Are self-doubt and imposter syndrome stopping you from breaking into CME writing, even though you have valuable skills to offer? Many aspiring CME writers struggle with confidence, especially when they lack clinical backgrounds. This episode addresses the "confidence paradox" - needing experience to gain confidence, but requiring confidence to get that experience - and provides practical strategies to break this cycle so you can successfully position yourself in the CME writing field. From this episode, you'll learn: How to identify and leverage your transferable skills that are directly applicable to CME writing Practical approaches to building a targeted CME portfolio, even without extensive industry experience Five confidence-building strategies that successful CME writers use to overcome self-doubt Listen now to transform your mindset from "I don't know enough" to becoming a confident CME writer that clients trust and want to work with. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:29 The Confidence Paradox in CME Writing 03:43 Identifying Your Transferable Skills 07:58 Building Your CME Writing Portfolio 11:28 Practical Strategies for Building Confidence 14:54 Conclusion and Next Steps Join the WriteCME Accelerator waitlist Grab the CME Skills Inventory worksheet

Are you struggling to understand how the CME industry works—who creates it, how it’s funded, and where freelance medical writers fit in? If breaking into CME writing feels like a mystery, this episode will give you the clarity you need. Navigating the CME ecosystem can be overwhelming for new writers. Understanding the industry structure, key players, and content types is essential to positioning yourself for success. This episode breaks down the CME landscape so you can confidently find your place and start building your career. Learn how the CME industry operates, from accreditation to funding sources, so you can target the right opportunities. Discover the different types of CME content you can write, from needs assessments to microlearning, and identify the best fit for your skills. Understand how to position yourself in the ecosystem, connect with accredited providers, and begin your journey into CME writing. If you're ready to cut through the confusion and confidently step into CME writing, press play now and explore where you fit in this thriving industry. Join the WriteCME Accelerator waitlist Grab the CME Ecosystem Map

Have you ever wondered if medical writing could be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path? If so, how do you know whether continuing medical education (CME) writing is the right specialty for you? CME writing is a thriving niche that allows writers to contribute to evidence-based education for healthcare professionals while building a sustainable freelance business. However, breaking into CME can feel overwhelming—What does it involve? Do you need a medical background? How do you get started? In this episode, we clear up the confusion and help you determine whether CME writing aligns with your skills, interests, and professional goals. Discover what CME writing entails and how it differs from other types of medical writing. Learn about the diverse professional backgrounds that transition well into CME writing, from researchers and science communicators to clinicians and educators. Gain clarity on whether your skills, work preferences, and interests align with the demands and opportunities in this specialized field. If you’re curious about CME writing and want to explore how to break into this rewarding field, tune in now and take the first step toward building a fulfilling writing career. Join the waitlist for WriteCME Accelerator

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

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: How CME funding has evolved from primarily university-based to a complex mix of commercial support, registration fees, and private investment Why private equity firms are acquiring CME providers and what this means for content development Key strategies for maintaining educational quality and professional relationships in an environment of frequent mergers and acquisitions Listen now to gain insights into the $4.23 billion CME industry's funding transformation and position yourself for success in this rapidly changing landscape. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Art of Hustling Pool and CME 00:54 AI Bootcamp for Medical Writers 01:32 The Complex Financial Side of CME 02:06 Evolution of CME Funding 02:42 Pharmaceutical Influence and Regulations 05:47 The Impact of Compliance and Regulatory Codes 07:06 Current CME Funding Landscape 08:21 Private Equity in CME 10:48 Challenges and Questions for CME Professionals 12:08 Conclusion: Ensuring Educational Quality Resources Ratnasekera A, Impact of private equity on graduate medical education: A slippery slope. Am J Surg. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.116160 ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education (2020) ACCME Data Report. Thriving Through Growth and Innovation—2023. ACCME. Toolkit for the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education

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, and behavior change that challenge conventional approaches to CME program design. • Discover concrete strategies to identify and address AI bias in your educational programs, including a practical checklist for evaluating AI integration in healthcare education • Learn how art history methods can dramatically improve clinical observation skills through specific techniques like "close looking" and formal analysis • Master the science of "complex contagion" to design more effective peer learning networks, backed by new research showing networked physician groups make significantly fewer diagnostic errors Listen now to transform your CME programs with evidence-based insights from Dr. Immani Shephard, Dr. Siobhan Conaty, and Dr. Damon Centola on AI ethics, clinical observation, and driving meaningful change in healthcare education. Resources Glickman, M., Sharot, T. How human–AI feedback loops alter human perceptual, emotional and social judgements. Nat Hum Behav (2024).

