Every day in the laboratory, you translate complex biological processes into clear, precise documentation. This skill-the ability to communicate scientific concepts with accuracy and clarity-is increasingly valuable in a healthcare landscape hungry for quality content.

Medical and scientific writing offers laboratory professionals a rewarding career path that leverages your scientific knowledge while escaping the physical constraints of the laboratory environment.

The Expanding Universe of Scientific Writing

Medical and scientific writers produce content for diverse audiences:

• Clinical Documentation: Protocols, SOPs, and clinical guidelines
• Educational Materials: Training manuals, continuing education content
• Regulatory Submissions: Documentation for approval processes
• Research Communication: Journal manuscripts, grant applications
• Marketing Content: Product information, white papers, case studies
• Public Health Information: Health education materials, campaign content
• Digital Health: Website content, app information, telehealth resources

Each of these areas represents a potential career path that values your laboratory expertise.

Why Laboratory Scientists Make Exceptional Writers

Your scientific background provides a foundation that non-scientists simply cannot match:

1. Technical Accuracy: You understand the concepts at a fundamental level.

2. Procedural Clarity: Your laboratory experience helps you explain processes step-by-step.

3. Data Interpretation: You can translate raw data into meaningful insights.

4. Scientific Credibility: Your credentials enhance the authority of your content.

5. Research Skills: You know how to locate and evaluate scientific sources.

The Nigerian Opportunity Landscape(Apologies to my Non-Nigerian Subscribers, it just makes more sense to use Nigeria as case study)

The need for quality medical and scientific writing in Nigeria is expanding rapidly:

• Healthcare Organizations: Developing clinical and patient education materials
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Creating product information and regulatory documents
• Research Institutions: Supporting publication and grant applications
• Public Health Agencies: Producing health education and campaign materials
• Medical Media: Contributing to health journalism and content platforms
• International Organizations: Developing country-specific health resources

Many organizations struggle to find writers who combine scientific accuracy with clear communication—a gap you’re uniquely positioned to fill.

Getting Started: Building Your Writing Portfolio

The transition to medical writing begins with demonstrating your capabilities:

1. Start Where You Are: Volunteer to develop SOPs, training materials, or reports in your current role

2. Create a Blog or Newsletter: Develop a platform sharing insights on laboratory topics (even with a small audience)

3. Contribute to Professional Publications: Write for laboratory professional newsletters or websites

4. Develop Educational Content: Create resources explaining laboratory concepts for patients or healthcare providers

5. Collaborate on Research: Offer to assist with manuscript preparation for studies in your organization

Each piece becomes part of your writing portfolio, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.

The Path to Monetizing Your Writing Skills

Medical and scientific writing can be monetized through multiple channels:

• Full-time Writing Positions: Many healthcare organizations employ dedicated writers
• Freelance Opportunities: Project-based work for various clients
• Consulting Arrangements: Combining writing with technical advisory services
• Content Creation: Developing and selling educational materials
• Training Development: Creating and delivering writing-focused training

Many laboratory professionals begin with side projects while maintaining their primary role, eventually transitioning to full-time writing as their client base expands.

Essential Skills to Develop

Beyond your scientific knowledge, focus on building these skills:

• Audience Adaptation: Adjusting content for different knowledge levels
• Research Efficiency: Finding and evaluating information quickly
• Editing Discipline: Refining content for clarity and impact
• Style Versatility: Writing in different formats and tones
• Digital Tools: Familiarity with content management and collaboration platforms

A Laboratory Scientist’s Writing Success Story

A former colleague-a medical laboratory scientist with specialization in microbiology, began by writing better-than-average laboratory protocols. This led to developing training materials, then contributing to her hospital’s patient education resources. Today, she operates a successful consultancy developing regulatory documentation for diagnostic companies across West Africa, earning significantly more than her former laboratory position while working entirely from home.

Her secret? She recognized that her ability to explain complex concepts clearly was actually her most valuable professional asset, not her technical skills.

Your Writing Development Plan

If this path interests you:

1. Identify three topics where your laboratory expertise could provide valuable insights

2. Create a simple writing sample on each topic (even if not for publication)

3. Seek feedback from colleagues on clarity and usefulness

4. Explore platforms where you might share your writing (LinkedIn, Medium, professional groups)

5. Connect with others working in medical writing for mentorship

Remember: Every laboratory report you’ve written has been developing this skillset. Now it’s time to recognize its value beyond the laboratory walls.

What laboratory topics do you find yourself frequently explaining to others? These might be your first writing opportunities!

Written with Love,

Nancy.