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Exploring best practices in creating content that connects with and educates health professionals.

Thanks for reading today.

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Hey there Reader!

Have you heard?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are much, much more than just buzzwords from high-level executives.

Instead, DEI is a rich, diverse, and essential area of study that not only enhances every aspect of healthcare but also is a required practice of CME/CE practitioners.

As educators, it’s our job to make our audiences feel heard, safe and appreciated.

(While also sharing educational information in a dynamic and engaging way, of course).

No matter what subject matter we are covering we fulfill not only the role of a helpful mentor and educator…

...but also need to act as protective and inclusive leaders for every member of our audiences.

With this great opportunity comes great responsibility — and high-level CME/CE practitioners will rise to this challenge to sharpen their practice with three premium competencies:
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✅ Cultural awareness — Does your content respect and address different cultures and identities?

✅ An ethical compass — Are you aware of (and practicing within) the ethical codes of CME/CE?

✅ Hands-on, high-touch language — How do you use precision, nuance, and care to facilitate high-quality adult learning?

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Leading CME/CE creators apply these competencies to better serve their target audience and succeed in the current market.

Compassionate and considerate CME content is the path forward to a fruitful career. And without a doubt, improving your knowledge base in DEI is essential for long-term CME success.

So, with this important information in mind — what are you doing to foster DEI in your content creation process?

>>If you need some inspiration, check out the CME/CE Content Creator's Inclusion Toolkit. This is just a start, and I'll be curating more resources in the coming months. So if you don't see your favorite resource, let me know. I'll include it to share with our community.<<

CME/CE Content Creator's Inclusion Toolkit

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🤸 Try the thing (and learn from others)

We all know that familiar, uncomfortable feeling of asking something of our peers or clients.

But is reaching out to learn more always such a “bad idea”?

In his compelling story about committing to a follow-up interview with Jimmy Fallon, writer Jason Feifer perfectly articulates the internal dialogue that rushes through your mind before reaching out — while also highlighting the many benefits of choosing to follow through.

So, get out there and try the thing — it's the best way to gain valuable insights into their experiences, what makes them feel excluded, and what you can do to help.

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🤖 Explore new and inclusive technologies

Artificial intelligence is one of the hottest topics in healthcare today, and it’s something that I have been interested to learn more about.

Through a partnership between Google Cloud and the Mayo Clinic, generative AI is being tested to reduce clinician workload, tackle burnout, and improve access to quality medical care for all patients.

I find this to be an interesting (and futuristic) take on improving DEI practices in the medical field.

What are your thoughts? Hit reply and tell me or message me on LinkedIn.

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🌀 Mind the gaps of exclusion and privilege

To improve our knowledge of DEI practices, we must first look inward to analyze our own experiences and privileges.

The world is not equal or equitable, and disparities in just about every aspect of life differ from person to person.

By referring to the IRCC's (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) Wheel of Privilege (Ali Khan’s helpful LinkedIn post breaks it down), I encourage you to learn where you fall on the spectrum to understand your position and better serve your target audiences.

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🎙️On the podcast

On episode 61 of the Write Medicine podcast, medical education specialist Sapana Panday joins me to discuss her work on DEI in CME/CE.

As a passionate advocate for DEI, Sapana discusses her innovative approach to education, including steps you can take right now to lead the charge in this essential area of healthcare and CME/CE:

✅ Start with faculty training

✅ Avoid performative allyship

✅ Cultivate communication channels

​Integrate DEI into your CME/CE content creation

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As CME experts, we are responsible for educating our audiences about a wide variety of topics, including the importance of intersectionality and equity.

My recent chat with Dr. Leigh Boehmer (Chief Medical Officer for the Association of Community Cancer Centers) emphasizes the essential role of self-awareness in providing high-quality care — a skill that goes beyond understanding one’s self but also requires a deep understanding of the complex layers of others.

​Explore intersectionality and equity in healthcare

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📈 Build self-competence in CME

The July Write CME Pro event is today — it’s time to learn from another leader in the CME/CE space!

Join us on July 12th as Angelique Vinther leads an educational workshop about the best practices for developing outcome-based pre-and-post-test questions for adult learners.

This event is free for all WriteCME Pro members. Not a member? No problem. Join here and gain instant access to all the WriteCME Pro membership benefits.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Get access here!

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In the spirit of learning,

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Word of mouth is the most meaningful way to help listeners find the Write Medicine podcast and help us reach a wider audience. ​ Please share an episode with a friend, colleague, or client who might find the podcast helpful. And if you enjoy listening to the podcast, please share a favorable review using the link below. We'll be sure to give you a shout-out on the podcast! I'd love to write a review!

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PS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you elevate your CME content practice: 1/ Subscribe to my newsletter to level up your CME content creation practice. 2/ Join WriteCME Pro for skills, scaffolding, and connection with other CME content writers. ​ 3/ CME Writer EmPower Hour to problem-solve specific project challenges or achieve longer-term goals. >>1 spot left in July. Grab it now!<<

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Writer | Researcher | Educator | Podcast Host

Alexandra Howson Ph.D. is a writer, researcher, and podcaster who shares her deep expertise in health care and education with new-to-the-field or CME-curious medical writers—teaching you how to create educational content with confidence and build a sustainable CME writing niche.

She teaches Fundamentals of Writing and Research Ethics in the Professional Education Program in Medical Writing and Editing at the University of Chicago.

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Connect with Alex on social | alex@alexhowson.com | 415.374.9757

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