Updated August 23rd, 2023

Imagine having the power to educate, inspire, and potentially even save lives with just a few well-crafted paragraphs and images. In today’s digital age, the influence and importance of medical blogs and articles cannot be overstated. With countless individuals turning to the internet for health information, providing accurate and reliable content is crucial. Whether you are a healthcare professional or an aspiring medical writer, understanding how to write a medical blog post and using the art of crafting an informative and engaging medical article is essential.  

As a medical writer, you possess an unique ability: To bridge the gap between complex medical topics and your audience. This can be colleagues or students but also the everyday non-medical reader. For all of them, your can offer knowledge and understanding using your experience. However, its not that easy to write about any medical topic. There are several things to keep in mind in order to provide well-structured and informative content.

See also: SEO for medical writing and How to start a medical blog.

My Personal Experience in Medical Writing

Over the past 15 years, I wrote and edited more than 400 articles to medical and healthcare topics for websites such as Wikipedia and the medical online-lexicon at DocCheck. Furthermore, I published more than 30 scientific articles in high-ranking medical journals. In this comprehensive guide, I will therefore discuss my personal experiences and give a detailed guide on how to structure medical information and how to write a medical blog post or publish medical-related content online.

Why Even Start to Write a Medical Blog Article?

If you’re working, teaching, and researching at an university medical school like me, you’re going to want to get the publications you need to advance your academic career. So why would you even bother writing “free” articles for an online audience? There are several non-profit but also profitable reasons on why you could start your own blog as a medical professional. Medical blog posts and articles hold a significant place in the vast landscape of healthcare information. These articles are a powerful medium for sharing valuable insights, educating readers, and establishing authority in the field. By writing an engaging and informative medical blog, you can help other professionals to learn and engage new topics. Furthermore you can also empower non-medical readers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Things to Keep in Mind as a Medical Blogger

As a medical professional, you have a responsible position wheter you are working in an healthcare system or writing online. You will stand with your name and experience and you should always keep that in mind. As there are some guidelines to follow while using social media as a medical professional, some of these will also apply here. Be professional and authentic, and remember to cite relevant references or to indicate when you are writing about your personal opinion.

So, How to Write a Medical Article/Blog Post?

Writing a medical article or blog post requires careful planning and execution. By following a structured approach, you can create a compelling and informative piece that engages readers and provides valuable insights. But, before delving into the specifics of how to write a medical blog post, it is important to understand the establishment of the significance of expertise.

Understanding The Significance of Your Expertise

When writing medical blog articles, emphasizing the significance of your expertise is paramount. Readers rely on medical bloggers to provide accurate and reliable information that can directly impact their health and well-being. You can build trust and credibility with your audience by demonstrating your qualifications and expertise. Here are some essential aspects to consider:

Demonstrating Qualifications

Highlighting your qualifications in the medical field is crucial for establishing your authority. Mention any specialized training, degrees, certifications, or relevant experience that make you a reliable source of information. By showcasing your expertise, you validate your knowledge and assure readers that they can trust the information you provide. At the beginning of this article, I briefly summarized my extensive experience in medical writing by providing specific examples and links to my publications. That way, the reader (you, in this case) can get an idea if the writer knows what she or he is writing about.

Building Trust

Building trust with your readers is essential for the success of your medical blog. You may share information about your professional affiliations, memberships in reputable medical organizations, or any recognition you have received. By highlighting these credentials, you instill confidence in your readers and strengthen their trust in your expertise. Please note, that you don´t share any official documents or certificates with sensitive personal information.

Now that we understand the importance of expertise and trust, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of writing a compelling medical article or blog post. By following these steps, you can ensure that your content is well-structured, informative, and engaging.

Step 1: Identifying The Target Audience

Understanding your target audience thoroughly is crucial to create a successful medical blog article. Determine who your article is intended for, whether it’s a healthcare professional, caregiver, patient, or the general public. Identify their needs, interests, and level of medical knowledge and tailor your content to their specific requirements. Understanding their perspectives will help you create content that resonates with readers and provides them with valuable information. Furthermore, understanding your audience will also enable you to adress relevant key words, which is important if you want your content to be found on search engines.

