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What does a Medical Editor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A medical editor is a person who reviews and edits medical documents for accuracy and clarity.

Medical Editor job duties include:

  • Research and write articles for publication in medical journals
  • Edit and revise medical articles submitted for publication
  • Work with authors to ensure that articles meet the requirements of the target journal
  • Ensure that all articles are accurate and comply with ethical guidelines
  • Coordinate the peer review process for assigned journals
  • Maintain communication with editors, authors, and reviewers
  • Assess manuscripts for suitability for publication
  • Provide feedback to authors on ways to improve their manuscripts
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication according to journal guidelines

Medical Editor Job Requirements

A medical editor is responsible for reviewing and editing medical content for publication. A bachelor's degree in a science or health-related field is typically required for this position, as well as experience working in the medical publishing industry. Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is also beneficial.

Medical Editor Skills

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Research
  • Medical knowledge
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork

Related: Top Medical Editor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Medical Editor

There is no one specific path to becoming a medical editor. However, there are certain skills and qualities that will make you successful in this field. First and foremost, you must have excellent writing and editing skills. You should be able to clearly communicate complex medical information in a way that is easy for laypeople to understand. Additionally, you must be detail-oriented and have the ability to spot errors quickly.

It is also helpful to have some knowledge of the medical field, either through personal experience or formal education. This will allow you to more easily understand the material you are editing and make sure that it is accurate. Finally, it is important to be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Medical editors often have to work on tight timelines, so being able to handle stress and keep up with a fast pace is essential.

If you have these skills and qualities, then a career as a medical editor may be right for you. To get started, consider pursuing a degree in English or journalism with a focus on editing. Alternatively, look for entry-level positions at publishing companies or medical journals. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful career as a medical editor.

Related: Medical Editor Resume Example

Related: Medical Editor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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