What does it take to move from order-taker to trusted partner in CME writing? That’s the single question driving this new season of Write Medicine. In this 15-minute teaser episode, Alex introduces the season theme—Craft to Confidence: A CME Writer’s Season of Growth—and gives you a preview of what’s ahead. You’ll hear how guest interviews and solo tactical episodes will work together to help you build your skills, expand your visibility, and strengthen your confidence as a CME writer. Whether you’re transitioning from academia, clinical practice, or another writing specialty, this season will give you both the craft tools and the career clarity to thrive in continuing medical education. Episodes to Look Forward To Designing for learning with Sarah Atwood Hot Seat Coaching on attracting content projects and integrating academic skills into CME Leveraging Milkshake Moments with Michelle Skidmore Identity, trauma, and resilience with Hope Lafferty Solo walk-throughs on interviewing SMEs, turning education gaps and needs into activity agendas, publishing manuscripts, and more

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 medical writers streamline document analysis, content creation, and research. For writers working in CME or adjacent fields, MACg offers more than convenience—it offers a meaningful shift in how we work. Tune in to learn how I’m using MACg as a collaborative partner in my workflow rather than a replacement for my creative process.  Resources Grab your fee trial of MACg Summer Script Camp

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 find actionable ideas to bring your programming closer to the ground. Specifically, you'll learn: How to build authentic partnerships with community leaders who can serve as trusted bridges between healthcare providers and hard-to-reach populations. The essential infrastructure you need to establish before launching community-based programs, from setting up referral networks that ensure patients don't fall through cracks after screening to tracking both clinical outcomes and demographic data that funders require. A proven framework for developing educational content with cultural humility and how to work with expert faculty who understand nuanced communication challenges. Connect with Dean 🌐 https://DKBMED.COM Resources Signup for Summer Script Camp Get TextExpander

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. Here’s what you’ll gain from this episode: A practical definition of what a niche is—and what it isn’t—so you can stop second-guessing yourself. Examples of how different niches can emerge from your background, preferences, or even your favorite types of client relationships. A step-by-step approach to experimenting your way into a niche, without the pressure to get it “perfect” from the start. Tune in now to learn how niching can simplify your business, supercharge your marketing, and help you find work that truly energizes you. LINKS Grab the Niche Discovery Checklist Signup for Summer Script Camp If you are looking for ongoing CME content strategy tips, tools, and tactics, subscribe to the Write Medicine Insider newsletter. Get TextExpander

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 collaboration. As patient-centered models expand and asynchronous care becomes the norm, CME professionals need a deeper understanding of roles, language, and practice contexts to design impactful education. Discover the critical differences between interprofessional, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary practice—and why it matters for CME writing. Learn how to structure education that empowers team collaboration and respects the unique contributions of each discipline. Understand the growing role of patients, technology, and asynchronous communication in shaping interprofessional collaboration today. And if you’re unsure when to use “interprofessional” vs “multidisciplinary”? We’ve got you covered. We created a one-page Quick Reference Guide to help you use team-based language precisely and avoid common traps in CME writing. It’s perfect for writers, educators, and reviewers who want to level up their clarity. Grab the download in the show notes and keep it handy as you create your next piece of content. Tune in now to learn how you can write CME content that reflects real-world collaboration—and elevates both learner experience and patient care outcomes. Connect with Tina Website: https://collaborateforhealth.com LinkedIn Interprofessional Terms Quick Reference Guide

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 study on CME writing competencies, revealing what hiring managers really want and how you can grow your career strategically. In this episode, you’ll learn: The four core competencies every CME writer should master today Which deliverables are in high demand—and which are vanishing How this competency model can support onboarding, training, and upskilling. Press play to learn how to align your writing skills with what the CME industry actually needs—so you can stand out, get hired, and grow with confidence. Resources Kassis, H., & Harting, D. (2024). Medical Writing for Continuing Education in the Health Professions: A Competency Model. Journal of CME, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/28338073.2024.2422709 CME Writers’ Toolbox Delphi Panelists WriteCME Pro: Accelerate your freelance CME writing business growth Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to CME Writing Challenges 00:20 Meet the Researchers: Haifa Kassis and Don Harting 01:19 The Competency Model: Key Findings 02:40 Expert Consensus and Methodology 06:16 Surprising Insights and Real-World Challenges 11:15 Practical Applications and Future Directions 24:35 Emerging Competencies and Industry Trends 28:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 newborn screening. For CME professionals, this episode is a call to rethink how we center narrative, ethics, and emotional intelligence in our content, especially when evidence alone isn’t enough to support meaningful patient care. Learn how outdated narratives and clinical language can alienate patients—and how reframing them can build trust and support retention in care. Hear why integrating lived experience into CME is essential for designing education that resonates beyond the exam room. Discover how personal storytelling, ethical reflection, and patient advocacy can enrich data-driven CME writing. ▶️ Press play to discover how Dr. Jennifer Brown’s dual lens—as a geneticist and parent—can sharpen your skills as a more empathetic, informed CME professional. Connect with Jennifer LinkedIn Goodreads  Author Site Bluesky YouTube

