Skills
A career in healthcare communications allows you to combine your passion for science with creativity.
The skills required will vary depending on the specific role, and often, if you're starting out, employers will be looking to see if they think you have the potential, rather than expecting you to have all the skills and attributes at the outset.
We’ve listed some common skills healthcare communicators use in their work. You don’t need to have all of them, but if you have a few, you're already in a strong position to start your journey. Which skills have you already developed?
Communication
Strong communication skills are at the core of healthcare communications. Whether you’re presenting to clients, working with colleagues, or crafting messages for specific audiences, your ability to communicate clearly and effectively helps you manage relationships, collaborate successfully, and keep everyone aligned.
Project Management
Healthcare communications is fast-moving, often requiring you to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines, and align with strategic objectives. Being organised and able to prioritise competing tasks will support you in managing your workload confidently.
Problem-Solving
Problem-solving skills help you navigate challenges and find creative solutions that meet client and project needs. Thinking strategically and responding to unexpected issues with calm and clarity are valuable traits in this field.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy and precision is a key skill in healthcare communications. Whether you are reviewing written materials, managing event logistics, or interpreting data, your focus on detail ensures the work is trustworthy and credible, building confidence with clients and audiences.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Healthcare communications often involves working with multidisciplinary teams. Being able to collaborate effectively, respect diverse perspectives, and build strong working relationships is important for achieving shared goals and producing high-quality work.
Creativity
Creativity fuels fresh and engaging ideas for campaigns and strategies. Your ability to generate innovative concepts ensures healthcare messaging remains impactful, relevant, and engaging, helping to capture attention in a competitive space.
Soft Skills
Adaptability: In a dynamic and fast-changing industry, adaptability allows you to manage shifting priorities and challenges while remaining focused and productive.
Emotional intelligence: Understanding the needs and emotions of clients, colleagues, and audiences helps you build meaningful connections and craft communications that resonate.
Growth mindset: Approaching challenges with a positive, solutions-focused attitude helps you overcome obstacles and keep projects moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.
Skills for Medical Writing
Scientific literacy: Scientific literacy enables you to understand, interpret, and communicate complex data from clinical trials, research, and health reports. This helps you create clear and accurate narratives that support communication strategies.
Analytical Skills:Analytical skills allow you to assess data, carry out research, and ensure that all messages are reliable and based on evidence. These abilities contribute to the credibility of your work.
Writing Skills: Writing is a key skill in medical writing, helping you produce clear, engaging, and accurate content. Your ability to break down complex scientific ideas into accessible language ensures your messages resonate with a range of audiences.
Professional Development
Staying informed on industry trends, taking part in CPD (continuning professional development) and building new skills allows you to remain effective, develop your career and deliver impactful communication strategies.
With enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a few core abilities, you're in a great position to begin your career. Employers also offer training and hands-on experience to help you expand your expertise and grow.