Write Medicine - podcast cover

Write Medicine

Alexandra Howson PhD | CME Writer, Educator, Researcherwww.writemedicine.com
If TED Talks and a mastermind group had a podcast baby for CME professionals, it would be Write Medicine.  Think of Write Medicine as the NPR of continuing medical education—smart, engaging, and always packed with insights you can use right away.  Every week, your host, Alexandra Howson PhD, cracks open the secrets of powerful CME content, decoding adult learning, designing impactful outcomes, and navigating the fast-changing world of medical education. Sometimes, she goes solo. Other times, she invites industry pros to share their expertise. Either way, you’ll get practical strategies to elevate your CME writing game.  Whether you’re just starting in CME or you're a seasoned pro looking for that extra edge, Write Medicine is your weekly power-up session for crafting education that truly makes a difference.  Listen, learn, and level up your CME game—because better education means better patient care.
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Episodes

From Anxiety to Action: What Every Medical Writer Needs to Know About AI Integration

If you’re a medical writer today, you're no stranger to tight deadlines, dense source material, and the pressure to deliver educational content that is both engaging and evidence-based. These demands are particularly acute in the world of continuing medical education (CME), where accuracy, clarity, and relevance matter more than ever. As the medical writing landscape evolves, so do the tools that support us. Among the most promising of these is MACg, a generative AI-powered assistant that helps ...

Jul 02, 202520 min

From Barbershops to Boardrooms: Pioneering CME in Unexpected Spaces

How 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 fin...

Jun 25, 202528 min

From Scattered to Specific: How a Niche Can Save Your Sanity (and Your Business)

Are you a freelance CME writer juggling too many project types and wondering if it’s time to finally “niche down”? In the world of continuing medical education (CME), clarity and focus aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for sustainable business growth. If you’re feeling stretched thin, jumping between clients and therapeutic areas, this episode explores how finding a niche can reduce overwhelm, streamline your process, and even attract the kinds of clients who value what you do most. Her...

Jun 18, 202512 minSeason 10Ep. 152

From Silos to Synergy: Designing CME for Real-World Healthcare Teams with Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo

How 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 colla...

May 28, 202532 min

Raising the Bar: Essential Competencies for CME Writers with Haifa Kassis and Don Harting

Are 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 stu...

May 21, 202534 min

From Diagnosis to Advocacy: What Rare Disease Teaches Us About CME

How 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 newbo...

May 14, 202539 min

Beyond PubMed: CME's Hidden Treasure Map

CME 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...

Apr 30, 202526 min

Building a Thriving CME Community: Why Networking Isn’t Enough for Career Growth

Do 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 ...

Mar 12, 202512 minSeason 10Ep. 147

PubMed Uncertainty: Smart Alternatives for CME Professionals

What 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 ...

Mar 05, 20256 min

Empowering Nurses Through Education: Reducing Burnout, Building Leadership, and Elevating Care

How can continuing education transform nursing practice, reduce burnout, and empower nurses to advocate for themselves? Nurses are essential to patient care, yet many struggle with limited access to high-quality education, workplace advocacy, and professional development. As CME professionals and medical writers, we have the power to create learning experiences that not only enhance clinical skills but also support nurse well-being and retention. In this episode, we dive into the evolving landsc...

Feb 12, 202537 minSeason 10Ep. 145

Missing Data? How to Keep Your CME Content Evidence-Based

What 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 ...

Feb 05, 202513 minSeason 10Ep. 144

Follow the Money: The Unexpected Economics of CME

Is 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:...

Jan 29, 202515 minSeason 10Ep. 143

AI, Art & Social Networks in Continuing Education for Health Professionals

What if everything we believe about driving change in healthcare education is fundamentally wrong - and AI might be making it worse? As healthcare education rapidly embraces AI and digital transformation, you're likely grappling with crucial decisions about how to integrate new technologies while ensuring your programs remain equitable and effective. The latest Alliance for Continuing Education in Health Professions conference keynotes reveal surprising insights about AI bias, observation skills...

Jan 22, 202519 min

Don't Be Kodak: Future-Proofing Your CME Strategy

In 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 clinica...

Jan 01, 202518 minSeason 10Ep. 141

Future-Proofing Your CME Writing Biz: Preparing for 2025

Are 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 indispensab...

Dec 31, 202427 minSeason 9Ep. 140

Is the Human-AI Handshake the Future of CE? With Stephanie Preuss

Are you struggling to balance high-quality medical education content creation with increasing demands for varied formats and accessibility? As CME/CE professionals face mounting pressure to create more content across multiple platforms while maintaining scientific accuracy, traditional writing approaches are becoming unsustainable. Learn how leading scientific publisher Springer Nature is revolutionizing content development through AI integration, offering valuable lessons for medical education ...

