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Alexandra Howson PhD

If TED Talks and a mastermind group had a podcast baby for CME professionals, it would be Write Medicine. 
Think of Write Medicine as the NPR of continuing medical education—smart, engaging, and always packed with insights you can use right away.
 Every week, your host, Alexandra Howson PhD, cracks open the secrets of powerful CME content, decoding adult learning, designing impactful outcomes, and navigating the fast-changing world of medical education. Sometimes, she goes solo. Other times, she invites industry pros to share their expertise. Either way, you’ll get practical strategies to elevate your CME writing game.
 Whether you’re just starting in CME or you're a seasoned pro looking for that extra edge, Write Medicine is your weekly power-up session for crafting education that truly makes a difference.
 Listen, learn, and level up your CME game—because better education means better patient care.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Write Medicine

In this year-end episode, Alex takes you behind the scenes into a full year of growth inside the WriteCME Pro community. Whether you're just starting in CME or deepening your expertise, you’ll hear the most important trends that emerged among CME writers in 2025—what they struggled with, how they moved forward, and what this means for your own career in 2026.

If you want clarity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the CME world, this episode offers a peek at the path forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 • The biggest mindset and skill gaps CME writers faced this year
 • Why understanding the 
ecosystem • matters more than mastering templates
 • The professional identity shift that helped writers step into higher-level roles
 • Why wellbeing has become a non-negotiable business strategy
 • What happens when writers grow inside a community instead of alone
 • What support, structure, and opportunities are coming in 2026

You’ll especially benefit if you’re:

 • A medical writer curious about entering CME
 • A working CME writer who feels stuck or isolated
 • A freelancer craving clarity, community, or better workflow systems
 • Someone who wants to build a resilient, respected CME writing business

Learn more or join the community:

12 Days of Giving Secret List

WriteCME Pro

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

The CME Writing Skills No One Teaches—but Every Writer Needs

What if you ended the year not with burnout or urgency, but with a daily ritual of inspiration, generosity, and creative momentum for your CME writing?

As CME writers, so much of our work happens behind the scenes — the interviews, the needs assessments, the outlines, the manuscripts. It’s meaningful work, but it’s often quiet and relentless, yet it carries real impact for learners and patients. This episode takes you behind the curtain into the reflection, intention, and creative spark that inspired the 12 Days of Giving. If you’ve ever wanted to reconnect with the why behind your own writing, this story will resonate.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

 • My 
why • behind the 12 Days of Giving 
 • How reflection helps us stay grounded in a profession that rarely slows down.
 • Why generosity isn’t just a nice idea, but a practical force that strengthens your craft and the CME community.

Press play to step behind the scenes and discover the heart, intention, and creative spark powering this year’s 12 Days of Giving.

Ready to join the secret list? Do that here: https://www.alexhowson.com/12-days-interest

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

If CME Writers Had an Advent Calendar…

In this hot seat coaching conversation, Sarah Jabeen MD, a clinician turned medical writer, brings the honest questions so many emerging CME writers quietly carry:

How do I navigate a career pivot without feeling like an imposter? How do I leverage my clinical background without overwhelming my writing? And how do I grow from “new” to “trusted” in the eyes of clients?

Together, we unpack what’s underneath each of these questions and explore how identity, confidence, community, and small experiments shape your growth as a CME writer.

You’ll hear:

Why self-doubt is a normal part of professional transformation • —and how to shift from “What if this fails?” to “What if this works?”
How your clinical experience becomes a true superpower • in CME writing, giving you insight, relevance, and empathy that elevate your work.
What separates a beginner from a trusted partner • , and how reliability, curiosity, and consistent communication matter more than perfection.
The role of community and belonging • in building confidence and combating isolation during a career pivot.
Practical guidance • for showing up online, finding your voice, and creating a presence that feels aligned and safe.

Whether you’re transitioning from clinical practice, entering CME writing from another discipline, or simply looking for more confidence in your craft, this episode offers permission, perspective, and a path forward.

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Your Clinical Lens Is Gold: How to Grow From Beginner to Trusted CME Writer

What do you do when your inbox goes quiet and the client work that once filled your calendar suddenly disappears?

For many freelance medical writers—especially those transitioning into the CME space—quiet seasons can feel like failure. But what if those fallow periods are actually the most fertile ground for growth? In this conversation with seasoned writer Addie Nagy, we explore how to reframe slow seasons, rebuild confidence, and manage client relationships with steadiness and purpose.

You’ll learn how to

 • Reimagine client relationships as a dialogue rather than a power struggle so collaboration replaces anxiety.
 • Turn information gaps and slow communication into opportunities for curiosity, clarity, and boundary-setting.
 • Use “fallow time” to strengthen business foundations, refresh systems, and cultivate the mindset shift from 
freelancer • to 
business owner • .

Press play to learn how to transform uncertainty into strategy and make every season of your freelance CME writing business work for you.

