Shows
Write MedicineBreaking into CME: The Ecosystem & OpportunitiesAre you struggling to understand how the CME industry works—who creates it, how it’s funded, and where freelance medical writers fit in? If breaking into CME writing feels like a mystery, this episode will give you the clarity you need.Navigating the CME ecosystem can be overwhelming for new writers. Understanding the industry structure, key players, and content types is essential to positioning yourself for success. This episode breaks down the CME landscape so you can confidently find your place and start building your career.
Learn how the CME...2025-08-0619 min
Write MedicineThe WriteCME Success Blueprint: Is CME Writing Right for You?Have you ever wondered if medical writing could be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path? If so, how do you know whether continuing medical education (CME) writing is the right specialty for you?CME writing is a thriving niche that allows writers to contribute to evidence-based education for healthcare professionals while building a sustainable freelance business. However, breaking into CME can feel overwhelming—What does it involve? Do you need a medical background? How do you get started? In this episode, we clear up the confusion and help you determine whether CME writing al...2025-07-3017 min
Write MedicineFrom Barbershops to Boardrooms: Pioneering CME in Unexpected SpacesHow do you design CME that reaches the communities most affected by HIV—and not just the clinicians who already have access?
If you're a CME professional grappling with how to address layered issues like stigma, housing insecurity, or racial disparities, you’re not alone. This episode dives into what it takes to create truly inclusive education—especially when traditional strategies fall short. Whether you’re designing education for clinicians or collaborating with community partners, you’ll find actionable ideas to bring your programming closer to the ground.
Specifically, you'll learn:
How to build auth...2025-06-2528 min
Write MedicineFrom Silos to Synergy: Designing CME for Real-World Healthcare Teams with Dr. Tina Patel GunaldoHow can continuing education break down professional silos and foster real collaboration among healthcare teams?
If you create CME/CE content, you’ve likely encountered the challenge of writing for “teams” that still operate in silos. This episode with interprofessional education expert Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo, Founder, Collaborate for Health, reveals why just using the term “team-based care” isn’t enough—and how content creators can more accurately reflect the evolving nature of healthcare collaboration. As patient-centered models expand and asynchronous care becomes the norm, CME professionals need a deeper understanding of roles, language, and practice contexts to design impa...2025-05-2831 min
Write MedicineRaising the Bar: Essential Competencies for CME Writers with Haifa Kassis and Don HartingAre you unsure which skills you need to thrive as a CME writer (or need for your writers)—or how to prove your value in an increasingly competitive field?
Many medical writers stumble into CME with strong writing chops but little clarity about what the role truly demands. At the same time, education providers struggle to find writers who are not just capable—but competent. This episode bridges that gap. Don Harting and Haifa Kassis join us to unpack the results of their groundbreaking Delphi study on CME writing competencies, revealing what hiring managers really want and how...2025-05-2133 min
Write MedicineFrom Diagnosis to Advocacy: What Rare Disease Teaches Us About CMEHow do we create continuing education that prepares clinicians to deliver life-changing diagnoses with both precision and compassion?In this episode, we explore what happens when the scientist’s role as a communicator intersects with the lived experience of parenting a child with a rare disease. I'm talking with Dr. Jennifer Brown, a geneticist who recently published a memoir, When the Baby is not OK: Hopes and Genes, based on her experience of parenting children diagnosed with PKU through newborn screening.
For CME professionals, this episode is a call to rethink how we center narrative, ethics, an...2025-05-1439 min
Write MedicineBeyond PubMed: CME's Hidden Treasure MapCME professionals, medical writers, educators, and researchers - what would you do if PubMed suddenly became less accessible? You depend on this critical resource daily to find evidence-based information that powers your work. But recent funding uncertainties at the NIH have raised questions about its future.
You need consistent, reliable access to quality biomedical research to meet deadlines and maintain credibility, but navigating alternatives can feel overwhelming. Where would you even begin if your go-to resource is compromised?
Today's episode is your insurance policy. My conversation with medical librarian Rachel Wedeward MLIS, AHIP reveals not...2025-04-3026 min
Write MedicineWhat’s next in your CME writing journey? Let’s map it out.Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to go from “interested in CME writing” to running a thriving, sustainable business?In this final episode of the CME Writing Success Blueprint series, I'm tying everything together—because mastering individual skills is only part of the equation. What really creates success is integration. Whether you're transitioning from academia, clinical practice, or general medical writing, you'll walk away with a clear picture of how to turn your curiosity into a high-impact freelance career.Listen in to learn:
A practical breakdown of the...2025-04-2317 min
Write MedicineYou Don’t Have to Go It Alone: How Mentorship and Community Accelerate Your CME Writing GrowthAre you trying to figure out CME writing all on your own—and wondering why it feels so hard to make real progress?If you’re navigating the world of freelance medical writing, especially in the niche of continuing medical education (CME), you might be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or isolated. In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest reasons many freelancers stall: trying to build a business without support. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow strategically, this episode offers insight into how mentorship and peer community can transform your path.2025-04-1626 min
Write MedicineCME Writing Isn’t Just Craft—It’s Commerce: Pricing, Clients, and Professional SystemsAre you a talented medical writer struggling to turn your CME skills into a profitable business?In this episode of Write Medicine, we pull back the curtain on the business side of CME writing—where creativity meets commerce. You'll learn what seasoned freelancers wish they’d known sooner: how to set your rates with confidence, where to find ideal clients, and what systems you need to run a professional, low-stress writing business.Imagine working with clients who respect your time, value your expertise, and pay you what you're worth. With...2025-04-0926 min
Write MedicineFrom Novice to Expert: Building Your CME ConfidenceAre self-doubt and imposter syndrome stopping you from breaking into CME writing, even though you have valuable skills to offer?Many aspiring CME writers struggle with confidence, especially when they lack clinical backgrounds. This episode addresses the "confidence paradox" - needing experience to gain confidence, but requiring confidence to get that experience - and provides practical strategies to break this cycle so you can successfully position yourself in the CME writing field.From this episode, you'll learn:
How to identify and leverage your transferable skills that are directly...2025-04-0219 min
Write MedicineBuilding a Thriving CME Community: Why Networking Isn’t Enough for Career GrowthDo you ever feel like you're navigating your career in CME alone, unsure of where you fit in or how to grow without burning out?Many CME professionals work independently or remotely, which can be both rewarding and isolating. Beyond professional networks, building a true community can provide the support, engagement, and inspiration needed to thrive in this field. In this episode, we explore why community matters in CME, how it enhances career growth and well-being, and practical steps you can take to create meaningful connections.