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 clinical practice relevance Development of adaptive and collaborative models across disciplines Key Takeaways: Data collection and analysis remain significant challenges for many CME organizations The importance of "unlearning" outdated approaches while maintaining what works Strategic alignment with organizational priorities is crucial for success The field must evolve from episodic learning to sustainable, data-driven approaches Looking Ahead: Need for more systematic professional development in CME Importance of collaboration to avoid common challenges Focus on creating nimble educational systems with robust assessment Emphasis on critical thinking and practical application Resources Jacobs G, McGowan B, Paynter N, et al. Necessary Disruption 2.0: A Continuing Education Call to Action. Alliance Almanac. Nov 18, 2024. Alliance Annual Conference, January 8-11, Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL.

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 indispensable strategic partner to your clients Practical strategies to integrate patient perspectives and real-world data into your content development process Specific ways to evolve your service offerings and build flexible workflows that adapt to changing project dynamics Press play to unlock your roadmap for thriving in the 2025 CME landscape and learn exactly how to future-proof your freelance business in an industry that's transforming at breakneck speed.Future Proof Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Evolving CME Landscape 00:49 Key Trends Shaping CME in 2025 03:23 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in CME 06:30 Confidence Frameworks and Outcomes Measurement 13:25 Patient-Focused Education 17:38 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) 19:56 Impact of Private Equity on CME 21:41 Practical Strategies for Independent CME Professionals 24:44 Conclusion and Future Outlook Resources WriteCME Pro Finding the Freelance Clients You Deserve Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence AI in CME Cheat Sheet AMA’s Health Equity Resource Center AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) toolkits on cultural competency and equity in medical education. WHO’s Social Determinants of Health Framework. CME/CE Market Trends

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 professionals seeking to enhance their content creation process. Listen to discover: A practical framework for incorporating AI tools while maintaining content integrity and human expertise, including specific approaches to quality control and oversight Strategic methods for adapting complex medical content for different audience levels without sacrificing scientific accuracy, supported by AI-assisted processes Proven techniques for accelerating content development across multiple formats while ensuring consistent quality and clear communication Transform your CME/CE process by learning how scientific publishing's "human-AI handshake" approach can help you create more impactful educational content in less time. Timestamps 07:44 AI aids in content conversion and audience targeting. 10:36 Encourage AI use transparently for in-house tools. 12:22 Exploring AI support for writing and social media. 17:08 Free research roundups offer interdisciplinary literature overview. 20:57 Novels prioritize style, factual books prioritize clarity. 23:29 Developed LLM prompting expertise with skilled writers. 25:19 Balancing human interaction with scalable automation. Resources We’ve built a brand new program for you that prioritizes foundational skills, implementation support, and connection. There’s a limited quantity of this offer available, so this week we’re sharing it only with those who are on our secret list. If you’re interested ​click here​ and we’ll send you an email with more info. Next week, we’ll share the official announcement with everyone else.

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 impacts your growth potential. In this episode, I take you inside a real CME writers' strategy session where we tackle these exact challenges head-on. By listening to this episode, you will: • Learn proven strategies for handling awkward client conversations about project scope and resource access without damaging relationships • Discover how to leverage your expertise in one area (like needs assessments) to expand into new opportunities while maintaining your current client base • Master the art of responding confidently to questions about therapeutic specialties while keeping doors open for diverse opportunities Press play now to get an unfiltered look at how experienced CME writers navigate real business challenges and come away with practical strategies you can implement in your next client conversation. Resources Howson A. WriteCME Roadmap: How to Thrive in CME with No Experience, No Network, and No Clue. 2024. Tilt Publishing. WriteCME Roadmap Launch Party For tips on getting around publishing paywalls see How to write a literature review