On the western edge of Europe – medical writing in Portugal

Abstract

Within Portugal, medical writing is a new and rare profession. We describe our personal career routes to medical writing and discuss the barriers and the emerging opportunities for medical writers in Portugal. The profession of medical writing is not widely known about within the research community or the medical profession, and is not recognised as a potential career. The lack of pharmaceutical companies in Portugal also hampers the development of medical writing. The rapid increase in scientific research within Portugal over the last 30 years, however, has resulted in a substantial pool of highly trained researchers, a potential source of medical writing recruits. This development of research has increased the pressure to publish, and practising physicians are subject to similar pressure. Such pressures are likely to lead to an increasing demand for medical writers in Portugal.

Keywords:

• Portugal
• Medical writing
• Career development
• Opportunities

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to Diarmuid De Faoite for putting us in touch and encouraging us to write this article.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by the authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily represent official opinions of their employers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eva Leiria

Eva Leiria started her research career as a Clinical Research Associate at a Portuguese CRO. She developed her scientific skills and began to work as a medical writer by supporting the development of protocols, informed consents, and other study documents. She was subsequently trained in scientific study design and publications.

Marta Abrantes

Marta Abrantes is a pharmacist who pursued a research career in chemistry, thus acquiring skills in scientific study design, data analysis, written and oral communication, training and education. She has varied experience in several European universities and has multiple language skills. For more information visit: http://martaabrantes.weebly.com/.