Discover how a strong professional community can boost your career...2025-03-1212 min
Write MedicinePubMed Uncertainty: Smart Alternatives for CME ProfessionalsWhat would happen if the go-to resource for your CME research—PubMed—became unreliable or inaccessible? Would your workflow survive the disruption?As CME professionals, we depend on PubMed for high-quality, evidence-based research. But with looming funding changes it’s time to rethink how we source medical literature. This episode unpacks the latest developments and gives you a proactive plan to safeguard your research process.
Learn why PubMed's future is uncertain and what that means for CME professionals.
Discover alternative medical research tools that can fill the gaps if PubMed access is disrupted.
Get expert-backed strategies to div...2025-03-0505 min
Write MedicineMissing Data? How to Keep Your CME Content Evidence-BasedWhat happens when the data you rely on for CME content suddenly disappears? CME depends on credible, transparent data to inform healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes. But new policy shifts have restricted access to essential sources, leaving medical writers scrambling for alternatives. Without these data points, how can we continue producing accurate, impactful education? This episode explores how to navigate these challenges and source reliable evidence for CME content.Tune in to learn where to find alternative, credible health data sources beyond federal agencies.Don’t let disappearing data derail your CME planning. 2025-02-0513 min
Write MedicineFollow the Money: The Unexpected Economics of CMEIs private equity's growing influence in continuing medical education changing the quality of learning in the health professions?As a CME professional, you need to navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape where commercial support has dropped, and private equity firms are rapidly acquiring education providers. Understanding these shifts is crucial for developing sustainable, high-quality educational programs and navigating your way as a CME professional.In this episode, we’ll explore:
How CME funding has evolved from primarily university-based to a complex mix of commercial support, registration fees, and private investment
Why private equity firms ar...2025-01-2914 min
Write MedicineDon't Be Kodak: Future-Proofing Your CME StrategyIn this episode of Write Medicine, I speak with Ginny Jacobs, Principal of Quality Catalyst Group, about the necessary disruption happening in continuing medical education (CME). Drawing from her recent co-authored Almanac article, Ginny discusses four major shifts in the field and what they mean for CME professionals.Four Major Shifts in CME:
Increased use of technology, including artificial intelligence
Evolution in the science of learning and cognitive load
Technology utilization for clinical practice relevance
Development of adaptive and collaborative models across disciplines
Key Takeaways:
Data collection and analysis remain significant challenges for many...2025-01-0117 min
Write MedicineFuture-Proofing Your CME Writing Biz: Preparing for 2025Are you prepared for how AI and private equity will reshape continuing medical education (CME) in 2025? As CME professionals face rapid industry changes, staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for creating impactful educational content. This episode unpacks the key developments that will affect how you develop and deliver CME programs in the coming year.In this episode, you'll discover:
How to leverage emerging trends like AI and confidence frameworks to position yourself as an indispensable strategic partner to your clients
Practical strategies to integrate patient perspectives and real-world data into your content development process
Specific...2024-12-3127 min
Write MedicineUncensored: Fearless CME Writer Questions, Breakthrough SolutionsAre you turning down lucrative CME writing opportunities because you're unsure how to handle client conversations about pricing, research access, or expanding your services?As a CME writer, you know the challenge of building a sustainable business isn't just about writing skills - it's about making smart decisions about which projects to take, how to access resources, and when to specialize. From negotiating research access fees to breaking free from the needs assessment cycle, every decision impacts your growth potential. In this episode, I take you inside a real CME writers' strategy session where we tackle these...2024-10-3015 min
Write MedicineEmbrace Your Voice: How to Optimize the Power of Pause, Timing, and Flow in CME Script WritingDo you struggle to transform dense medical information into scripts that sound natural when read aloud in videos or podcasts?As a medical writer or CME professional, you know the challenge of bridging the gap between technical accuracy and listener engagement. Your scripts need to convey complex scientific concepts while maintaining clarity and holding the audience's attention. This balancing act can feel like an insurmountable task, especially when you're writing for diverse audiences from patients to specialists.In this episode of Write Medicine, voice actor Emma Clarke shares invaluable insights that will help you:2024-10-2335 min
Write MedicineFreelance Like a Pro: Niching, Marketing, and SOPs with Alejandra ViviescasAre you a freelance medical writer struggling to streamline your workflow and grow your business? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by client management, marketing, and the constant need to prove your value?If you're looking to transform your freelance medical writing career from chaotic to confident, especially in the field of Continuing Medical Education, this episode is for you.Today Alejandra Viviescas PhD joins me to explore practical strategies that can transform your approach to client relationships, help you overcome self-doubt, and build a thriving business.By listening to this episode, you will:2024-10-1629 min
Write MedicineCME as a Strategic Resource in Quality Improvement with Katie West MSNAre you struggling to position your CME program as a strategic asset in your healthcare system?As a CME professional in a hospital or health system, you're likely facing challenges in demonstrating the value of your programs beyond mere accreditation requirements. You know that CME has the potential to drive quality improvement and enhance patient care, but you may be finding it difficult to integrate your efforts with broader organizational goals.In this episode of Write Medicine, you'll discover:
How to position CME as a strategic resource at the heart of your healthcare system's...2024-09-1823 min
Write MedicineBuild Your Medical Writing Portfolio: A Guide for CME WritersYou've got the writing skills. You're passionate about medical education. But every prospective CME client asks for that elusive portfolio. Sound familiar?If you're an aspiring CME writer feeling stuck in this catch-22, you're in the right place. Today, we're breaking down how to build a compelling CME portfolio from scratch - even if you've never had a single client. Listen in to:
Discover three practical strategies to build an impressive CME writing portfolio from scratch
Learn how to showcase your existing skills and experience in a way that appeals to CME clients
Get i...2024-09-0411 min
Write MedicineWhen Clients Collide: Maintaining Integrity in Freelance CME WritingHave you ever faced the ethical dilemma of being asked to work on similar projects for competing clients?As a freelance CME writer, you may encounter situations where multiple clients request your expertise for overlapping projects. This can put you in a challenging position, balancing professional ethics with business opportunities.By listening to this episode, you will:
Learn how to navigate potential conflicts of interest in CME writing
Understand the ethical frameworks and principles that guide decision-making in medical education
Gain practical strategies for maintaining professional integrity while managing client relationships
2024-07-0316 min
Write MedicineMaster the Mindset Shift: How to Thrive as a CME WriterOvercome medical writing self-doubt through mindset shifts and peer connections.Are you struggling to gain confidence and overcome self-doubt in your medical writing career? Today in Monday Mentor, we tackle the common challenges CME writers face in today's rapidly changing landscape. From navigating client expectations to proving your value as a strategic partner, we share practical tips to help you thrive as a medical writer.Discover how to:1. Shift your mindset from self-doubt to expert2. Communicate effectively with clients to clarify project scope and expectations 3. Advocate for yo...2024-06-1712 min
Write MedicineElevate your CME Game: Insider Secrets from Kristen Dascoli to Transform Education ProgramsKristen Dascoli, a seasoned pro with experience on both the editorial and business development sides of CME, pulls back the curtain on the development of a pioneering program on gender-affirming HIV care.ELEVATE was a groundbreaking CME initiative that aimed to enhance healthcare providers' cultural competencies in delivering gender-affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse patients. From its pilot in January 2015 to its conclusion in the summer of 2019, ELEVATE conducted 26 trainings across 14 states, partnering with 9 chapters of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a county healthcare agency, and 13 health systems. The initiative reached nearly 1,500 healthcare professionals in primary...2024-06-0547 min
Write MedicineBuilding Confidence as a New CME Writer: Strategies for SuccessAre you a clinician, researcher or academic transitioning into CME writing? Do you sometimes feel like you're starting over from scratch, despite your wealth of expertise? Are you struggling with self-doubt, isolation, or imposter syndrome as you navigate this new path?If so, you're in the right place. In this episode, we'll dive into the common anxieties faced by new CME writers and share practical strategies to help you reframe your thinking, build confidence, and thrive in your new role. You'll learn how to leverage your existing knowledge, find support to combat isolation, and approach u...2024-06-0310 min
Write MedicineHow to break into CME as a medical writerHow can you break into the rewarding and lucrative field of continuing medical education (CME) writing?If you're a health professional, academic, science researcher, or vet looking to transition into a career that offers more autonomy, flexibility, and meaningful work, this episode is for you. Discover how to leverage your existing skills and passion for writing, healthcare, and lifelong learning to create engaging educational content that supports health professionals and improves patient care.By listening to this episode, you'll learn:1. The five essential milestones to pave your way to success...2024-05-2415 min
Write MedicineGender Equity in CME: Practical Strategies for EmpowermentHave you ever wondered how gender inequities affect career progression in the world of continuing medical education/professional development (CME/CPD)?In this episode, we explore women's pervasive challenges in CME and CPD, from microaggressions to barriers in leadership roles. Whether you're looking to climb the career ladder or simply gain insights into the dynamics of gender equality within your field, this conversation sheds light on critical issues affecting many in the industry.1. Discover strategies to navigate and overcome gender-based barriers to career advancement in CME and CPD.2. Learn how to build and...2024-05-2240 min
Write MedicineBusting Silos: The Evolution of Independent Medical EducationAre you curious about the role of Medical Affairs in Independent Medical Education (IME)? Perhaps you're struggling to demonstrate the value and impact of your programs in a way that resonates with IME teams. IME is evolving. Today’s episode with IME expert Nancy Paynter discusses the pivotal role of IME within the broader scope of medical affairs and provides valuable insights to help you effectively communicate your initiative's impact to IME personnel. By tuning in, you'll discover:
The concept of the "scientific journey" for clinicians
How IME is focused on digitizing data on cli...2024-05-1540 min
Write MedicineFrom Boring to Brilliant: Transform Your CME Content with Proven Storytelling FrameworksAre you struggling to keep your clinical audience engaged and invested in your CME content?In today's fast-paced, information-overloaded world, medical writers face the daunting challenge of capturing and maintaining their readers' attention. This episode explores how you can leverage proven storytelling techniques to create compelling, memorable CME content that resonates with your target audience.
Discover how to structure your content using powerful storytelling frameworks that build anticipation and drive home your key messages.
Learn how to hook your reader with compelling openers, incorporate patient and clinician voices, and make the "so what" crystal clear.
