Looking back on a year of health communication
As a health and medical writer, I help my clients bridge the gap between complex science and relatable language. And 2023 was a year of significant bridge-building.
This year wasn't just about churning out content; it was about empowering patients, informing consumers, and boosting the impact of healthcare businesses. Let’s look at the highlights.
Health and medical content projects of 2023
This year , I’ve done a lot of work in my copywriting happy place: consumer healthcare products. Writing for consumer medicines combines my three health writing superpowers:
My background in pharmacology,
My experience in drug regulatory affairs
My expertise in writing for everyday people.
My portfolio of work this year has been dominated by consumer-facing health communications, including:
Web content and copy for health businesses
Patient information handouts for GPs to use with their patients after a diagnosis
Health news articles, targeting particular keywords that boost SEO
SEO optimised content for several consumer healthcare products
Are you looking for a writer that can help you with health content for consumers? Let’s chat!
I’ve also had the opportunity to write several customer case-studies (success stories) for a telemedicine provider. Case studies are valuable marketing collateral, showing the real life impact of businesses in the healthcare system in Australia.
Clients in 2023
From bustling digital agencies to regional clinics, my clients this year were as varied as the Australian landscape itself. But one thing unites: a desire for improving health and well-being through patient empowerment. Whether it's through telemedicine access or informative content, I'm proud to be a part of their work.
Resolution Digital is an award-winning, full-service digital agency that delivers Remarkable Results.
Aleave is working towards world where all people can access quality healthcare, including alternatives to conventional medicines, to support overall well-being and health goals.
InstantScripts has helped hundreds of thousands of Australians access health and medical services from the comfort of their homes, since 2018.
The Women’s Healthcare Centre Southern Highlands strives to provide accessible, affordable, dedicated services for women’s healthcare needs from birth to post-menopause. They have a strong commitment to evidence based practice and patient centred care.
BabyCenter is the world’s number one digital parenting resource reaching millions of new and expectant parents each month, our vision is to create a world of healthy pregnancies, thriving children, and confident parents.
My Emergency Doctor is the leading Australian emergency telemedicine service providing more convenient, quality, and timely access to emergency medical support around Australia
Are you looking for a writer that can help you with your healthcare copywriting? Let’s talk!
New skills unlocked: SEO copywriting and refreshed TGAC knowledge
This year I took the opportunity to refresh my knowledge with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code, through the training run by Consumer Health Products Australia. This training provides:
A detailed explanation of the TGAC with loads of practical examples and guidance on how to apply it.
A well structured, delivered and interactive course, with the opportunity meet and workshop with others working in the industry
Really supportive and collaborative learning environment from the staff of the CHPA.
Having worked in regulatory affairs in the past, a lot of the material in the webinar series wasn’t new to me. But there have been changes to the TGAC in recent times, so it was a good time to get up to date. I’m looking forward to applying my refreshed knowledge in the work I do for my clients.
The TGAC training also inspired me to attend the 2023 CHPA Conference in Sydney this year. It was a great value conference that highlighted the depth of expertise in consumer healthcare that we possess here in Australia. I’ll be back next year for sure.
The Recipe for SEO Success Course is run by Kate Toon, an award winning SEO copywriter and SEO consultant.
It’s a challenging course that requires commitment and effort, but the investment is worth it. The course covers many facets of SEO including:
How to perform a technical audit
Keyword research
SEO copywriting
Backlink building
Content marketing strategy
I’ve got access to this course and all its updates going forward, so I plan to tone my SEO muscles each year.
The AI Question: Friend or Foe?
Like any content creator, the rise of AI writing tools like ChatGPT has me both intrigued and a little worried. But instead of fearing the future, I'm embracing it. I’ve been learning about and experimenting with these tools, exploring their potential, and learning to use them as allies, not replacements.
We still need the human touch of empathy and understanding, and the eagle eyes of compliance and research nerds like me. Nevertheless, I’m excited to see where this AI-powered future takes us.
That’s it for 2023! What were your highlights? What are your aspirations for 2024?