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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

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:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

What if leaving academia—or another tightly defined professional path—felt less like failure and more like freedom?

For many academics, clinicians, and researchers, stepping into freelance medical writing isn’t just a career change—it’s a profound identity shift. Too often, this transition carries grief, shame, or the lingering sense of “not enough.” In this episode, we explore how those feelings show up, why they matter, and how to reframe them as fuel for your writing career.

By listening, you’ll discover:

 • Why the transition from academia or clinical practice can feel like trauma—and how to reframe it as strength.
 • Four entrepreneurial habits that can help you thrive as a freelance medical writer while avoiding their shadow sides.
 • Simple, practical practices—like free writing and mindful self-awareness—that help you claim permission, rebuild confidence, and cultivate a sustainable business mindset.

Press play now to learn how to navigate identity loss, tap into your natural strengths, and take small steps toward building a medical writing business that feels truly your own.

Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

How to Overcome Academic Trauma and Build Confidence as a Freelance Medical Writer

What if the CME you design could do more than deliver knowledge—what if it could actually change clinician behavior and improve patient care?

As a CME writer or education professional, you’ve likely felt the frustration of producing content that looks strong on paper but doesn’t translate into meaningful practice change. This episode explores how learning science, human-centered design, and patient co-creation can help you bridge the gap between information and impact.

By listening, you will discover:

 • Learning science principles, like Mayer’s multimedia principles, that make education stick.
 • The difference between learning change and behavior change, and why both matter in CME.
 • How aligning clinician and patient education fosters shared decision-making and better healthcare outcomes.

Press play now to learn practical strategies you can use to design CME that transforms knowledge into real-world change.

Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

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

Designing CME for Behavior Change: Sarah Atwood on Learning Science in Action

What does it take to move from order-taker to trusted partner in CME writing?

That’s the single question driving this new season of Write Medicine.

In this 15-minute teaser episode, Alex introduces the season theme—Craft to Confidence: A CME Writer’s Season of Growth—and gives you a preview of what’s ahead. You’ll hear how guest interviews and solo tactical episodes will work together to help you build your skills, expand your visibility, and strengthen your confidence as a CME writer.

Whether you’re transitioning from academia, clinical practice, or another writing specialty, this season will give you both the craft tools and the career clarity to thrive in continuing medical education.

Episodes to Look Forward To

 • Designing for learning with Sarah Atwood

 • Hot Seat Coaching on attracting content projects and integrating academic skills into CME

 • Leveraging Milkshake Moments with Michelle Skidmore

 • Identity, trauma, and resilience with Hope Lafferty

 • Solo walk-throughs on interviewing SMEs, turning education gaps and needs into activity agendas, publishing manuscripts, and more

Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

Craft to Confidence: What's Coming Up in Season 11

If you’re a medical writer today, you're no stranger to tight deadlines, dense source material, and the pressure to deliver educational content that is both engaging and evidence-based. These demands are particularly acute in the world of continuing medical education (CME), where accuracy, clarity, and relevance matter more than ever.

As the medical writing landscape evolves, so do the tools that support us. Among the most promising of these is MACg, a generative AI-powered assistant that helps medical writers streamline document analysis, content creation, and research. For writers working in CME or adjacent fields, MACg offers more than convenience—it offers a meaningful shift in how we work.

Tune in to learn how I’m using MACg as a collaborative partner in my workflow rather than a replacement for my creative process. 

Resources

Grab your fee trial of MACg

Summer Script Camp

 
Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

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

From Anxiety to Action: What Every Medical Writer Needs to Know About AI Integration

How do you design CME that reaches the communities most affected by HIV—and not just the clinicians who already have access?

If you're a CME professional grappling with how to address layered issues like stigma, housing insecurity, or racial disparities, you’re not alone. This episode dives into what it takes to create truly inclusive education—especially when traditional strategies fall short. Whether you’re designing education for clinicians or collaborating with community partners, you’ll find actionable ideas to bring your programming closer to the ground.

Specifically, you'll learn:

 • 

How to build authentic partnerships with community leaders who can serve as trusted bridges between healthcare providers and hard-to-reach populations.
 • 

 • 

The essential infrastructure you need to establish before launching community-based programs, from setting up referral networks that ensure patients don't fall through cracks after screening to tracking both clinical outcomes and demographic data that funders require.
 • 

 • 

A proven framework for developing educational content with cultural humility and how to work with expert faculty who understand nuanced communication challenges.
 • 

Connect with Dean

🌐 https://DKBMED.COM

Resources

Signup for Summer Script Camp

Get TextExpander

 
Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

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

From Barbershops to Boardrooms: Pioneering CME in Unexpected Spaces

Are you a freelance CME writer juggling too many project types and wondering if it’s time to finally “niche down”?

