Dr. Tanya Ghanjanasak Explains The Difference Between Medical Writing and Medical Communication

By  //  May 24, 2022

(Ideamensch.com image)

When it comes to the medical field, many different types of professionals ensure that patients receive the best possible care. One of these professions is medical writing. Medical writers like Dr. Tanya Ghanjanasak create materials such as scientific papers, grant proposals, and patient education materials. But what is the difference between medical writing and medical communication? Now, we will explore the differences between these two career options.

What Is Medical Writing?

Medical writing is a highly specialized form of writing used to communicate complex medical information. According to Dr. Tanya Ghanjanasak of St. Augustine, FL, medical writers must understand the scientific method and effectively communicate complex concepts to a non-scientific audience. Medical writers typically have an advance degree in science or health communications.

The role of a medical writer is to translate complex medical information into clear, concise, and accurate written materials that non-medical audiences can easily understand.

Medical writers must have excellent communication skills and be familiar with the latest medical research and developments to do this effectively. Additionally, medical writers must work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all materials are accurate and up-to-date.

What Is Medical Communication?

Medical communication is an essential part of the healthcare field. It allows professionals to exchange information and share best practices. In many cases, medical communicators link different stakeholders, such as patients, doctors, and insurance companies. They may also be responsible for communicating research findings to the public.

Because of the sensitive nature of the information they handle, medical communicators must be able to maintain confidentiality. They also need to communicate complex information in an easy way to understand. As such, they play a vital role in ensuring that the healthcare system runs smoothly.

What Is The Difference Between Medical Writing And Communication?

There are many differences between medical writing and medical communication. Here are some from Dr. Tanya Ghanjanasak:

Stronger scientific background with medical writers

Medical writers have a stronger scientific background and are better equipped to understand and communicate complex medical information. Medical writers typically focus on the research and communicating the findings to a non-scientific audience.

On the other hand, medical communicators focus more on how the information is presented and work to find the most effective way to communicate the findings to their audience.

More concerned with presentation and persuasion with medical communicators

Medical communicators are more concerned with presentation and persuasion. They work to find the most effective way to communicate the findings to their audience. This might include creating marketing materials or developing relationships with key opinion leaders.

More creative approach with medical communicators

Medical communicators take a more creative approach to their work. They focus on creating materials that are interesting and easy to understand. This might include developing marketing materials or building relationships with key opinion leaders.

Different target audiences

Another difference is that medical writers typically create materials for patients, while medical communicators create materials for healthcare professionals. This means that medical writers need to effectively communicate complex medical information to a non-scientific audience. On the other hand, medical communicators need to understand the needs of their target audience and develop materials accordingly.

Both are important but different

Medical writing and communication are both important in the medical field, but they are two very different types of careers. If you’re interested in a career in medical writing, be sure to have a solid scientific background. If you’re interested in medical communication, focus on developing your skills in presentation and persuasion.

Why Are Both Medical Writing And Medical Communication Needed?

Medical writing and communication are essential in the medical field for different reasons. Medical writers provide crucial information to patients, while medical communicators help to ensure that healthcare professionals have the information they need to make informed decisions.

Dr. Tanya Ghanjanasak says both medical writing and communication are necessary to communicate complex medical information effectively. Medical writers focus on the research itself and communicate the findings to a non-scientific audience. In contrast, medical communicators concentrate more on presenting the data and work to find the most effective way to share the findings with their audience.

While they have different focuses, medical writing and communication are important for the medical field to function effectively. Patients need clear and concise information about their health, and healthcare professionals need accurate and up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Medical writing and communication play important roles in ensuring that these needs are met.

Final Thoughts

Medical writing and communication are two significant but very different careers. Medical writers focus on the research itself and communicate the findings to a non-scientific audience. In contrast, medical communicators concentrate more on presenting the information and work to find the most effective way to share the findings with their audience.

Both writing and communication are necessary to communicate complex medical information effectively, says Dr. Tanya Ghanjanasak. Patients need clear and concise information about their health, and healthcare professionals need accurate and up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Medical writing and communication play important roles in ensuring that these needs are met.