Gain...2024-05-1314 min
Write MedicineThe Future of MedEd: Chatbots, AI, and Personalized LearningAre you curious about how artificial intelligence and chatbots are revolutionizing continuing medical education (CME) and transforming the way clinicians learn?As a CME professional, you constantly seek innovative ways to create engaging and effective educational experiences for your clinician audience. Staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, such as AI and chatbots, is crucial to address the specific knowledge gaps and practice needs of busy healthcare providers.This episode will provide valuable insights on using these cutting-edge tools to enhance your CME programs.1. Discover how AI-powered chatbots can provide clinicians with personalized...2024-05-0834 min
Write MedicineTelling a Stronger Story: The Art of Communicating CME OutcomesAre you measuring CME outcomes effectively or just tacking them on at the end?If you're involved in developing, measuring and reporting on CME outcomes, you know it's become an expected part of the process. But many CME providers still struggle with integrating outcomes throughout program design and implementation. This leads to poor practices like tacking on outcomes at the end, writing vague questions, and creating reports that fail to tell a compelling story. To truly demonstrate the value and impact of your education, outcomes measurement needs to be woven in from the very beginning....2024-05-0141 min
Write MedicineThe Art of Short-Form CME: Tweetorials and Social-Media-Based ContentIf you are an education provider, are you curious about how to use social media platforms like X/formerly Twitter to deliver engaging and accredited CME content? If you're a writer, do you want to know more about how to create social-media-based short-form content?As a medical educator or content creator, you may be looking for innovative ways to reach healthcare professionals where they already spend time - on social media. Episode 111 jumps into the world of "tweetorials" and explores how you can adapt your educational content for platforms like X/Twitter while maintaining the quality and...2024-04-2435 min
Write MedicineBridging Gaps and Crafting Learning Objectives: High-Impact Skills for CME WritersAre you crafting compelling stories of transformation in your CME needs assessments?As a CME writer, your ability to identify clinical practice gaps and translate them into actionable learning objectives is crucial for creating needs assessments that lead to impactful education. Episode 110 equips you a framework for developing practice and performance gaps and learning objectives for robust needs assessments that justify the need for education.Tune in to:
Understand what clinical practice and performance gaps are and how to substantiate them through thorough research
Learn a framework for conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to...2024-04-2213 min
Write MedicineCrafting Impactful CME: Core Competencies for Medical WritersAre you ready to master the art of medical writing and stand out as a CME content creator?As a medical writer, you know that crafting compelling continuing medical education (CME) content requires a unique set of competencies. But what exactly are these essential skills, and how can you develop them to stand out in this competitive field? In this episode, we'll explore the core abilities that will help you excel as a CME writer and deliver exceptional educational content that meets the needs of both your clients and healthcare professionals.In this episode, you'll...2024-04-1508 min
Write MedicineNavigating New Horizons: Understanding European Accreditation in CMEWhat challenges and opportunities await US-based CME providers looking to expand into Europe?As a CME provider, understanding Europe's accreditation landscape and cultural nuances is crucial for successfully delivering education to international audiences. In today’s episode of Write Medicine, Susan Yarbrough joins me in dissecting the complexities of CME in Europe and guiding us through the accreditation mosaic. We’ll explore key considerations and strategies for navigating European CME, including the need for a strong dose of cultural humility. In episode 107, you’ll:1. Gain insights into the differences between US and European CME accr...2024-04-1039 min
Write MedicineNourishing Your Niche: The Secret to Thriving as a CME Medical WriterAre you trapped in the generalist rut as a medical writer? Discover the power of nourishing your niche in CME writing.Specializing in CME writing can help you crack the client mindset code, build authority, generate higher revenue, and optimize your marketing efforts. This Monday Mentor episode explores how focusing on CME can lead to a thriving medical writing career and help you:1. Understand the rewards and risks of specializing in CME writing2. Learn how to identify and develop your CME niche based on your skills and interests3...2024-04-0810 min
Write MedicineDesigning for Outcomes: Putting the Learner at the Heart of Your Educational StrategyAre you measuring educational outcomes but failing to capture the true impact on your learners? As a CME/CPD professional, you know that proving the effectiveness of your educational programs is crucial. But in the rush to gather data and report metrics, it's easy to overlook the individual learner's experience and perspective. Relying solely on quantitative measurements can cause you to miss valuable insights that could help enhance your activities and programs.In this episode, physician and longtime medical educator Dr. Dean Jenkins shares:1. Why it's essential to focus on the learner's needs and desired ou...2024-04-0340 min
Write MedicineFemtech and Inclusive CME/CPD: A Conversation with Caitlyn Tivy DPTHave you ever wondered how biases in medical research and education can significantly impact women's health and health in the LGBTQ+ community? Do you want to learn how you as a CME/CPD professional can promote inclusive and equitable language in your work, and why this is important in CME content creation?My guest today is Caitlyn Tivy DPT, a physical therapist, medical writer, and femtech pioneer. In today's episode, episode 101, we explore concrete ways CME/CPD professionals can help propel a shift toward more inclusive and equitable education and, ultimately, patient care. Caitlyn shares where harm...2024-02-2841 min
Write MedicineSpotting Plagiarism in CME Content: Tools and Strategies for PreventionAre you aware that plagiarism is not just about copying text word for word? Listen in to uncover the different forms of plagiarism and how to spot them. Plagiarism can have significant consequences in CME content development, affecting the credibility of education materials and the reputation of education providers. By understanding the different types of plagiarism and how to detect them, you can ensure the integrity and originality of your CME content.
Discover the various forms of plagiarism beyond direct word-for-word copying.
Learn practical techniques for detecting and avoiding plagiarism in your CME content development.
Understand the drivers...2024-02-1913 min
Write MedicineThe Write Stuff: Partnering with Medical Writers for Impactful CME/CPDDo you struggle to find skilled medical writers who can develop high-quality, evidence-based CME/CPD content?Creating impactful continuing education relies on building effective partnerships between providers and specialist writers. In today's Monday Mentor we’re talking about the important yet often overlooked role of medical writers in developing credible, evidence-based CME content.Based on insights from experts in the field, you'll:
Learn the diverse skills and deliverables medical writers offer beyond writing abilities.
Discover common "pain points" in the provider-writer relationship from both perspectives.
