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Hi Reader!

"I'm interested in CME writing, but I don't understand how the industry works."

This is one of the most common concerns I hear from writers looking to specialize in continuing medical education. The CME world can seem complex at first glance—with accreditation bodies, providers, supporters, and various stakeholders all playing different roles.

Let me demystify the ecosystem for you.

At its core, the CME industry exists to ensure healthcare professionals receive high-quality, unbiased education throughout their careers. Here's a simplified breakdown:

1. Accreditation bodies (like ACCME) set standards for CME content
2. Accredited providers (medical schools, associations, education companies) develop educational activities
3. Commercial supporters (pharmaceutical companies, etc.) may provide funding through educational grants
4. Writers and content developers (that's where you come in!) create the actual educational materials

The good news? Once you understand this structure, you can identify exactly where to focus your efforts as a writer.

In a special episode of a new Write Medicine podcast mini-series, I dive deeper into this ecosystem and outline the specific opportunities available for writers.

🎧 Listen to the episode now.

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Where do writers typically fit in?

Writers are most often hired by:

• Medical education companies
• Accredited provider organizations
• Professional associations and societies
• Content agencies specializing in healthcare

Each of these entities needs different types of content—from needs assessments that identify knowledge gaps to outcomes reports that measure educational impact.

For a visual guide to the CME ecosystem, I've created a free resource that maps out the key players and content types.

Understanding this landscape is the first step toward positioning yourself effectively in this specialized field.

Next week, I'll address one of the biggest challenges for new CME writers: building confidence when you're just starting out.

Until then, go gently.

P.S. Have you encountered any specific aspects of the CME ecosystem that seem particularly confusing? Reply to this email and let me know what questions you have.

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Alexandra Howson PhD, CHCP, FACEhp is a writer, researcher, and podcaster who shares her deep expertise in health care and education with new-to-the-field or CME-curious professionals to help them create educational content with confidence. She hosts Write Medicine, the premier podcast for CME/CPD professionals like you, wherever you are in the content creation process. Alex teaches on the Professional Education Program in Medical Writing and Editing at the University of Chicago.

Connect with Alex | alex@alexhowson.com | 415.374.9757

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