly and educationally. She also meets a who’s who of notable visitors from almost every major media outlet under the sun. She occasionally even invites senior legislators to join her for the best inside scoop on public policy related to healthcare issues.
#7. Dr. David Katz
This individual is a healthcare practitioner first and foremost, but they also maintain a reputation as an influential figure and information source for the media.
Dr. David Katz is currently involved in the medical community as a medical journalist, lecturer, author, and healthy lifestyle advocate, having accomplished nearly everything in the area of medicine. During the coronavirus outbreak, his profile has been substantially improved, and his Twitter feed demonstrates that, in between conversations, he reads and comments on almost everything.
#8. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is one of the most well-known figures when it comes to reaching a large audience. This may be the pinnacle of public relations, but it doesn’t hurt to try!
Some would argue that Gupta isn’t a “medical journalist” in this case; rather, it would be more appropriate to characterize her as a physician who provides authoritative commentary to media organizations. Nevertheless, he has a significant media presence, and his attention and mentions have the power to instantly make any revelation or advancement in healthcare or medicine widely known.
I can remember my company made every effort to present our PR story to Sanjay Gupta and some others. If it warrants this kind of attention. But keep in mind that this is a high threshold, so make sure to pack your media pitch with as much information as you can in the most visually appealing manner.
#9. Eric Topol
Eric Topol fills a gap in the media coverage of medical and healthcare news: the research component is frequently disregarded.
Topol is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in several different domains as the Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. In this role, he also has a deep involvement in the interactions between the government, the pharmaceutical industry, the medical field, and all other stakeholders in the healthcare system.
Topol frequently appears on radio, podcasts, and television. A national poll by Modern Healthcare named Topol the #1 most Influential medical leader in the United States, in addition to being the author of over a thousand articles and many books. That’s thinking leadership, how about it?
What is journalism as a career?
These professionals use television, radio, podcasts, and newspapers to investigate and report on current events. They collaborate with editors and other newsroom workers to identify and write stories, conduct interviews, and locate relevant sources.
What does a journalist do?
Journalists conduct research, write, edit, and organize news stories, features, and articles. Their work appears on television and radio, as well as in magazines, journals, and newspapers, the majority of which are available in both print and online formats.
Which type of journalism pays the most?
- Financial writer. Salary range: $32,000 to $104,500 per year.
- Political reporter. Salary range: $35,000 to $84,000 per year.
- Travel journalist. The annual salary ranges from $36,000 to $79,000.
- Job titles include investigative writer, multimedia journalist, feature reporter, reporter, and traffic reporter.
Which degree is best for journalism?
The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies is a three-year, globally approved program that provides a modern and multidisciplinary education that combines traditional journalism school courses with media studies, film studies, and marketing/public relations.
Conclusion
Medical journalism is a prestigious profession. Every day, medical writers describe, document, and share news and research that improves health outcomes and saves lives. Their responsibilities and opportunities are constantly changing, whether they’re writing peer-reviewed articles about clinical trials, marketing cutting-edge devices, educating healthcare professionals and the general public about new treatments, or writing grant proposals to fund innovative research.
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