Get practical resources to set clear project expectations and en...2024-02-1210 min
Write MedicineEnvisioning the Next Era of CME/CPD: A Workshop PreviewA decade ago, Curtis Olson PhD, then editor of the Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, made 20 predictions about the future of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development. Those predictions included a shift from the individual to the team as the primary unit of learning, a greater focus on interprofessional learning, more frequent use of evaluation models that tell us not only what works, but also under what conditions and why, and less reliability on the psychology of learning and more emphasis on the sociology of behavior change. Have you been wondering how t...2024-01-3054 min
Write MedicineTurn Failure into Fuel for Growth as a CME/CE ProfessionalHave you ever felt like a failure in your role as a CME/CE professional? I have. But what if failure could actually enhance your CME/CE content creation instead of hindering it?Creating fresh CME/CE requires taking risks, but with risk comes failure. As errors and mistakes are part of the learning process, CME/CE professionals can struggle with how to evaluate failures safely and constructively.In today's Monday Mentor, you'll discover practical strategies to openly assess activities or programs that missed the mark and extract valuable insights from less-than-ideal outcomes....2024-01-2911 min
Write MedicineMedical Writing, Mentoring, and CMEWelcome to Monday Mentor, a Write Medicine series. I’m your host Alex Howson and today Helen Folsam is back to share insights on CME medical writing. Helen Fosam is a seasoned medical writer with over 20 years shaping her career, beginning in academia in the UK then moving to the US where she discovered medical writing working at companies like Ince, WebMD, and small remote startups. She launched her own medical writing consulting business, The Edge Medical Writing, through which she founded the Milo initiative to provide continuing education to improve health outcomes in Africa.In this ep...2024-01-1937 min
Write MedicineBuilding a Global CME/CE ProgramDo you ever wonder about CME/CE in Africa? Or how you could use your content creation skills to improve health outcomes globally? This episode explores how one CME/CE writer is using her expertise to directly improve patient care in Africa. Helen Fosam is a seasoned medical writer with two decades of experience shaping her career. Today we’re talking about the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research and the dearth of CME in resource-limited settings like Africa that led Helen to launch the MiLHO initiative, which stands for "The Missing Link to Imp...2024-01-1726 min
Write MedicineWhat the Blazes is CME?Do you know the difference between CME, CE, CPD, and lifelong learning? Confused by all the terminology in continuing education for health professionals?Understanding the distinctions is key to navigating the world of accredited education and critical for delivering patient care based on the latest clinical evidence.These terms are like a variety of dishes at a buffet.CME is like a specially crafted, formal meal designed for licensed physicians, complete with specific flavors and presentations.CE, on the other hand, is the all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a wide range of options...2024-01-1308 min
Write MedicineDigital Declutter: A Guide to Eco-Conscious CME Content CreationAre you overlooking a major yet often overlooked contributor to climate change through your digital content creation and strategies? Are you unintentionally contributing to the planet's digital carbon footprint?As CME/CE content creators and strategists, we likely don't consider the climate impacts of our websites, documents, videos, and other digital materials. However, all that data requires substantial energy to power the creation, storage, and transfer of bytes, which generates carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.In this eye-opening episode, Alisa Bonsignore, a content strategy and sustainable content expert, reveals the surprising truth about...2024-01-1042 min
Write MedicineWhat's Write Medicine About?Transform your CME/CE content with Write Medicine!Struggling with how to create continuing medical education content for health professionals (CME/CE)? Write Medicine is your definitive guide to mastering the craft of high-quality CME/CE content creation that lifts learning and changes behaviors.Write Medicine is hosted by Alexandra Howson PhD, CHCP, FACEhp, a seasoned writer and researcher with decades of experience in healthcare, education, and CME/CE. Tune in every Wednesday for our feature episodes and start your week right with Monday Mentor sessions, where we focus on practical techniques to...2024-01-0903 min
Write MedicineStanding Still and Looking Forward: Season 6 Highlights and 2024 TeasersWinter Solstice is a time of stillness that we can harness to reflect on our past year's journey. It's an opportunity to celebrate growth and anticipate what's coming next. So join me to reflect on memorable moments from the podcast this season and sneak a peek into the future of Write Medicine in 2024.Season Highlights
The power of reflection to realign "why"
Innovations like AI for ideation and adult learning principles
How education can build gender equity in health professions
The potential and limitations of generative-AI
Insights from our listener survey
First Friday fe...2023-12-1322 min
Write MedicinePrompts, Personas, and Process: Practical Strategies for Using Generative AI in CME/CPDShow NotesWhat privacy concerns do you have related to generative AI tools like ChatGPT? Do you worry about the internet scraping that comes with gen-AI territory? Are you searching for practical advice on how to effectively use generative AI for creating continuing education content for health professionals?These questions and more are the focus of today’s episode of Write Medicine. My guest is medical writer and generative AI expert Nuria Negrao and we’re talking about how AI models like ChatGPT are trained and why we should care about this as well as the...2023-12-0619 min
Write MedicinePawsitive Penmanship: How Veterinarians Can Thrive in the World of Medical WritingShow NotesWhat existing skills and competencies do you know you have for sure? How can you put those skills to use to find new professional opportunities? Understanding and acknowledging your skills is crucial for building confidence and pursuing new professional opportunities. My guest today is JoAnna Pendergrass DVM, a veterinarian turned medical writer who has built a successful solo business creating content focused on pet health and educating pet parents. If you have participated in the freelance panel offered by the University of Chicago Professional Certificate Program in Medical Writing, you’ll recognize JoAnna. Today she sh...2023-12-0144 min
Write MedicineThe AI Revolution: How Generative Models are Transforming CME/CPD Content CreationShow NotesAre you angsting over the potential impact of generative AI on your work? Are you hyper-dialed into ethical considerations around the potential for copyright infringement, data ownership, and authorship when using generative AI tools like ChatGPT? Whatever your questions or concerns are about generative AI, this technology is poised to transform how we create continuing education content for health professionals. Today’s episode is the first in a 2-part series of episodes that focus on writing, reasoning, and the ethical considerations surrounding generative AI. My guest is Núria Negrao PhD, a medical write...2023-11-2936 min
