Write Medicine Alexandra Howson PhD | CME Writer, Educator, Researcher

If you are an education provider, are you curious about how to use social media platforms like X/formerly Twitter to deliver engaging and accredited CME content? If you're a writer, do you want to know more about how to create social-media-based short-form content?
As a medical educator or content creator, you may be looking for innovative ways to reach healthcare professionals where they already spend time - on social media. Episode 111 jumps into the world of "tweetorials" and explores how you can adapt your educational content for platforms like X/Twitter while maintaining the quality and accreditation standards of traditional CME.
Julie Merten PharmD is my guest, a clinical pharmacist at the forefront of medical writing and CME content development at Chimeric Medical Communications. In today's episode, she shares her strategy for distilling complex medical topics into bite-sized educational content. We'll explore how to take a full clinical data paper, sharpen the key messages, and deliver them in a way that not only educates but engages and fosters interaction. What is the role of imagery, ethical considerations, and the importance of tapping into the right medical niches?
Join us to learn more about crafting compelling short-form CME and take your content to the next level on social media!

Takeaways
1. When creating short-form content for social-media-based CME, keep the scope narrow and focused. If a topic is too complex, consider breaking it up into multiple threads or supplementing with other formats like expert videos.
2. Invest time in creating high-quality, engaging visuals that are optimized for mobile viewing. Infographic-style images and square aspect ratios work well for tweetorials.
3. Emojis, design elements, and questioning techniques are practical tools to hook an audience and convey information quickly. If you adopt these stylistic elements, be aware of cultural interpretations and maintain factual accuracy and appropriateness for mobile consumption.

Connect with Julie
Email: merten.julianna@chimericmed.com
Chimeric Medical Communications, LLC
LinkedIn

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:29 Introducing Julie
04:02 What a Tweetorial is and how it works
05:27 How long threads have been around
06:53 Crafting a Tweetorial tutorial
08:11 Assessing learner engagement on Tweetorials - how people respond and sign up for them
10:56 Creating private communities on X
11:57 Looking at the interaction of learners in a Tweetorial
13:01 Some of the challenges when creating this short-form content
14:33 Teaching and learning considerations with short-form content
15:45 All about emojis
18:01 Moving from long-form to short-form content
19:55 Figuring out what the key messages are
21:10 The scope for patient cases and tutorials
21:40 Ethical concerns
23:16 Considerations on how Tweetorials are assessed
24:01 Evaluating outcome metrics for Tweetorials
25:42 Finding CME on X as a learner
27:08 Key skills to develop for creating effective accredited education content for social media
31:40 Final thoughts on trying short-form content
32:37 Where to connect with Julie
33:21 Tips for creating short-form content for social media-based CME

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.

Are you crafting compelling stories of transformation in your CME needs assessments?
As a CME writer, your ability to identify clinical practice gaps and translate them into actionable learning objectives is crucial for creating needs assessments that lead to impactful education. Episode 110 equips you a framework for developing practice and performance gaps and learning objectives for robust needs assessments that justify the need for education.
Tune in to:

Understand what clinical practice and performance gaps are and how to substantiate them through thorough research

Learn a framework for conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to pinpoint the root causes of practice shortfalls

Discover the key components of well-crafted learning objectives and how to align them with desired outcomes

Let's jump in.

Takeaways
1. Use the question-based framework I shared in the episode to conduct a thorough gap analysis, considering the what, why, who, when, where, and how of the identified practice gap. You'll also find a template for gap analysis in the show notes.
2. Ensure your learning objectives are actionable, measurable, relevant, and aligned with the desired outcome level (e.g., knowledge, competence, performance, patient outcomes).
3. Push yourself to create learning objectives that go beyond knowledge gains and foster practical skill application to drive meaningful practice change.

Resources
Gap Analysis Framework
ACS Tips for Writing Learning Objectives

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Identifying clinical practice and performance gaps
07:34 Crafting effective learning objectives
08:03 4 rules of thumb when creating learning objectives
09:37 TLDR on learning objectives

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.

Are you unknowingly excluding audiences with your medical writing and CME content? 
As a CME professional, ensuring that your content reaches and resonates with diverse audiences is crucial. In a field that shapes the clinical practice and well-being of so many, accuracy and accessibility are non-negotiable. 
Virginia Chachati, a pharmacist turned medical writer, joins me to explore strategies and best practices for crafting inclusive, accessible content that empowers readers and improves health outcomes. 
In EP 109, you’ll:
1. Learn how to optimize your content for people with varying levels of health literacy and digital skills
2. Discover tools and resources to help you create content that meets accessibility standards
3. Understand the impact of inclusive writing on audience engagement and health equity
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your inclusive content creation skills.

Takeaways
3 Steps you can take toward accessibility and inclusivity. 
1. Familiarize yourself with health literacy principles and accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Patient Information Forum's PIF TICK standard.
2. Audit your existing content for accessibility and inclusivity, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices.
3. Continuously educate yourself on inclusive writing strategies by following thought leaders, attending workshops, and engaging with resources shared in the episode's show notes.