Caregivers

When writing for caregivers, focus on topics that enhance their clinical knowledge, share best practices, or address challenges specific to their profession. Providing insights directly impacting their day-to-day work can be highly valuable to this audience. Discuss topics such as symptoms, patient care, medication, nursing procedures, or professional development.

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals are interested in staying updated with the latest medical research, clinical guidelines, and advancements in their specialty. Writing articles that offer insights into cutting-edge treatments, diagnostic techniques, or management strategies will appeal to this audience. Consider discussing emerging therapies, case studies, or breakthrough research that can inform and inspire physicians in their practice.

Patients

Patients seek reliable health information that empowers them to make informed decisions about their well-being. When writing for patients, it is essential to use patient-friendly language that is easy to understand. Address common concerns, explain medical procedures, and promote healthy lifestyles. Empathy and clarity are key when providing medical information to patients. In addition, you should always consider providing additional information, such as the scientific basis for your statements, for further reading.

General Audience

When writing for the general audience, simplify complex medical concepts and avoid technical jargon. The goal is to provide reliable health information in an accessible and engaging manner. Focus on everyday health concerns, prevention, and wellness. Cover topics like healthy lifestyle choices, common medical conditions, well-being tips, and debunking health myths.

Explore emerging healthcare trends like artificial intelligence, telemedicine, digital health tools, and personalized medicine. Highlight benefits and challenges to help readers understand their impact.

Address mental health by discussing stress management, emotional well-being, and promoting awareness. Provide practical tips and resources that readers can incorporate into their daily lives.

When writing for a general audience, it’s crucial to strike a balance between being informative and engaging. Incorporate storytelling, real-life examples, and relatable anecdotes to capture readers’ interest and make the content more relatable. Use a friendly tone, and encourage readers to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance.

By understanding your target audience, you can create valuable content that educates, inspires, and empowers readers.

Step 2: Choosing a Compelling Topic

Selecting a compelling topic is essential to grab the attention of your readers. Stay up-to-date with the latest medical trends, emerging research, and current healthcare concerns. Choose a relevant topic for your audience that aligns with their interests, provides value, addresses a knowledge gap, or offers unique insights. By addressing trending medical issues, you can capture the interest of your audience and provide them with valuable insights into relevant topics. Be aware that there are a huge number of articles on well-known diseases. For example, you may not get any readers if you write an article about the symptoms of diabetes as there are just too many out there. Instead, focus on a specific niche or topic that you (ideally only you) can write about and where you can add real value.

Step 3: Conduct Thorough Research

Once you select a topic, it’s time to research thoroughly. One of the cornerstones of a credible medical blog article is the accuracy and reliability of the information presented. To create a well-informed medical article, Conduct thorough research and gather information from reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, medical textbooks, and reputable websites. Take note of key findings, statistics, and relevant studies to incorporate into your article. Ensure that the information is up-to-date, accurate, and supported by evidence that will enrich your article and provide credibility.

Step 4: Outline Your Article

The outline of your article should be well-structured and organized to facilitate easy reading and comprehension. Consider the following guidelines when structuring your content:

• Introduction: Hooking the Reader: Begin your medical blog article with an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and provides a preview of the topic and knowledge gap you want to fill with your information. Create a compelling opening that captures the reader’s attention and entices them to continue reading.
• Organizing Subheadings: Organize your content using clear and descriptive subheadings within the body paragraphs to break down the main points of your article. This helps readers navigate the content and find the information they are looking for quickly. Each subheading should address a specific aspect or subtopic related to the main subject of your blog.
• Using Bullet Points and Lists: Bullet points and lists effectively present information concisely and improve readability. They make the content scannable and allow readers to grasp key points at a glance. Utilize bullet points when presenting tips, steps, or lists of relevant information.
• Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: Wrap up your medical blog article with a concise and informative conclusion. Summarize the key points discussed throughout the article and provide a clear takeaway message for the readers.

