Getting Into Medical Writing (GIMW) Programme Committee
Who We Are and What We Do
The GIMW Programme Committee is a dedicated team of EMWA members and experienced medical writers. Our mission? To empower new and aspiring medical writers to launch their careers smoothly and successfully.
We meet virtually every month, diligently planning and creating the events and resources that new and aspiring medical writers need to get a strong start in their careers.
Get Involved
- Are you an experienced medical writer eager to give back? If so, we would like to hear from you. To join the group, please contact any of the group’s co-chairs or members.
- Are you new to medical writing? If so, stay connected. We announce upcoming GIMW activities through EMWA’s newsletter, the EMWA website, and on social media.
GIMW group activities – Your Pathway to Success
We offer a range of activities:
- Virtual sessions in the spring and autumn with a range of speakers sharing a wealth of information on medical writing career pathways.
- Engaging online meet & share sessions and webinars.
- Creation of practical resources specifically tailored to new and aspiring medical writers.
- Direct support to new EMWA members as they navigate their career paths.
- Collaborations with the EMWA journal to provide publishing opportunities for newcomers.
- Partnerships with the Ambassador’s programme to spread the word about EMWA and medical writing careers at universities and research institutions.
Co-Chairs:
Evguenia Alechine and Sarah Hopwood
Group members:
- Raquel Billiones
- Francesca Capellini
- Barbara Bartolini
- Zoya Ashabi
- Matthew Edmonds
- Sofia Urner
- Fiona Beck
- Alexander Lowe
- Abe Shevack (Ambassador programme liaison)
Showcase Your Skills: EMWA Journal Opportunities
- Share your journey. Did you successfully “get your foot in the door” in medical writing? New EMWA members can inspire others by sharing their experience in the EMWA journal. Contact Ivana Turek to contribute.
- Submit articles for publication. Are you an aspiring medical writer looking for expert feedback and an opportunity to showcase your writing skills? You can submit your work for potential inclusion in the EMWA journal. Contact Evguenia Alechine to learn more.
Resources for New Medical Writers
Discover our Career Guide for New Medical Writers – your ultimate starting point! Whether you’re exploring a medical writing career or taking your first steps, this guide provides foundational knowledge and practical advice.
Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar!
August 17 2026 – Online Q&A on Regulatory Writing (1:00 pm-2:00 pm CET)
Are you an aspiring writer who wants to learn more about regulatory writing? Are you a new writer interested to know where regulatory writing can take you? If the answer is yes, then this 1-hour Q&A is for you!
Come and hear answers to common questions about working in regulatory writing from our diverse panel, with the opportunity to ask your own questions as well.
Register here to join us on Monday, 17th August at 1 pm CET! You do not have to be an EMWA member to attend.
Past Events – Our Journey of Support
March 20, 2026 – Online Session
In this 3-hour virtual session for aspiring and early-career medical writers, experienced medical writers and EMWA members shared insights into the wide scope of the profession, covering topics such as introduction to medical writing, regulatory writing and medical communications (including advisory boards and educational materials), freelancing, transferable skills from academia, the recruitment process, and tips for CVs and LinkedIn. Participants learned how EMWA can support their professional development in this rewarding career path and heard about the upcoming EMWA conference in Barcelona in May 2026. The session further offered opportunities to ask questions and network with the medical writing community.
January 30, 2026 – Online Q&A on Publications Writing
This free, 1-hour live Q&A session focused on publications and offered participants the chance to ask questions and receive practical advice from experienced medical writers. The conversation was particularly valuable for those new to the field or considering a move into publications writing, combining professional insights with genuine enthusiasm and encouragement.
November 12, 2025 – Online Session
This follow-up session gave participants another opportunity to join our ‘Getting into Medical Writing’ event, building on the enthusiasm and demand created in September. The repeated format ensured that those who missed the original session could benefit fully from the speakers’ insights and discussions. With a renewed audience, the session once again brought aspiring medical writers together to learn, ask questions, and connect with the EMWA community.
September 19, 2025 – Online Session
Our September online session delivered a personal and engaging introduction to medical writing. Six professionals from diverse backgrounds shared their unique journeys, reflecting on what drew them to medical writing, what their typical workday looks like, how they developed their skills, and how they stay connected and up-to-date. The event included lively breakout discussions where participants could ask questions and connect directly with the speakers. The session also provided an overview of how medical writers can benefit from being an EMWA member and attending EMWA conferences. In summary, the session not only delivered valuable insights into different career paths but also fostered a sense of community, helping aspiring medical writers see the many ways they can shape their futures in this rewarding field.
May 6, 2025 – In-person full-day in Riga, Latvia
Our hybrid session in Riga featured informative presentations covering introductions to medical communications and regulatory writing, freelancing, transferable skills, building strong CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and using AI in the profession. A highlight was the dynamic speed networking session, offering attendees a direct engagement with experienced medical writers. This event provided practical tips and advice to help newcomers take their first steps in medical writing in an engaging and fun way!
December 2, 2024 – Q&A
This 1-hour Q&A session allowed aspiring and new medical writers to ask experts questions about regulatory writing, medical communications, freelancing, and transitioning from academia.
September 20, 2024 – Online Session
This 3-hour virtual session showcased experienced medical writers and EMWA members discussing the vast scope of the medical writing profession and how EMWA can help you achieve your professional goals. We covered: an introduction to medical writing, main types (regulatory vs. MedComms), testimonials of transitions, transferable skills, CVs & LinkedIn, navigating EMWA, the virtual conference, Q&A, and networking.
May 8, 2024 – In-person full-day in Valencia, Spain
Our first full day was dedicated to those interested in or starting a medical writing career. We focused on understanding the field, networking, and providing essential resources. It was a huge success, offering newbies a full day to learn and network with experienced medical writers!
September 22, 2023 – Online Session
This 3.5-hour session covered the basics: an introduction to medical writing, networking, navigating EMWA, and upcoming conference details. Aspiring/new medical writers could network, ask questions, and connect with colleagues.
May 12, 2023 – In-person session in Prague, Czech Republic
At the EMWA Conference in Prague, we held a hybrid session, “Getting into Medical Writing – Different types of medical writing: Targeting the right audience.” Specialists discussed effective ways for beginners to target the right audience and build a successful professional career within the vast world of medical writing opportunities.
September 23, 2022 – Online Session
We offered a fully virtual “Getting into Medical Writing” open session where experienced medical writers and EMWA members presented on the vast career path and how EMWA supports professional goals. This 3-hour session covered basics, networking, navigating EMWA, and a look ahead to the Autumn conference in Riga.
June 23, 2022 – Online Meet & Share
This session focused on soft and transferable skills from academia that can be leveraged to get into medical writing. We discussed how these skills can improve your CV/resume and LinkedIn profile and how to use them strategically.
June 9, 2022 – Online Meet & Share
A joint GIMW and PV SIG Meet & Share, “Demystifying Pharmacovigilance Writing for New and Aspiring Medical Writers,” discussed an introduction to PV writing, how to get a PV writing role as a fresh graduate, and shared experiences from PV writers.
February 3, 2022 – Online Meet & Share
Our first GIMW Open Meet & Share explored the use of LinkedIn and other social media to break into the medical writing industry. Peter Llewellyn, Francesca Capellini, Clare Chang, and Evguenia Alechine shared experiences and advice on leveraging LinkedIn for this amazing career path.