Write MedicineThe Power of Reinforcement in CME/CE: Understanding Knowledge Competence and Self-efficacy in LearningShow NotesAre you running correlation analysis in your education activity and program evaluation? Are you having conversations with your colleagues, as listener Natalie Goldberg is, about how access to practice data is potentially redefining how we think about Moores outcomes at levels 5, 6, and 7?In part 1 of this 2-part series of conversations with Katie Lucero Ph.D., Vice President, Audience, Analytics, Outcomes & Insights at Medscape we began to open up the black box that houses the relationship between self-efficacy, commitment to change, and intent to change.In part 2, we focus on how access...2023-11-2226 min
Write MedicineSelf-Efficacy and Confidence in Behavior-Driven CME/CE OutcomesShow NotesIf you’re a continuing medical education provider, do you ever feel as though your approach to outcomes measures could use some spice? Do you wonder what are we missing when we don't include process measures in outcomes evaluation? Or when you are working on outcomes measurement, analysis, and crucially, writing that outcomes report, do you find yourself wondering how to use confidence as an indicator of behavior change, or where self-efficacy fits into the outcomes mix?That’s our focus today with Katie Lucero PhD, Vice President, Audience, Analytics, Outcomes & Insights at Meds...2023-11-1526 min
Write MedicineThe Art of Serendipity: Luck, Preparation, and Career Transitions for PhDsIf you are a Write Medicine listener and are tuning into our First Friday Feature, you are likely a medical writer who is curious about medical writing in the specialized world of CME and I think you'll enjoy this conversation with Dr. David Mendes, who shares insights from his journey transitioning out of academia and into a career in medical writing. David completed his PhD in neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal. During his graduate studies, he realized that landing a professorship was unlikely, so he started exploring alternative careers. After finishing his PhD, he secured his f...2023-11-0351 min
Write MedicineCreating Value in CME/CE Content with Generative-AIIn this episode, I spoke with Sean Sodha, founder of medical content platform Grafi AI, about the promise and pitfalls of generative AI for healthcare content creators. Sean shared his unique perspective on navigating this emerging technology. We take a comprehensive look at the role of generative AI in medical content creation and explore its promise for augmenting human skills and improving productivity in the medical writing space.Key Takeaways
Generative AI can greatly accelerate drafting and ideation, but always requires human review. Gen-AI creates a first draft, not a final product.
Prompt engineering could become l...2023-10-1148 min
Write MedicineMastering the Self-Edit: Tips and Tricks from Michelle RizzoIn today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Rizzo, a trained journalist who turned her curiosity and life-long interest in medicine into a thriving career as a CME writer. Michelle currently works as an associate medical director and senior writer at a boutique CME content company, where she often finds herself writing and researching about rare diseases. She was kind enough to give us a glimpse into her writing process and share some actionable tips for getting into the field without a clinical background. Here are three key takeaways from the episode.
Lead w...2023-10-0639 min
Write MedicineHuman-Centered Instructional Design: A Catalyst for Effective Learning in CME/CEInstructional design for online courses is a crucial aspect of modern CME/CE. And as online learning has grown over the last 15 years or so, especially so since 2020, instructional designers play a vital role in creating effective and engaging CME/CE content for learners.In today’s podcast episode, I’m speaking with Mark Hagerty, an expert in effective instructional design in the context of CME/CE with a passion for behavioral and life sciences. 🩺💡Mark shares insights from his three-decade-long career in education and his background in psychology, biology, and organizational behavior.Key highli...2023-09-2039 min
Write MedicineBreakthrough CME/CE: Transform Online Learning with the Art of FacilitationIf you are an education provider tasked with designing virtual education, or you work with providers involved in online group learning and experiences, today's episode is a must-listen. Gwyn Wansbrough is a facilitator who designs and leads interactive online sessions. Gwyn shares how to run effective and engaging live online sessions and guide a group to achieve a specific outcome. The more we talked, the more I realized that the preparation process for facilitation is akin to conducting a needs assessment and designing an education activity. We need to get to know our audience of...2023-09-0655 min
Write MedicineGrab Your Green Pen: Medical Writing Insights From Sarah NelsonSarah Nelson PhD is a medical writer and founder of Green Pen Solutions Ltd. She is a leading mentor and trainer for medical writers all over the world. Her mission is to encourage more medical writers into Medcomms and help them create a sustainable career path that builds on their personal strengths.Sarah's wide-ranging knowledge comes from over 17 years as a medical writer, her experience leading large editorial teams, and from mentoring writers in over 20 agencies across the medcomms industry.In today’s episode, we focus on the importance of training for medical writers, medical wr...2023-09-0146 min
Write MedicineLearning in/from Libraries: The Power of Experience in CME/CEWelcome back to the Write Medicine podcast! Before we get into today’s topic on the power of experience in learning, I wanted to share with you a message from Mallory Kane. Mallory is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Connecticut who is creating an anthology of essays based on testimonies from people whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Whether you are a patient or survivor, a family member or caretaker, she wants to hear from you. She is using this anthology to highlight the experience of living with this disease.Mallory’s looking for...2023-08-3024 min
Write MedicineSeason 5 Finale: 3 Steps to Boost Your Foundational CME KnowledgeWelcome to the season finale of the Write Medicine podcast!Today's episode was supposed to be live on LinkedIn, but we encountered some tech hiccups linking Riverside.fm to LinkedIn Live. Fret not! We recorded the episode for you, and it's available right here and on your favorite podcast platforms. We're looking forward to our first live episode, which we've rescheduled for the opening of Season 6 on August 30.Launched 2 1/2 years ago, Write Medicine has evolved into the go-to podcast for professionals in the continuing medical education/continuing education for health professionals (CME/CE) field, packed...2023-07-2423 min
Write MedicineEnhancing CME with ChatGPTAs an accidental educator, Andrew Crim MEd, CHCP is a seasoned expert in designing educational programs for healthcare professionals. He’s the Director of Education and Professional Development at the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is deeply passionate about the effect that high-quality education can have on patient outcomes. As an early adopter of Chat GPT, Andrew recognizes the potential of this technology to transform the way healthcare professionals access and engage with CME content. So in this episode, we’re exploring the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT to revolutionize CME—from writing entire...2023-07-1243 min
