The Biomedical Writer’s Handbook: Case-Based Lessons and Applications

Writing is an integral part of what it means to be a scientist. Unfortunately, biomedical scientists receive little to no training in scientific writing. It’s simply assumed that when the time comes to write an article, abstract, grant application or some other work, the ability to write clearly and persuasively will automatically appear. The result is that poor writing skills are a significant barrier for many in the biomedical fields.

The Biomedical Writer’s Handbook is designed to fill this skills gap, without the need for extensive coursework or advanced degrees. Instead, the Handbook introduces readers to a simple paradigm for clear and persuasive writing, and then applies the paradigm to the most common writing tasks academic physicians and others are likely to encounter. Learning principles and theories is insufficient to develop skills, so the Handbook includes a number of exercises for practice. The book is connected to an online community (The Biomedical Writer’s Handbook Community) in which readers will find additional exercises, tips for writing, links to resources, and also the opportunity to connect with other writers to share feedback and ideas.

Goutham Rao, MD is a practicing physician, health services researcher, author, and medical editor. He is Editor-in-Chief of Family Practice, an Oxford University Press Journal. He is the author of more than 100 publications, including six books. He has served in a number of editorial roles and has taught writing skills to health care professionals for more than twenty-five years. Dr. Rao is also an established author of literary fiction and leads a group of professionals interested in pursuing creative writing. He has served on a number of prominent committees. He is currently a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.