Medical journalism: Another way to write about science

Abstract

True journalism differs from public relations and uncritically reproducing press releases. It involves doing background research into the context surrounding the finding being reported, seeking comments from independent experts, and highlighting the negative as well as positive aspects. In this article, I pull together information for medical writers interested in journalism or science writing.

Keywords:

• Medical journalism
• Medical writing
• Science writing
• Public relations

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jo Whelan

Jo Whelan is a medical writer in medical communications and health economics based in Oxford, UK, and is founder and director of Textpharm Ltd. She has written news and feature articles for publications including New Scientist, Drug Discovery Today, and Sweet magazine.