Medical Writing vs. Health Writing: What’s the Difference?

The words “medical” and “health” are often used interchangeably, so is there a difference between medical and health writing? The short answer is yes; they are different in several ways. Let’s explore all the differences below!

Differences Between Medical and Health

The definition of medical, according to Oxford Languages, is “relating to the science of medicine, or to the treatment of illness and injuries.”

The definition of health, according to the World Health Organization, is “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Based on these two definitions, there are some big differences between medical and health. Medical relates to diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases. Health includes the prevention and treatment of diseases, but it also goes beyond that, relating to lifestyle, social factors, and overall well-being.

Types of Content

Besides medical and health having different definitions, medical writers and health writers create different kinds of content. Here are some examples:

Types of Medical Writing

• News and articles for medical professionals
• Research papers
• Clinical guidelines
• Medical reports

Types of Health Writing

• News and articles for the general public
• Blogs
• Copywriting
• Social media 

Qualifications

Some companies don’t require medical and health writers to have a medical degree, while others require a degree or equivalent experience. If it’s your dream to be a medical or health writer for a certain company, we’d recommend checking the specific requirements for the job. This will help you determine whether you want to earn a medical degree, take an online course in health or medicine, or gain experience outside of school.

Opportunities

Medical and health writers create content for different types of companies and clients. Medical writing is produced for medical professionals and academics. This means medical writers often work for medical websites, magazines, and similar kinds of businesses.

Health writing, on the other hand, is produced for the general public. Health writers usually work for health blogs, lifestyle websites and magazines, health-related companies, etc. 

Are You Ready to Find Medical and Health Writing Jobs?

Now that you know the differences between medical writing and health writing, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Once you’re ready to start searching for medical and health writing jobs, use the resources available at Writers Work! We make it easy to find jobs aligned with your interests, allowing you to spend more time writing and less time job hunting.