Resources Mentioned

Ilise Benun — The Creative Professional's Guide to Money: How to Think About It, How to Talk About it, How to Manage It. 2011. HOW Books. 

WriteCME Pro — a community and professional network that provides peer support and opportunities to hone CME writing skills.

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

LinkedIn Live AMA

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

When the Inbox Goes Quiet: How to Thrive in the Fallow Seasons of Freelance CME Writing Life

Have you ever hesitated to push back on a client’s “non-negotiable” contract — even when something didn’t feel right?

For freelance medical writers, contracts can be one of the most intimidating parts of running a business. Between indemnity clauses, “work made for hire” language, and shifting risk to the writer, it’s easy to feel powerless. In this episode, legal strategist Brionna Ned (The Lawless Lawyer) breaks down how to approach contract negotiations with confidence — so you can protect your work, your income, and your peace of mind.

 You'll learn how to:

 1. Identify and communicate your 
leverage points 2. — the non-negotiables that protect your business.
 3. Decode intimidating legal terms like 
indemnity 4. and 
work made for hire 5. in plain language.
 6. Reframe contract negotiation from a high-stakes confrontation into a collaborative conversation about creating a fair working relationship.

Press play to discover how to build contract confidence, reduce risk, and negotiate terms that support a thriving medical writing business.

Connect with Brionna

 The Lawless Lawyer

Instagram

Threads 

LinkedIn 

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

LinkedIn Live AMA

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Contract Confidence: Protect Your Freelance Medical Writing Business

How do you turn a detailed needs assessment full of data and practice gaps into a clear, learner-centered activity agenda that actually changes clinical practice?

If you’ve ever stared at a dense needs assessment wondering how to transform pages of evidence into a coherent educational design, this episode is for you. Many CME writers struggle to bridge the gap between analysis and application—between identifying what clinicians need and structuring how they’ll learn it. In this episode, Alex shares a practical, step-by-step process that helps you connect the dots and design education that makes sense and gets results.

By listening, you’ll discover:

 • A seven-step framework to translate insights from your needs assessment into a logical, outcomes-aligned agenda.
 • How to apply the 3-A Test—
Aligned, Actionable, Appropriate • —to ensure every session delivers value for learners.
 • A real-world mini-case that illustrates how to transform your research into a compelling, structured learning journey.

Press play to learn how to transform data into design—and gain the confidence to craft CME agendas that close gaps and inspire change.

👉 Grab Your Insight-To-Action Framework 

👉 Register for LinkedIn Live

Mentioned in this episode:

LinkedIn Live AMA

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Insight to Impact: A Framework for Translating Needs into Agendas

What if the work that feels invisible is the very thing building your expertise?

For many CME writers, the hours spent researching, editing, and shaping educational content happen behind the scenes — valuable, but unseen. Over time, that invisibility can blur your sense of value and readiness.

In this Write Medicine hot-seat coaching session, Gina Castiblanco PhD shares what it’s really like to navigate that in-between space — leaving behind a visible academic identity and learning to trust her voice as a CME writer and business owner.

Together, we unpack how professional visibility starts with self-awareness, boundaries, and the courage to say, “I’m ready, even if I don’t feel ready yet.”

By the end of this conversation, you’ll learn how to:

 • Reframe invisibility as part of your growth process — not proof that you don’t belong.
 • Use your academic and clinical background to shape a distinct CME writing identity.
 • Turn your unseen skills into visible value that attracts aligned clients and projects.
 • Shift from doing the work to 
owning • the work — as a creative, strategic partner.

Stay to the end of the episode for three practical steps you can take today to start making your invisible work visible — and strengthen your visibility, voice, and value in the CME ecosystem.

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

From Unseen to Unstoppable: How Medical Writers Grow Beyond CME Task Work to Creative Partnership

Curious about continuing medical education (CME) writing but not sure how to begin? In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn your medical, academic, or scientific experience into a meaningful, flexible writing career. Discover the five milestones that help you break into CME writing, the key skills every CME writer needs, and real-world insights from the field.

🎧 Tune in now to gain clarity, confidence, and your next steps toward becoming a successful CME writer.

Links

WriteCME Pro • – Join the CPD-certified professional development program for medical writers specializing in CME.
Chart Your CME Writing Path • – Map your skills and identify opportunities in CME writing.
Episodes 112 & 115 of Write Medicine • – Learn how to streamline literature reviews and strengthen your research workflow.
American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) • – Explore professional development resources for medical communicators.
CME Writer Bootcamp • : How to Break into CME/CE Writing with no Network and No Expertise
Write Medicine Mentor • – Get behind-the-scenes insights and templates to deepen your CME writing practice.
How to Create Portfolio Samples for CME Writing

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

Write Medicine Mentor

Write Medicine Mentor is your private companion podcast designed exclusively for medical writers who want deeper support as they grow in continuing medical education (CME). Each month, you'll receive exclusive content from me to support your business and income growth as well as templates/checklists/swipe files you can use and apply to client projects.

