AMWA “Breakthroughs and Fresh Starts” Webinar, April 1, 2026, Noon CDT
Medical Writers As Entrepreneurs
I volunteered to share what I could to help other members of AMWA with my research and experiences from the past year in elevating my medical writing business Heartland Narrative LLC.
This required me to answer these questions first:
How did I change careers or transitioned into medical writing or editing? After residencies in Clinical Pathology and General Surgery, I felt I could achieve the best satisfcation.
How did I picked up new skills? A wonderful book called the E-myth explaining the skills needed to run an entrepreneurial business.
What surprised me? Finding out about what I didn’t know I didn’t know. Some intuitive beliefs are actually wrong when it applies to running a successful business.
What challenges did I encounter? Those who are rigid in their adherence to business as usual.
How did I grow my network? Interacting with people I was interested in online. Posting comments, talking about the books I’m reading.
How did I find mentoring relationships? I’m always seeking good advice, but when I network I always try to provide value with good information.
What traits do you need for this job? Short answer: CURIOSITY. Seeking out the best books and commentators on being an entrepreneur.
Here are my areas of interest, which I think will be useful to my medical writing colleagues (in no order of importance)
Addressing the emerging generative AI productivity tools. Medical Practice Impact reports.
Building DEMAND over BRAND.
AgeTech and the Longevity Economy
Government Contracts
Global Markets
CME/Med Comms
Video, and other online media for marketing
Tech Tools:
Personal project and legacy building
Lifestyle/Work life/Healthspan:
AI Consultant:
Collaboration.
Business Logistics
Researching High-value Prospects
I realize that the above my not be applicable to every med writer, but my main purpose to provide inspiration to those of us wanting to a good player in this game.