Write MedicineExploring Intersectionality and Equity in CME"There's great potential and power in acknowledging this. It's self to self, self to others single, self to others plural, and self to others at the macro level. You begin to appreciate how beautiful it can be all around you, how much we all need help, and how very related we are in our own ways." In episode 62, Dr. Leigh Boehmer emphasizes the crucial role of self-awareness in understanding and practicing intersectionality, which goes beyond recognizing one's own complexities and involves acknowledging the unique layers of others. Leigh is the Chief Medical Officer for the A...2023-07-0544 min
Write MedicineAwareness to Action: Integrating DEI into CMEIn today's episode, I have a conversation with Sapana Panday, a medical education specialist with over two decades of experience. Sapana shares how her background in public health and evaluation research led her to work in medical education, particularly in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).About SapanaSapana earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College and a Master’s in Public Health, Socio-Medical Sciences, from Columbia University. She brings a unique perspective from her upbringing in the developing nation of Nepal where education was a privilege afforded by the few, to he...2023-06-2839 min
Write MedicineWhy Connection Is Key In CMEWhether you are an education provider working with a distributed team or a freelance writer working with multiple clients, connecting with your colleagues, peers, and clients is key.Today I’m taking a deeper dive into connection to explore why it’s important in CME and to offer some different ways to foster connection with clients, colleagues, and content. To apply empathy to content creation, you can create content in multiple formats and provide access to that content in multiple ways. For instance, if the primary format is a podcast, including a transcript for people who p...2023-06-0714 min
Write MedicineEast Meets West: Exploring the European CME LandscapeReady for a tour of the European Continuing Medical Education environment?Eugene Pozniak is Managing Director and CEO of Siyemi Learning, an independent medical education provider established in 2006. In fact, Siyemi Learning is the first non-US organization to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and is uniquely also accredited on the other side of the Atlantic by the European Board for Accreditation of Continuing Education for Health Professionals (EBAC).Eugene left the promotional sector in 2000 and has since worked exclusively in CME-CPD, initially devising, and delivering e-learning for...2023-05-1748 min
Write MedicineTurning the Tables: My Personal Journey into CME WritingIn this episode of Write Medicine, the tables are turned as I’m interviewed by guest host Holly Hagan. We talk about my own personal journey into CME writing, including how joining the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions was a turning point in my business. Being a part of this community has given me the opportunity to learn about new developments in the field and connect with education providers.We discuss how I’ve integrated my previous experience and interests into my work, some key learnings when it comes to running my own business, and I...2023-04-2637 min
Write MedicineThe Vital Role of Integrity and Trust in CMEIf you've been in the CME field for more than a hot minute, you'll know that Graham McMahon MD, MMSc is a medical educator, researcher, and practicing endocrinologist. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME®) and an Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Medical Education at Northwestern University.Today, we're talking about integrity and trust in CME. We dig into the factors that prompted the publication in 2020 of ACCME's report on standards for integrity and independence in CME, especially the emergence of potential threats to content credibility. Graham e...2023-04-1934 min
Write MedicinePower Up Your CME/CE Writing Strategy with the Art of NegotiationChristine Welniak is an independent medical writer who specializes in cardiology and diabetes. She values opportunities to develop content that helps healthcare providers learn about new treatments that could improve patient outcomes. Christine contends that "content is king" and is central to producing high-quality CME/CE writing. Learning the art of the pitch in her previous life on Wall Street, Christine is well-equipped to discuss why CME/CE medical writers require skills in negotiation and strategy. Although CME/CE writers are sometimes undervalued in terms of remuneration, it's possible to achieve above-average market rates. Christine observes that w...2023-04-0546 min
Write MedicineRobust Outcomes Frameworks for Effective CME/CEThe CME/CE field has increased its focus on outcomes over the last decade. As a result, outcomes reports now involve a more bespoke process, showcasing more detailed targeted data presented in a visually appealing way. Angelique Vinther CHCP is an independent data and outcomes consultant who has specialized in IME reporting for 14 years. She focuses primarily on data collection and analysis methodologies, test question-writing best practices, and reports that communicate clear messaging and data transparency. In today’s episode of Write Medicine, we discuss best practices that education providers can use to evaluate the effe...2023-03-2246 min
Write MedicineHow Clinicians Can Pivot to a Fulfilling Career in Medical WritingThe content creation process in continuing education for health professionals (CEHP) combines both art and science. As a result, creating content for continuing education attracts people who are synthesizers, information seekers, and creators—like academics, researchers, or health professionals looking for a career change. In EP 46 we explore taking the leap from clinical work to medical writing with Esther Langmack, MD, a medical writer and CME consultant. Esther deliberately practiced her newly acquired skills while working as a clinician and medical director of the CME unit at an academic medical center. Tapping into her natural curiosity, she fos...2023-03-1543 min
Write MedicineMultifaceted Dynamic Patient Cases in CME/CEThe Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) encourages the inclusion of the patient perspective within CME activities. And patient cases are a great way to meet this recommendation.Allison Armagan, Pharm.D. a content and education director specializing in creating interactive patient cases, joins me in this episode to talk about how to create multifaceted, dynamic patient cases for education activities. She talks about how targeted patient cases provide ways for clinicians to experience a "real-life" scenario, allow them to practice their skills in a consequence-free environment, address patient needs, and identify gaps in their knowledge...2023-02-0835 min
Write MedicineEvolving CME/CE with Outcomes ReportsProviders of accredited education for health professionals need to demonstrate that education activities have changed learner behavior and healthcare quality for the better. One of the best ways to show positive change is via outcomes reports. In episode 39 of Write Medicine, Medical Writer and Certified CME Professional Andrew Bowser ELS, CHCP talks about outcomes. Andy is the owner and lead developer with IconCME, a content development and consulting firm in Philadelphia. We discuss the format of reports, who the audiences are for outcomes reports, and how the results can help education evolve and improve. ...2023-02-0147 min