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 if your go-to resource is compromised? Today's episode is your insurance policy. My conversation with medical librarian Rachel Wedeward MLIS, AHIP reveals not only why PubMed matters, but also provides you with practical alternatives, including a downloadable resource sheet, and evaluation strategies to ensure you'll never be left without the research you need - no matter what happens. In this episode, you'll discover: The remarkable infrastructure behind PubMed's indexing system that makes it an indispensable tool for organizing and accessing biomedical research A comprehensive overview of complementary resources, including European PubMed Central and specialized databases that can enhance your research approach Practical wisdom for evaluating evidence quality Listen now to expand your research toolkit with expert knowledge that will help you confidently navigate the evolving landscape of medical information resources. Connect with Rachel Website LinkedIn 📚 Resources PubMed The essential biomedical database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A critical starting point for CME writers and medical educators to access peer-reviewed research. European PubMed Central A free database of biomedical and life sciences research literature from Europe. A strong alternative to PubMed. Grey Literature Sources Sometimes the best insights aren’t found in journals. Examples of trusted grey literature repositories include: Kaiser Family Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Find guides on Rachel's website Alex's Sharable Evidence Bank (>70 sources)

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 take to create meaningful connections. Discover how a strong professional community can boost your career and well-being. Understand the key elements that define a thriving professional community. Learn practical ways to engage in and build a community that supports your growth in CME. Listen now to uncover the power of community in CME and learn how to cultivate meaningful professional connections that will support your long-term success. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Navigating the CME Field Alone 00:48 The Importance of Community in CME 01:50 Defining Community and Its Elements 02:38 Personal Experiences of Belonging 03:50 Shared Values and Mutual Support in CME 05:08 Networks vs. Communities 06:29 Benefits of Community for CME Professionals 10:19 Practical Steps to Engage in Community 11:01 Conclusion and Next Steps Next WriteCME Accelerator Cohort is May, 2025. Join the Waitlist.

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 professionals. Discover alternative medical research tools that can fill the gaps if PubMed access is disrupted. Get expert-backed strategies to diversify your literature search and stay ahead of potential research barriers. Hit play now to future-proof your CME research strategy and ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality medical literature! Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of PubMed for CME Professionals 00:32 Potential Threats to PubMed 02:21 Speculative Changes and Their Implications 02:40 Preparing for Potential Disruptions 03:03 Alternative Research Tools and Strategies 04:06 Staying Informed and Connected 04:26 Conclusion and Call to Action Resources Europe PMC – A free resource for accessing biomedical literature, serving as an alternative to PubMed. Wayback Machine – A digital archive that allows retrieval of past versions of web pages, including government health pages. DeepDyve – A subscription-based service that archives PubMed files daily and provides access to research papers. EU Clinical Trials Register – A database of clinical trials conducted in Europe, cross-referenced with ClinicalTrials.gov. Leave a voice note for Alex

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 landscape of nursing education with Drs. Jennifer Shepard and Sean DeGarmo, two leaders from the American Nurses Association (ANA), who explore how we can design more impactful, outcomes-driven education for nurses. Discover how the 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses is reshaping professional development and why it matters for your CME programs. Learn how continuing education directly combats burnout and improves nurse retention—and what that means for healthcare organizations. Gain insights into the challenges of funding and implementing nurse education, and strategies to advocate for protected education budgets. Press play now to learn how you can contribute to the future of nursing education and design CE programs that truly make a difference! Abbreviations Here are the acronyms mentioned in the episode along with their full forms: ANA – American Nurses Association CNE – Continuing Nursing Education CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CE – Continuing Education CME – Continuing Medical Education APP – Advanced Practice Provider DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice PPE – Personal Protective Equipment PHI – Protected Health Information PI – Personal Information LACE – Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education GME – Graduate Medical Education OPP – Organizational Practice Policies AAPA – American Academy of Physician Associates LACE – Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Nursing Education Challenges 00:40 Meet the Experts: Dr. Jennifer Shepard and Dr. Sean de Garmo 01:54 The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses 08:02 Addressing Gaps in Nursing Education 10:41 The Importance of Continuing Education in Combating Burnout 16:40 Advocating for Nursing Education and Professional Development 24:04 Outcomes-Based Education and Interdisciplinary Collaboration 34:50 Conclusion: The Lifeline of Continuing Education

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 to learn where to find alternative, credible health data sources beyond federal agencies. Don’t let disappearing data derail your CME planning. Resource Grab your link to a living spreadsheet of alternative data and evidence sources. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Disappearing Public Health Data 01:20 Impact of Data Removal on Public Health 05:40 Alternative Data Sources for CME Professionals 09:33 Actionable Steps for CME Professionals 10:52 Conclusion and Call to Action