Step 5: Balancing Personal Opinions

While personal opinions can add value to medical blog articles, it is crucial to present them carefully. When expressing personal opinions, support them with evidence from scientific studies, clinical trials, or authoritative sources. This strengthens your arguments and provides readers with reliable information to consider.

• Supporting Opinions with Evidence: Back up your opinions with evidence from reputable sources. This demonstrates that your viewpoints are not merely subjective but are grounded in scientific or clinical knowledge. Including references adds credibility to your opinions and encourages readers to explore further.
• Acknowledging Limitations: It is essential to acknowledge the limitations of your expertise and the potential biases that may influence your opinions. Doing so demonstrates transparency and encourages readers to critically evaluate the information presented. This fosters an open discussion environment and encourages readers to engage with your content.

Step 6: Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Title

The title of your medical blog article or post is the first thing that readers see. It should be concise, informative, and attention-grabbing. Optimize your title by incorporating relevant keywords and utilizing SEO techniques. A well-crafted title can significantly impact the click-through rate, attract more readers to your blog and increase the visibility of your blog in search engine results.

Step 7: Creating an Engaging Introduction

An engaging introduction captures the reader’s attention and entices them to continue reading. A well-crafted introduction can distinguish between a reader staying on your page or clicking away. Consider the following techniques to create an impactful introduction:

• Captivating the Reader’s Attention: Start your article with a compelling anecdote, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking question. These hooks immediately grab the reader’s attention and create an emotional connection, encouraging them to explore the rest of your article.
• Presenting the Topic: Present the main topic of your article in the introduction. This sets the reader’s expectations and provides a roadmap for what they will learn in the subsequent sections. A concise summary of what the article covers helps readers understand the value they will gain from reading further.

Step 8: Provide Background Information

Before diving into the main content, provide some background information to familiarize readers with the topic. This helps establish context and ensures that readers with varying levels of knowledge can follow along. Define key terms and concepts and briefly summarize relevant research or historical perspectives. Furthermore, you should explain all abbreaviations initially.

Step 9: Creating an Amazing Body of the Article Using Your Research

Now that you have completed the initial steps of crafting an attention-grabbing title, adopting a conversational writing style, and creating an engaging introduction, it’s time to delve into the body of your article. This is where you will provide detailed information, insights, and evidence-based on the research you have conducted.

1. Organize your thoughts

As mentioned above, before you begin writing the body of your article, it’s essential to organize your thoughts and create a logical structure. Outline the main points and subtopics you want to cover, ensuring a smooth flow of information. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your readers can easily follow along.

2. Provide valuable information

Share your research findings and medical knowledge clearly and concisely. Use your expertise to explain complex concepts in an easily understandable way for your target audience. Break down complicated ideas into smaller, digestible sections, and support them with evidence, examples, or case studies.

3. Use subheadings

Break up your article into sections using subheadings. This helps readers navigate through your content and quickly find the information they are looking for. Subheadings also make your article more visually appealing and scannable, which is especially important for online readers.

4. Incorporate visuals

To enhance the readability and engagement of your article, Make your medical blog article visually appealing by incorporating relevant images, charts, or infographics. Select visuals that are directly related to the content and provide value to the readers. Visual aids break up the text and help readers better understand complex medical information. Ensure that the visuals are of high quality and properly cited. Consider embedding videos or audio clips to provide a more immersive experience for your audience. Additionally, use real-life examples or case studies to illustrate your points and make them relatable to the reader’s experiences.

5. Maintain a conversational tone

While providing valuable information, remember to maintain a conversational tone throughout the body of your article. Write as if you are having a friendly conversation with your readers, using simple language and avoiding excessive technical terms. This will help keep your readers engaged and ensure they can easily grasp the information you share.

6. Engage with your readers

Encourage interaction and engagement from your readers by asking questions, providing opportunities for comments, or suggesting further reading. This fosters a sense of community and encourages readers to share their thoughts or ask questions, creating a valuable dialogue around your article.

