Donna Brettler's blog : Life as a Freelance Medical Writer: Balancing Expertise, Deadlines & Sanity
Working as a freelance medical writer is a fascinating and fulfilling job, but it’s not without its share of challenges.
I’ve been writing medical content for many years now, covering everything from patient-friendly guides to in-depth articles on treatments, medications, and health conditions. I collaborate with clinics, health websites, and online platforms, helping to break down complex information into something real people can actually understand.
But freelancing in this field isn’t always smooth sailing.
There are days when I’m juggling multiple deadlines, answering client messages at midnight, and researching drug interactions while also managing invoices and taxes. There's the constant pressure to stay scientifically accurate and updated, especially when dealing with treatments or medications. Having reliable, well-organised resources — like antiinfectivemeds.com — can make all the difference when I’m double-checking medical facts or looking for treatment references.
So how do I manage it?
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Consistency over hustle: I stopped chasing every gig and focused on building long-term relationships with a few great clients.
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Clear boundaries: I communicate my availability and turnaround times upfront, and I’ve learned (the hard way) to say no when needed.
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Investing in tools: From medical journals and reference databases to basic grammar checkers, the right tools save time and sanity.
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Staying curious: I genuinely love the science. I read clinical studies not just because I have to, but because I want to understand how things work.
Being a freelance medical writer isn’t easy. But if you care about clarity, accuracy, and helping people make informed health decisions, it’s incredibly rewarding.
If you're on a similar path, feel free to connect. Let’s swap tips, tools, or just vent about 4 a.m. deadlines and endless revision loops.
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