On the western edge of Europe – medical writing in Portugal. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leiria, Eva; Abrantes, Marta
• Is Part Of: Medical writing. Volume 22:Number 2(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: Portugal -- Medical writing -- Career development -- Opportunities; Medical writing -- Periodicals; 808.0666105
• DOI: 10.1179/2047480613Z.000000000114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-4806

Abstract

Abstract : Within Portugal, medical writing is a new and rare profession. We describe our personal career routes to medical writing and discuss the barriers and the emerging opportunities for medical writers in Portugal. The profession of medical writing is not widely known about within the research community or the medical profession, and is not recognised as a potential career. The lack of pharmaceutical companies in Portugal also hampers the development of medical writing. The rapid increase in scientific research within Portugal over the last 30 years, however, has resulted in a substantial pool of highly trained researchers, a potential source of medical writing recruits. This development of research has increased the pressure to publish, and practising physicians are subject to similar pressure. Such pressures are likely to lead to an increasing demand for medical writers in Portugal.