In addition to immediate access to a CME writing starter pack, each month you’ll get:
* A bonus episode that takes you behind the mic for advanced insights into the craft and business of CME writing.
* A ready-to-use template, checklist, or swipe file to make your projects smoother and more effective.
* An Ask Me Anything episode, where Alexandra Howson, PhD, answers your questions about writing, clients, CME strategy, and sustainable freelance life.

Think of this podcast as your personal, earbud-friendly mentor—practical, honest, and always focused on helping you sharpen your skills, expand your opportunities, and thrive as a CME writer.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

From Curiosity to Confidence: A Freelance Medical Writer’s Guide to Breaking into CME Writing

Are you ready to move beyond writing needs assessments and step into the creative, story-driven side of CME—without losing the clients or confidence you’ve already built?

Many CME writers start with needs assessments. They’re structured, strategic, and an excellent way to learn the landscape. But what happens when you feel ready for more? When you want to create content that sparks learning, integrates clinical insight, and allows your creativity to shine? In this hot seat coaching episode, we meet Zsuzsa Csik, an anesthesiologist and critical care physician turned CME writer, who’s navigating that exact transition—and learning how to position herself for content work while building a sustainable freelance business.

By listening, you’ll discover:

 • How to strategically signal to clients that you’re ready for content creation projects.
 • Practical ways to use your clinical or scientific background as a bridge, not a barrier, to new opportunities.
 • Simple positioning tactics to align your current work with your long-term professional goals.

Press play now to learn how to move from analysis to creation, and start shaping the CME writing career you really want.

Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

From Needs Assessments to Narrative Impact: Positioning Yourself for CME Content Work

How do you take one complex medical concept and make it clear, accurate, and actionable for both clinicians and patients, without losing credibility?

If you’re a CME writer, you know the challenge of translating science into education that actually sticks. But as more CME projects tether clinician education with patient-facing components, the real test is flexing your craft to serve two very different audiences at once. Get this right, and you not only improve learning, you expand your professional scope and impact.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

 • How to apply practical frameworks to dual-audience writing.
 • Structural techniques that make content engaging, empathetic, and accessible.
 • A simple 3-sentence exercise to sharpen clarity for patients and precision for clinicians—anytime, anywhere.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to expand your CME writing craft into dual-audience education with one portable tool you can start using today.

Resources

Resources to support plain language, readability, and accessibility. 

https://readable.com/readability/Cognitive accessibility • The
 Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool • (PEMAT) 
Informed consent navigator toolPlain Language SummariesPlain Language Checklist for Health Professionals Plain language in biobank consent Plain Language AssociationCognitive accessibilityInformed consent navigator tool

Episodes Mentioned

EP31 • : Cultivating a Visual Mindset with Karen Roy and Bhaval Shah
EP 41 • : Nurture Connection-Tell them a Story with Ben Riggs
EP109 • : Crafting Inclusive and Accessible Medical Content with Virginia Chachati

Practice: Explain one complex idea in three sentences, twice—once for patients, once for clinicians.

Take one complex concept: SGLT2 inhibitors reduce heart failure hospitalizations.

For patients:

What it is: 1. “These medicines...

Expand Your CME Medical Writing Skills: Dual-Audience Strategies for Patient and Clinician Education

Are you crafting compelling stories of transformation in your CME needs assessments?

As a CME writer, your ability to identify clinical practice gaps and translate them into actionable learning objectives is crucial for creating needs assessments that lead to impactful education. Episode 110 equips you a framework for developing practice and performance gaps and learning objectives for robust needs assessments that justify the need for education.

Tune in to:

 1. Understand what clinical practice and performance gaps are and how to substantiate them through thorough research

 2. Learn a framework for conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to pinpoint the root causes of practice shortfalls

 3. Discover the key components of well-crafted learning objectives and how to align them with desired outcomes

Let's jump in.

Takeaways
1. Use the question-based framework I shared in the episode to conduct a thorough gap analysis, considering the what, why, who, when, where, and how of the identified practice gap. You'll also find a template for gap analysis in the show notes.

2. Ensure your learning objectives are actionable, measurable, relevant, and aligned with the desired outcome level (e.g., knowledge, competence, performance, patient outcomes).

3. Push yourself to create learning objectives that go beyond knowledge gains and foster practical skill application to drive meaningful practice change.

Resources
Gap Analysis Framework

ACS Tips for Writing Learning Objectives

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction

00:38 Identifying clinical practice and performance gaps

07:34 Crafting effective learning objectives

08:03 4 rules of thumb when creating learning objectives

09:37 TLDR on learning objectives

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.

 
Mentioned in this episode:

12 Days of Giving

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Bridging Gaps and Crafting Learning Objectives: High-Impact Skills for CME Writers

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