How to Shine as a Technical Medical Writer – 155

Interview with Dr. Kaci Durbin

In this week's PNC Podcast episode, Dr. Kaci Durbin describes her journey from obstetrical hospitalist to technical medical writer.

Kaci received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Louisville Hospital. She later completed an MBA while in practice, at Southern Illinois University.

In addition to board certification in obstetrics and gynecology, she holds a certification from the American Medical Writers Association.

She was employed at a private practice for 5 years and then transitioned into OB hospitalist work. During her time as a hospitalist, she began part-time freelance medical writing, creating a variety of materials including CME materials, needs assessments, manuscripts, and presentations.

She then worked as an independent contractor for a CRO. This Contract Research Organization later offered her a full-time position as a technical medical writer.

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How To Transition to Technical Medical Writer

Kaci became dissatisfied early in her clinical career. She tried out several nonclinical side jobs while working clinically. And she discovered that medical writing was a popular option for other physicians. So, she decided to pursue a career as a freelance medical writer.

She joined the AMWA and became certified. To help create her freelance business, she took Emma Hitt Nichol’s medical writing course. 

After the course, Kaci started contacting CME companies and landed several freelance jobs. Then she stumbled across technical writing and worked for a CRO as a technical medical writer. That led to a full-time job with the CRO.

I think, once I got a couple clients and I started writing for them, it snowballed from there. Then they would refer me to someone else. Another job would come up.

Now she mainly writes clinical trial protocols and clinical study reports. Kaci enjoys helping to design clinical trials. And she continues to do part-time freelance medical writing through her company, KD Medical Communications.

Resources for Medical Writers

Kaci mentioned important steps for aspiring medical writers to follow:

1. Add a profile on AMWA
2. Including “medical writer” and related terms in your LinkedIn profile
3. Create a web site with examples of your writing
4. Join and engage in pertinent Facebook groups
5. Search job listings on the Look for Zebras website
6. Search for jobs on the Virtual Vocations website

SUMMARY

Kaci determined early in her clinical career that she didn't enjoy that work. She began exploring other part-time jobs. She obtained an MBA, thinking that she wanted to go into hospital leadership. But her early experiences did not support that idea.

She discovered medical writing and really loved it. Then, she pivoted from CME writer to technical medical writer and found her niche. She graciously shared the story of her journey and provided inspiration and advice that listeners will find encouraging.

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