These days, it often feels like there is a seismic shift taking place in the biomedical sciences. With the incoming administration’s proposed 8-year ban on infectious disease research in the U.S., those who work in the field of medical writing and science communications are justifiably anxious about the future. But despite these worrying developments, the flow of knowledge in the science community has sufficient momentum to carry on regardless of what the U.S. does or does not do. Some entities may simply opt out (or be forced out) of participation, which may threaten their future in science, technology, and health care, as the three are intimately intertwined.
The good news for science and medical communications specialists is that the disconnect between the U.S. and other countries in terms of funding, research restrictions, and downstream effects on public health and health care are likely to make our work even more critical and in demand. For example, freelance writers are in a perfect position to function as watchdogs in the fields we operate in. We have the agency to call out misinformation and bias, whereas researchers and health care providers may be restrained from doing so due to concerns over job retention, career advancement, and funding. This role may increase in prominence if aspects of the sector are either de-regulated or face new restrictions.
The current rapid pace of advancement in the biomedical sciences is driven by collaborative efforts and networking among researchers and was accelerated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. International collaboration has been increasing significantly since at least 2016, as indicated by the number of papers published by cross-border authorship, and this collaborative trend has also allowed scientists to pool their knowledge to the benefit of all. This trend towards collaboration creates opportunities for medical writers and communications professionals who are uniquely skilled at facilitating cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an additional game changer that has enabled new modes of investigation and analysis while simultaneously creating more opportunities for data collection and sharing. Perhaps its greatest advantage is that it is well suited to the detection and tracking of highly detailed information. For example, AI can detect very subtle characteristics that escape the human eye even with the aid of high-definition microscopy. The use of AI in diagnostics allows for the detection of disease biomarkers at a threshold well below traditional modes of surveillance and detection.
Perhaps even more importantly, AI is revolutionizing the ways we gather, curate, secure, and access biomedical data, a trend that will only grow as our health care system further integrates the use of AI. For example, the standardization and tracking of data in patient encounters renders patient data an increasing component of biomedical research. This new flow of information on a global scale is analogous to the inflow of information in Europe which drove the Renaissance in art and thought and ultimately gave birth to modern science.
Despite the potential benefits of AI, many medical and science writers express anxiety about engaging with this technology. Their concerns usually fall into one of two categories: first, will AI eventually replace humans in medical and science writing? And second, is the use of AI in the field ethical?
While there are some legitimate concerns about its incorporation into standard research and data collection practices, AI is ultimately just another tool for writers--a powerful tool that can enhance the functionality and breadth of a writer's work. However, AI is also limited in its ability to interpret data and lacks the lived experience of seasoned researchers and health care professionals who can leverage their ability to make sound judgments. Humans are also required to contextualize data and connect it to other observations, which AI cannot do.
These limitations also translate to writing. AI is currently capable of reproducing mediocre human writing, but it falters whenever nuance, subtlety, or a strong authorial voice is required (which is the case for most forms of science and medical writing). However, successful writers should learn how to take advantage of AI in their work if they want to stay relevant and keep their productivity levels comparable with their competitors. Finding a balance will be a key challenge of the next decade.
We believe that medical and science writers, already essential for facilitating communication between stakeholders, will continue to play a central role in maintaining the highest quality standards in biomedical science, health care, and public health. Despite facing challenges, the field is expected to expand by a compound growth rate of nearly 10% over the next decade.
At M&D Science Consulting and Communications, we embrace these challenges. Our primary mission is to build information bridges between academic and industry researchers, health care providers, and public health professionals while making information accessible to the general public whenever possible. We will continue to monitor the political climate while investing in state-of-the-art technology to ensure that we are able to weather any storms that may be on the horizon.
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