Nov 27, 202425 min

Uncensored: Fearless CME Writer Questions, Breakthrough Solutions

Are 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 i...

Oct 30, 202415 minSeason 9Ep. 138

Embrace Your Voice: How to Optimize the Power of Pause, Timing, and Flow in CME Script Writing

Do 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 pat...

Oct 23, 202435 minSeason 9Ep. 137

Freelance Like a Pro: Niching, Marketing, and SOPs with Alejandra Viviescas

Are 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 r...

Oct 16, 202429 min

Savvy Money-Saving Hacks for Thriving Freelance Medical Writers

Are you a new medical writer feeling overwhelmed by the costs of starting your career? Do you hesitate to invest in expensive resources, wondering if there's a smarter way to begin? You're not alone. Many aspiring medical writers struggle to balance their passion for the field with the financial realities of getting started. But what if I told you that you don't need to break the bank to launch your medical writing career? In this episode, we're diving into 12 money-saving hacks that can help yo...

Oct 09, 202411 minSeason 9Ep. 135

Root Cause Analysis: How to Easily Transform Your Needs Assessments

Is your CME content scratching the surface or truly addressing the core issues in healthcare practice? As a CME professional, you're constantly striving to create educational interventions that make a real difference. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, the impact falls short of expectations. Root cause analysis (RCA) could be the missing piece in your needs assessment toolkit, helping you uncover the true sources of performance gaps and design more effective CME programs. By listening to ...

Sep 25, 202417 minSeason 9Ep. 134

CME as a Strategic Resource in Quality Improvement with Katie West MSN

Are 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 disc...

Sep 18, 202423 minSeason 9Ep. 133

Embracing Visual Trends and Patient Voices: A New Era in Medical Education with Caroline Halford

Are you a CME professional struggling to create engaging, accessible content that truly resonates with healthcare providers? You know the importance of staying current with medical advancements, but you're finding it challenging to deliver information in ways that stick. You want your educational materials to not only inform but also inspire change in clinical practice. If you're looking for innovative approaches to make your CME content more impactful, patient-centered, and adaptable to diverse...

Sep 11, 202437 minSeason 9Ep. 132

Build Your Medical Writing Portfolio: A Guide for CME Writers

You'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 showcas...

Sep 04, 202411 minSeason 9Ep. 131

When Clients Collide: Maintaining Integrity in Freelance CME Writing

Have 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 ...

Jul 03, 202417 minSeason 8Ep. 130

From Burnout to Brilliance: Dr. Lisa Herbert’s Framework for Leadership Development

Are you a physician feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of modern healthcare? Do you struggle to have your voice heard in an increasingly corporate medical landscape? Or perhaps you're a medical professional looking to step into a leadership role, but unsure how to begin? As CME professionals, we work with physicians on a daily basis. But how tuned into their struggles and concerts are you? And how can education support physicians and other health professionals who are ready to grow into a l...

Jun 26, 202428 minSeason 8Ep. 129

Streamline Your Social Media: Essential Tips for Freelance Writers

Are you struggling to maintain a balanced online presence without feeling overwhelmed by social media? As a freelance medical writer, you likely know the importance of social media as a marketing tool. However, its demands can be incredibly draining, impacting both your productivity and emotional wellbeing. This episode dives into practical strategies tailored to help you navigate these challenges effectively. 1. Learn why LinkedIn is the preferred platform for professional conversations among m...

Jun 24, 20248 minSeason 8Ep. 128

Competencies, Gaps, and Grants: Your Roadmap to Compelling CME Needs Assessments

Are you struggling to create compelling needs assessments that win over supporters in today's evolving medical education landscape? As a medical education grant writer or provider, you know that crafting targeted, data-driven needs assessments is crucial for securing funding and delivering impactful education. However, piecing together the right data and telling a persuasive story can be challenging, especially with the increasing expectations from supporters. 1. Gain expert insights from Nathal...

Jun 19, 202429 minSeason 8Ep. 127

Master the Mindset Shift: How to Thrive as a CME Writer

Overcome 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 expert 2....

Jun 17, 202412 minSeason 8Ep. 126

Trauma Surgery Training: Simulations, Continuing Education, and Preventing Burnout with Stephen Cohn

What really happens behind the scenes when a severely injured trauma patient arrives at the hospital? Emergency care providers need to act quickly and coordinate seamlessly with their team when seconds count to save a trauma patient's life. But the high-stakes, chaotic environment can make it challenging to stay calm, avoid errors, and prevent burnout, especially if you don't get to practice those skills regularly. Stephen Cohn MD says trauma surgeons need to be experts at dealing with calamity....

Jun 07, 202430 minSeason 8Ep. 125
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