Examples of Medical Writing Samples You May Want to Include in Your Portfolio (and Why They Matter)

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your portfolio, you may struggle with these questions:

❌ I’m unclear on what clients actually want: What’s in demand right now?
❌ I’m overwhelmed by too many options: Do I need all of them?
❌ I’m stuck without strong samples: I don’t know where to start.
❌ I’m trying to upgrade my portfolio: Which formats could be interesting to consider to attract higher-paying clients?

Here’s the solution we all want: A portfolio that aligns with our niche and industry demand.

In this guide, I’ll break down the key medical writing examples that I’ve seen clients looking for, why you might enjoy each format, and how to create or refine your portfolio with real samples from my own work.

Whether you’re building your first portfolio or upgrading for premium clients, this article will help you make the right choices – without feeling overwhelmed.

What’s in Demand Now? (And How Client Expectations Are Changing)

To get a snapshot of current trends, we ran a small LinkedIn poll asking medical writers which types of projects their clients request most. While this is a limited sample (only 43 votes) and likely influenced by what writers enjoy doing most, it still provides useful insights into industry demand.

Here’s what these freelance medical writers said:

📌 CME/Medical Education (44%) – The most in-demand area, reflecting the ongoing need for accredited content.

📌 Promotional Content (35%) – Pharma marketing and HCP-focused materials remain key priorities for many clients.

📌 White Papers (12%) – Less commonly requested but still valuable, especially for pharma and healthtech clients.

📌 Other (9%) – Some writers noted demand for regulatory writing, grant writing, and patient education.

Takeaway: If you want to align your portfolio with client needs, CME and promotional content are strong areas to explore. However, it’s just as important to specialise in work you enjoy and excel at, as this will help you write better and attract the right clients.

Clients Expect More Than Just Well-Written Content

Medical writing isn’t just about summarising research anymore – clients now want content that is engaging, evidence-based, and strategically written. With AI-generated writing on the rise, human expertise is more valuable than ever.

✅ Clients now expect:

• Original insights and expert interviews
• Well-structured, high-value writing
• Data-driven and evidence-based content

Angela Myers, health writer and content strategist, explains:

“Two years ago, the articles clients wanted were often cut-and-dry pieces—the type where you put an exact word count on Google Doc and call it a day. With the rise of AI, that’s no longer enough. Now, clients expect more original writing, interviews with experts, and best-in-class content. My workflow has become more thoughtful, slow, and intentional. It’s a change I hope continues, both for my own workflow and the health writing industry as a whole.”

What Does This Mean for Your Portfolio?

Your writing samples should reflect this shift. Whether you specialise in CME, pharma marketing, or regulatory writing, you should demonstrate your ability to create engaging, expert-driven materials that clients can’t get from AI.

Medical Writing Samples for Your Portfolio: Inspiration & Real Examples to Help you Choose What’s Right For You

(Not every writer needs all of these – choose based on your niche!)

A strong medical writing portfolio should reflect the work you want to do. Below, I’ve outlined different types of writing, why you might enjoy them, and real examples to give you inspiration.

Medical Writing Portfolio Guide: Choosing the Right Samples

💡 How to Use This Table:

• If you’re new, pick 2–3 formats that align with your skills.
• If you’re transitioning, create mock samples to fill gaps.
• If you’re experienced, refine your portfolio to showcase high-value, results-driven work. For example, showcase projects in case studies like accredited CME modules, regulatory reports that influenced decisions, white papers with industry recognition, or promotional content that delivered measurable results. For more inspiration, check out my guide on Creating and Upgrading Your Medical Writing Portfolio To Win Higher-Paying Clients (With Real Examples)

1.    Patient Education & Engagement

• Fact sheets, Q&A documents, or patient brochures
• Writing that makes complex medical topics easy to understand

Why you might enjoy this:

• You like breaking down complex medical topics into easy-to-understand language.
• You care about helping patients make informed decisions about their health.
• You have a background in science communication, health writing, or patient advocacy.

🔹 Example from my portfolio: When writing the ALK+ lung cancer patient leaflet, I worked directly with patient advocates to make sure the content was clear, accessible, and truly useful. This type of work is incredibly rewarding!

2.    Continuing Medical Education (CME) & Medical Education (MedEd)

• Needs assessments, slide decks, and training modules
• Content that helps healthcare professionals stay up to date with new research

Why you might enjoy this:

• You like working with medical research and translating it into actionable insights.
• You enjoy writing for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• You’re comfortable with structured, evidence-based writing.

3.    Blog Writing & Thought Leadership

• SEO-friendly, engaging, and well-researched articles
• Great for health brands, medical companies, and patient education websites

Why you might enjoy this:

• You like storytelling and making medical topics engaging.
• You’re interested (or have a background) in SEO and digital marketing.
• You prefer writing in a conversational, accessible tone.

🔹 Example from my portfolio: When I wrote about precision medicine, I needed to balance scientific accuracy with an engaging narrative. Blog writing allows for creativity, a mix of storytelling, research, and SEO, while still delivering valuable information.

4. Promotional & Pharma Marketing Content

• E-details, leave pieces, website copy and HCP marketing materials
• Writing that is clear, engaging, and follows industry rules

Why you might enjoy this:

• You like persuasive writing and crafting compelling messages.
• You enjoy working within industry guidelines to create impactful content.
• You’re interested in pharma marketing and brand storytelling.