In the world of continuing medical education (CME), clarity and focus aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for sustainable business growth. If you’re feeling stretched thin, jumping between clients and therapeutic areas, this episode explores how finding a niche can reduce overwhelm, streamline your process, and even attract the kinds of clients who value what you do most. Here’s what you’ll gain from this episode:

 • 

A practical definition of what a niche is—and what it isn’t—so you can stop second-guessing yourself.
 • 

 • 

Examples of how different niches can emerge from your background, preferences, or even your favorite types of client relationships.
 • 

 • 

A step-by-step approach to experimenting your way into a niche, without the pressure to get it “perfect” from the start.
 • 

Tune in now to learn how niching can simplify your business, supercharge your marketing, and help you find work that truly energizes you.

LINKS

Grab the Niche Discovery Checklist

Signup for Summer Script Camp

If you are looking for ongoing CME content strategy tips, tools, and tactics, subscribe to the Write Medicine Insider newsletter. 

Get TextExpander

 
Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

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

From Scattered to Specific: How a Niche Can Save Your Sanity (and Your Business)

How can continuing education break down professional silos and foster real collaboration among healthcare teams?

If you create CME/CE content, you’ve likely encountered the challenge of writing for “teams” that still operate in silos. This episode with interprofessional education expert Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo, Founder, Collaborate for Health, reveals why just using the term “team-based care” isn’t enough—and how content creators can more accurately reflect the evolving nature of healthcare collaboration. As patient-centered models expand and asynchronous care becomes the norm, CME professionals need a deeper understanding of roles, language, and practice contexts to design impactful education.

 • 

Discover the critical differences between interprofessional, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary practice—and why it matters for CME writing.
 • 

 • 

Learn how to structure education that empowers team collaboration and respects the unique contributions of each discipline.
 • 

 • 

Understand the growing role of patients, technology, and asynchronous communication in shaping interprofessional collaboration today.
 • 

And if you’re unsure when to use “interprofessional” vs “multidisciplinary”? We’ve got you covered. We created a one-page Quick Reference Guide to help you use team-based language precisely and avoid common traps in CME writing. It’s perfect for writers, educators, and reviewers who want to level up their clarity. Grab the download in the show notes and keep it handy as you create your next piece of content.

Tune in now to learn how you can write CME content that reflects real-world collaboration—and elevates both learner experience and patient care outcomes. 

Connect with Tina

Website: https://collaborateforhealth.com

LinkedIn

Interprofessional Terms Quick Reference Guide

 
Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

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

From Silos to Synergy: Designing CME for Real-World Healthcare Teams with Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo

Summary 
Steve Powell DHA is the CEO and Founder of Synensys Global and is a recognized leader in performance improvement. He has led programs in the US Navy, commercial airline industry, and the healthcare industry for more than 30 years and is passionate about patient safety, quality control, and patient-centered care improvements. 

Steve shares what he learned in safety when he was a Navy Pilot and how these experiences crossover nicely into the medical industry. He also shares his thoughts on what makes a team successful when it comes to patient handoffs, and the 5 key principles to a high-reliability organization. 

Resources
Institute of Medicine
TeamSTEPPS
Kohn KT, Corrigan JM, Donaldson MS, eds. To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Washington, DC: Committee on Quality Health Care in America, Institute of Medicine: National Academy Press; 1999.
Nash D, Beliveau ME. Two lessons hospitals can learn from their COVID response. MedPage Today. Dec 7, 2020. 

Connect with Steve: Synensysglobal.com + LinkedIn
Connect with Alex: Thistleeditorial.com + LinkedIn

Podcast Team
Host: Alexandra Howson PhD
Sound Engineer: Suzen Marie
Shownotes: Anna Codina
Support the show
📍Grab the WriteCME Roadmap
⭐ Review the podcast
🗞️ Biweekly Newsletter with tips and resources to enrich your CME content niche
➡️ Join WriteCME Pro for ongoing professional development 
🌐 Podcast website
🎙️ Share the podcast

 
Mentioned in this episode:

CMEpalooza

CMEpalooza Fall is a 1-day event scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, that will feature a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live on the LIVE page of this website and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion on the Archive page. There is no charge to view or participate in any of these sessions.

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

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

We’re Going to Make Mistakes. What’s Your Contingency Plan?

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