Resources
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Patient Information Forum TICK standard
How to Write Clearly by Tom Albrighton 
Writing Tools: 55 essential strategies for every writer by Roy Clark 
Health literacy as a social determinant of health
National Institutes of Health: What is health literacy?
CME/CE Content Creator's Toolkit
The Utility of Social Media in CME
The Checklist Revolution: Streamlining Healthcare Content for Better Understanding
Cultivating a Visual Mindset: Infographics in Continuing Healthcare Education

Connect with Virginia
LinkedIn
Website

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:22 Virginia’s approach to making medical writing accessible and inclusive
08:59 Resources to support accessibility work
13:06 Takeaways from today’s conversation on accessibility and inclusive content creation

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.

Are you ready to master the art of medical writing and stand out as a CME content creator?
As a medical writer, you know that crafting compelling continuing medical education (CME) content requires a unique set of competencies. But what exactly are these essential skills, and how can you develop them to stand out in this competitive field? In this episode, we'll explore the core abilities that will help you excel as a CME writer and deliver exceptional educational content that meets the needs of both your clients and healthcare professionals.
In this episode, you'll unlock:
1. A breakdown of the essential writing skills needed to articulate complex medical information simply and effectively.
2. A peak into the most valuable sources for compelling and robust needs assessments.
3. How fostering your communication and collaboration abilities prepares you to work seamlessly with clients and subject matter experts to achieve excellence in medical education content.
Discover how to enhance your CME writing expertise—tune in for valuable insights to transform your approach and elevate your industry standing.

Resources
ACCME. Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education. 2020

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:34 CME writing demands strong foundational writing skills
01:22 You need technical proficiency with reference management software
02:15 Importance of research skills
04:11 Communication and collaboration skills
05:32 Understanding assessment and outcomes frameworks
06:47 Summary of today’s mini-episode

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.

What challenges and opportunities await US-based CME providers looking to expand into Europe?
As a CME provider, understanding Europe's accreditation landscape and cultural nuances is crucial for successfully delivering education to international audiences. In today’s episode of Write Medicine, Susan Yarbrough joins me in dissecting the complexities of CME in Europe and guiding us through the accreditation mosaic. We’ll explore key considerations and strategies for navigating European CME, including the need for a strong dose of cultural humility.
 In episode 107, you’ll:
1. Gain insights into the differences between US and European CME accreditation systems
2. Learn practical advice for partnering with local organizations to deliver relevant education
3. Discover the importance of cultural humility and adaptability when expanding CME offerings internationally
Tune in now to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to expand your CME programs confidently into Europe and beyond!

Takeaways

While European CME accreditation differs significantly from the US, focusing on approving activities rather than providers, the accreditation landscape in Europe is evolving, with a slow but steady movement towards alignment and reciprocity. 

Reciprocal agreements allow for the exchange of CME credits, but disparities in accepting and using CPD credits across jurisdictions remain a concern. As a US-based CME provider, if you want to expand your offerings to Europe and beyond, as a first step, research the accreditation requirements and cultural nuances of your target European countries or regions.

Education providers who want to successfully deliver CME in Europe must cultivate cultural humility as a key ingredient. As a US-based provider, you’ll need to understand local guidelines, perform a gap analysis and needs assessment, and have a local footprint to effectively deliver education that is appropriately accredited and tailored to the European audience.


Connect with Susan
Email: CENerd4Hire@gmail.com
Instagram

Abbreviations
EACCME: European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (
ECMEC®: The American Medical Association (AMA) has an agreement to mutually recognize continuing medical education (CME) credit with the European Union of Medical Specialties (UEMS). Physicians (MDs, DOs, or equivalent international degree holders) may apply to the AMA to have their EACCME European CME Credits (ECMEC®s) converted to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Resources
Ghidinellli M, Pozniak E, Kolanko C, Wilson S. The ongoing challenges faced by providers of CME-CPD in Europe. J CME. 2023;12(1)

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:44 Introducing Susan
03:50 Some of the key challenges she sees in accreditation domestically
05:26 Updated guidelines for virtual credit in EACME 3.0
10:03 Differences and similarities between European and US accreditation
12:30 Impact of territoriality on CME content
15:51 Uniformity or standardization for reciprocal agreements in CME accreditation
17:13 Independence in Europe versus the US
21:48 Why the ABPI is attached to having control over content
24:26 How US education providers go about addressing specific needs and gaps in Europe
28:35 What tactical changes may look like to be an effective educator
31:03 Winners and losers in European accreditation
33:34 The extent of international and global CME and how is that going to change
36:03 Susan’s practical advice for CME providers
37:50 Key takeaways from today’s episode

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.

Are you trapped in the generalist rut as a medical writer? Discover the power of nourishing your niche in CME writing.
Specializing in CME writing can help you crack the client mindset code, build authority, generate higher revenue, and optimize your marketing efforts. This Monday Mentor episode explores how focusing on CME can lead to a thriving medical writing career and help you:

1. Understand the rewards and risks of specializing in CME writing
2. Learn how to identify and develop your CME niche based on your skills and interests
3. Discover strategies to market your CME writing services effectively and command higher rates

Ready to take your medical writing career to the next level? Grab this niche discovery checklist to start exploring your CME writing niche today!

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to niche specialization
01:33 Breaking down the benefits of nourishing a niche
04:45 Overcoming concerns and challenges of specializing
06:57 When and how to find a niche

Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast!
Subscribe to the Write Medicine podcast for more valuable insights on continuing medical education content for health professionals. Click the Follow button and subscribe on your favorite platform.