By following these steps and incorporating your well-researched information into the body of your article, you will provide valuable content that educates, informs, and engages your readers. Remember to keep the article focused, concise, and relevant to the topic at hand, ensuring that your readers walk away with a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Step 10: Craft a Compelling Conclusion

End your article with a strong conclusion summarizing the main points and emphasizing key takeaways. Restate the significance of the topic and its implications for healthcare or the reader’s well-being. Encourage further exploration or action based on the information presented.

Step 11: Reference Section

Including a reference section at the end of your article adds credibility and allows readers to explore the topic further. Provide a list of reputable sources, such as scientific papers, authoritative websites, or medical journals, that support the information presented in your article. This not only strengthens your arguments but also encourages readers to explore the subject further on their own.

When listing your references, follow the appropriate citation format, such as APA or MLA. This ensures consistency and enables readers to locate the sources if they wish to delve deeper into the topic.

Now that you have the foundation for writing a medical article or blog post let’s move on to additional aspects to consider in the process.

Step 12: Use a Conversational Writing Style

Medical jargon can be overwhelming for many readers when writing a medical article. To engage a wider audience, adopt a conversational writing style. Use simple, clear, and concise language, avoid complex medical terms, and explain technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner. By using personal pronouns and addressing the reader directly (as I am doing it right now), you can establish a connection and make your blog more relatable. However, always be aware of your target audience. If you specifically want to adress professionals in your niche, you can have complex terms and scientific language.

Step 13: Keep Sentences and Paragraphs Concise

When writing a medical article, it is important to communicate information clearly and concisely. Avoid lengthy, convoluted sentences that can confuse readers. Break down complex ideas into digestible paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect. This helps maintain clarity and ensures that readers can follow the flow of your article easily.

Step 14: SEO Optimization

To increase the visibility of your medical article, optimizing it for search engines is important. Consider the following aspects:

• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and key phrases related to your topic. Incorporate them naturally throughout your article, including in headings, subheadings, and within the body text. This helps search engines understand the focus of your content and improves the chances of your article appearing in relevant search results.
• Meta Tags and Headers: Craft compelling meta tags and headers that accurately summarize the content of your article. These elements help search engines understand the topic and improve the chances of your article being displayed in relevant search results. Use appropriate heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content, making it easier for search engines and readers to navigate.

For further information, read my detailed article on how to begin with SEO in medical writing.

Step 15: Proofreading And Editing

Before publishing your medical blog article, it’s crucial to proofread and edit the content thoroughly. Check for grammar and spelling errors, ensure proper sentence structure, and maintain a consistent writing style. Pay attention to formatting, headings, and subheadings to enhance readability and coherence.

Step 16: Publish and Promote Your Article

Creating an outstanding medical blog article is just the beginning. Once your article is polished and ready, publish it on your blog or chosen platform. To maximize its impact, promote your article through various channels. Share it on social media platforms, collaborate with influencers or experts in the field, and consider guest blogging on relevant websites. By actively promoting your blog, you can increase its visibility and attract more readers.

Step 17: Engaging with Readers and Responding to Comments

Encourage reader engagement by enabling comments on your medical blog. Respond to comments promptly, answer questions, and encourage discussions among readers. Building a community of engaged readers fosters a sense of trust and loyalty, ultimately leading to a more successful blog.

Step 18: Keeping Up With Medical Advancements

The medical field constantly evolves, with new research and breakthroughs emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest advancements by following reputable medical sources, attending conferences, or joining professional networks. Update and revise your old articles when new information becomes available, ensuring your blog remains accurate and relevant.

Step 19: Monitor and Analyze Performance

Keep track of the performance of your medical article using analytics tools. Monitor metrics such as website traffic, engagement, and social media shares. Analyze the data to gain insights into your audience’s preferences and adjust your future content strategy accordingly.

How to Write a Medical Blog Post – The Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a well-written and informative medical article or blog post that resonates with your audience and establishes your expertise in the field. If you want to read some well-structured articles, you may find some (more scientifically oriented) resources here.

Happy writing!