🔹 Example from my portfolio: For the Moving Fourth campaign (Janssen), I worked on a white paper and manuscript to help reshape the conversation around healthy ageing in HIV. This type of work blends strategy, research, and creative storytelling.

5. White Papers & Industry Reports

• Research-heavy documents for pharma, healthtech, and regulatory bodies
• Shows strong research, analysis, and structured writing skills

Why you might enjoy this:

• You love deep research and data analysis.
• You enjoy structuring long-form, technical content.
• You want to write for decision-makers in pharma, biotech, and healthcare.

🔹 Example from my portfolio: My clinical trial recruitment white paper aimed to highlight key trends in patient recruitment. White papers require strong analytical thinking and a structured approach.

6. Medical Conference & Meeting Summaries

• KOL roundups, congress reports, and event summaries
• Writing that captures key points from expert discussions

Why you might enjoy this:

• You like attending and summarising scientific discussions.
• You have a talent for extracting key insights from complex conversations.
• You enjoy fast-paced work with quick turnaround times.

🔹 Example from my portfolio: I’ve written conference reports and meeting summaries that help busy professionals catch up on key developments. This type of work is great if you enjoy fast, analytical writing and working with industry experts.

7. Social Media & LinkedIn Ghostwriting

• Writing LinkedIn posts for health professionals, pharma leaders, and brands
• Creating engaging, easy-to-read posts from complex medical topics

Why you might enjoy this:

• You like short-form, engaging content.
• You’re interested in helping professionals build their personal brand.
• You enjoy adapting complex topics into digestible social media posts.

🔹 Example from my portfolio: I have experience writing LinkedIn posts for senior leaders in the pharma industry. I can’t share the details due to confidentiality, but this work has shown me how powerful LinkedIn can be for building a strong professional reputation in healthcare.

Top tip: Who could you target for LinkedIn ghostwriting opportunities?
When looking for clients, consider professionals in roles like:

• Marketing & Comms Teams: Brand Managers, Content Strategists, Social Media Managers in health organisations
• Pharma Executives: Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Medical Affairs Director, Regulatory Affairs Lead
• Healthtech Leaders: CEOs, Co-Founders, Innovation Directors
• Healthcare Professionals: Medical Doctors, Clinical Researchers, Public Health Advocates

How to Choose the Right Samples for Your Portfolio

(You don’t need all of these! Pick what aligns with your niche.)

• If you’re new to medical writing, pick 2–3 formats that match your skills. For example:
  • If you wish to specialise in patient education, focus on fact sheets and blog posts.
  • If you want to work in pharma, include white papers, reports, and HCP marketing materials.
• If you’re transitioning into a new area, create a mock sample in that format.
• If you’re experienced, you may want to refine your portfolio with high-value samples (like CME or white papers).
• Above all- do what you enjoy! You’ll write better and attract the right clients.

Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your Portfolio Competitive To Attract Higher-Paying Clients

If you’ve been struggling to shape or refine your medical writing portfolio, you’re not alone. Here’s how to answer the key questions that many writers face:

✅ What do clients actually want?
CME content, pharma marketing materials, and white papers are in high demand, but the best portfolio is one that reflects both industry needs and what you enjoy writing.

✅ Do I need to include all types of writing?
Not at all! You only need a selection that fits your niche. If you’re unsure, start with 2–3 formats that align with your strengths and career goals.

✅ Where do I start if I don’t have strong samples?
If you’re new or transitioning, create mock samples in the formats you want to work in. Repurpose academic work, volunteer for a health organisation, or write a blog post on a medical topic.

✅ How do I upgrade my portfolio to attract higher-paying clients?
Showcase results, not just writing skills. High-paying clients look for writers who can demonstrate impact- whether that’s improved patient engagement, successful campaigns, or well-received CME modules. Refresh your portfolio every 6–12 months and highlight your best work.

A strong portfolio isn’t about including everything—it’s about making strategic choices that align with your expertise and the work you want to attract. If you’re unsure where to start, borrow a few ideas from this guide and tailor them to your skills.

If you’re unsure where to start, steal a few ideas from this blog and tailor them to your strengths.

For more inspiration, check out my guide on Creating and Upgrading Your Medical Writing Portfolio To Win Higher-Paying Clients (With Real Examples)

If you need more guidance, Join my newsletter for expert tips or become a MedWrite Monthly member for insider strategies, templates, and writing resources.

FAQs: Medical Writing Examples

1. What is an example of regulatory writing?

Regulatory writing includes documents required for drug approvals, clinical trials, and compliance with health authorities. Examples include clinical study reports (CSRs), investigator brochures, and common technical documents (CTDs) submitted to agencies like the MHRA, EMA, or FDA.

2. How stressful is medical writing?

Medical writing can be demanding due to tight deadlines, technical accuracy, and regulatory requirements. However, stress levels vary by niche: regulatory writing often has stricter compliance demands, while patient education and blogging allow more creative flexibility. Strong organisation skills and project management experience help managing the workload.

3. How do I pass a medical writing test?

Employers or clients may ask for a test piece to assess your clarity, scientific accuracy, and adherence to style guides. To succeed:
✔ Follow the brief carefully—Pay attention to the target audience and word count.
✔ Ensure accuracy—Use reliable sources and fact-check thoroughly.
✔ Write concisely—Avoid jargon and keep sentences clear and precise.
✔ Proofread—Spelling, grammar, and formatting matter just as much as the content itself.