Write MedicineFearless Freelance Marketing in CME Writing and BeyondAre you fearless in your marketing? If not, I got good news for you. Lori De Milto, author of The fearless Freelancer is talking with me on this episode of Write Medicine. We explore effective marketing for freelance writers and others working in medical communications, the importance of cultivating a freelance mindset, and how to embody grit, resilience, and confidence in your marketing. Wherever you are on your marketing journey, Lori will reassure you that you have the power to make your freelance future brighter by building relationships through networking. If you're in a marketing sl...2023-01-2549 min
Write MedicineConscious Communication in CME Content CreationCrystal Herron, PhD, ELS founder of Redwood Ink, is an editor, educator and coach. In this episode, she shares her insights into building relationships through supportive, mindful collaboration. Crystal explains how cultivating a gentle and informative manner for feedback promotes longevity with clients. This mindful approach is evident in her informative website resources and newsletter, which are well worth checking out. Crystal advises cultivating a communication skills mindset, with self-awareness and self-regulation at the center through the following:
Slowing down when gathering information
Allowing for curiosity
Meditation
Journaling, using the 5-minute morning and evening fee...2023-01-0931 min
Write MedicineImproving Community Health at the Confluence of QI and CMECommunity health improvement and improving healthcare quality are both Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Accreditation with Commendation criteria.In this episode of Write Medicine, Heather Clemons, MS, MBA, ATC, CHCP shared how she and her colleagues at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Mesa, California, mobilized quality improvement (QI), a community needs assessment, and continuing medical education (CME) to improve community health and clinical care.As Heather describes, there are many facets to QI, including clinical analytics at the system level, performance improvement CME, and patient safety, which involves specialists to determine root cause analysis—which we’l...2022-12-1238 min
Write MedicineEnhance Your CME/CE Provider Portfolio with PodcastsPodcasts continue to grow in popularity, and educational podcasts have multiplied in recent years. In addition, the trend towards mobile education and shorter, more focused activities will likely continue as millennials become the majority of the health care workforce. On this episode of Write Medicine, I talk with Lisa Townsend, a marketing and communications professional working in healthcare associations and non-profit organizations. We discuss the developing role of both accredited and non-accredited continuing education podcasts and how they fit within the education provider's content portfolio in member-driven organizations and associations. In particular, Lisa shares insights on...2022-10-3129 min
Write MedicineBetween the Cracks: Designing Multidisciplinary Provider Education to Ensure Equitable Patient CareMulti-disciplinary education has expanded in the last decade or so as a way to ensure that healthcare teams cooperate, coordinate care and communicate to make care more patient-centered, continuous and reliable. On this episode of Write Medicine I talk with Lorna Lucas, MSM, a healthcare education professional and advocate for equitable healthcare. We discuss the role of multidisciplinary education in improving patient outcomes, the challenges in delivering and evaluating multidisciplinary education, and interventions that emerged during the early months of the COVID 19 pandemic to provide psychosocial support for both professionals and patients. Lorna shares the ne...2022-10-1740 min
Write MedicineMeeting the Need for Trustworthy CME/CE Needs AssessmentsRuwaida Vakil, MSc is a consultant, speaker and a medical writer with expertise in medical communications and continuing medical education (CME). Ruwaida earned her MSc in Immunology at the University of Toronto and the Ontario Cancer Institute. She moved into developing educational content over 21 years ago and is a highly experienced writer of needs assessments. She has developed an effective system for ensuring that these kinds of CME/CE deliverables are framed by fair balance, detail gaps in clinical practice, describe the likely education required to address those gaps, and foreshadow anticipated outcomes from education. On this ep...2022-10-0337 min
Write MedicineDefining Competencies for CME/CE WritersIn this episode of Write Medicine, I'm joined by Don Harting to talk about CME writing competencies. What are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that those writing CME/CPD content need to develop in order to create content that connects with and educates health professionals?Medical writers often ask CME writers where to find training and how to get started in CME writing. Don says that clients share with him how challenging it is to find skilled writers for CME-related work. Don and his co-investigator Haifa Kassis think the medical writing field needs a competency model as...2022-09-1943 min
Write MedicineStraight Talk: CME/CE as an Ally for LGBTQIA+ HealthAccording to a 2022 Gallup poll, the percentage of adults in the US who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something other than heterosexual has doubled in the last decade, and stands at 7.1%. 1 in 5 Gen Z adults identify as LGBT.But health disparities persist among people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual and more (LGBTQA+). And discrimination against LGBTQA+ people is a key social determinant of health that is linked with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse,and suicide. Discrimination is evident even as people in LG...2022-09-0240 min
Write MedicineRecipes for Animating CME/CPDJayzona Alberto EdD, MS began her continuing healthcare education career by working on curricula for dentists and other clinicians before transitioning to the Stanford University School of Medicine, where she currently serves as Assistant Director of Continuing Medical Education. Jayzona and her team work with e-learning tools such as animations, and in this episode she walks us through the process of creating an animation from start to finish. We discuss the importance of building relationships with the faculty who inform education content, the resources for CME that an institution such as Stanford can provide, and the potential fo...2022-06-1740 min
Write MedicineCorralling Content for Multimodal Continuing Healthcare EducationOn this episode of Write Medicine, my guest is Dr. Eve Wilson CHCP, FACEHP (she/her), a medical writer with deep expertise who helped me get started in the field.While Eve is primarily a creator of continuing medical education resources, she also holds a PhD in microbiology, and uses her analytical background to inform her present-day work. As Medical Director at PlatformQ Health, Eve integrates new learning concepts with the more traditional didactic experiences to design a meaningful journey for the learner that leads to new insights as a result of their learning experience. In...2022-05-1741 min
Write MedicineGhostwriter: Who? What? How?Today we're talking about ghostwriting. Not the ghostwriting that has been loaded with negative associations within medical writing circles for many years but a different kind of ghostwriting. The kind that gets your business to business or business to consumer book out the door. My guest, Wendy Meyeroff, has been ghostwriting for many years and is here to share what she has learned about what is is, how it has changed, who can benefit from the support of a ghostwriter, and what to look for when you are thinking of hiring a ghost writer. If you didn't k...2022-01-0746 min