Write Medicine

Alexandra Howson PhD | CME Writer, Educator, Researcher
  • 4.8 (23)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Write Medicine

Write Medicine is your weekly shot of powerful, practical tips to transform your CME content from meh to marvelous. Join me, Alexandra Howson, PhD, a medical writing veteran with battle scars and wisdom from the CME trenches. Each week I crack open insights via conversations with CME rockstars on adult learning secrets, killer outcomes frameworks, and the hottest healthcare trends. Consider Write Medicine your personal power-up session. I spill the tea on proven techniques for crafting CME content that will inspire and arm you with the tools to create unforgettable learning experiences. Whether you're a CME newbie or a seasoned pro, Write Medicine is your one-stop shop to become a CME writing Jedi. ️✨ Don't just listen to Write Medicine—devour it. Your CME will never be the same.

  1. Empowering Nurses Through Education: Reducing Burnout, Building Leadership, and Elevating Care

    FEB 12

    Empowering Nurses Through Education: Reducing Burnout, Building Leadership, and Elevating Care

    How can continuing education transform nursing practice, reduce burnout, and empower nurses to advocate for themselves? Nurses are essential to patient care, yet many struggle with limited access to high-quality education, workplace advocacy, and professional development. As CME professionals and medical writers, we have the power to create learning experiences that not only enhance clinical skills but also support nurse well-being and retention. In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of nursing education with two leaders from the American Nurses Association (ANA), exploring how we can design more impactful, outcomes-driven education for nurses. Discover how the 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses is reshaping professional development and why it matters for your CME programs. Learn how continuing education directly combats burnout and improves nurse retention—and what that means for healthcare organizations. Gain insights into the challenges of funding and implementing nurse education, and strategies to advocate for protected education budgets. Press play now to learn how you can contribute to the future of nursing education and design CE programs that truly make a difference! Abbreviations Here are the acronyms mentioned in the episode along with their full forms: ANA – American Nurses Association CNE – Continuing Nursing Education CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CE – Continuing Education CME – Continuing Medical Education APP – Advanced Practice Provider DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice PPE – Personal Protective Equipment PHI – Protected Health Information PI – Personal Information LACE – Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education GME – Graduate Medical Education OPP – Organizational Practice Policies AAPA – American Academy of Physician Associates LACE – Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Nursing Education Challenges 00:40 Meet the Experts: Dr. Jennifer Shepard and Dr. Sean de Garmo 01:54 The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses 08:02 Addressing Gaps in Nursing Education 10:41 The Importance of Continuing Education in Combating Burnout 16:40 Advocating for Nursing Education and Professional Development 24:04 Outcomes-Based Education and Interdisciplinary Collaboration 34:50 Conclusion: The Lifeline of Continuing Education

    37 min
  2. Missing Data? How to Keep Your CME Content Evidence-Based

    FEB 5

    Missing Data? How to Keep Your CME Content Evidence-Based

    What happens when the data you rely on for CME content suddenly disappears? CME depends on credible, transparent data to inform healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes. But new policy shifts have restricted access to essential sources, leaving medical writers scrambling for alternatives. Without these data points, how can we continue producing accurate, impactful education? This episode explores how to navigate these challenges and source reliable evidence for CME content. Tune in to learn where to find alternative, credible health data sources beyond federal agencies. Don’t let disappearing data derail your CME planning. Resource Grab your link to a living spreadsheet of alternative data and evidence sources. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Disappearing Public Health Data 01:20 Impact of Data Removal on Public Health 05:40 Alternative Data Sources for CME Professionals 09:33 Actionable Steps for CME Professionals 10:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

    13 min
  3. Follow the Money: The Unexpected Economics of CME

    JAN 29

    Follow the Money: The Unexpected Economics of CME

    Is private equity's growing influence in continuing medical education changing the quality of learning in the health professions? As a CME professional, you need to navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape where commercial support has dropped, and private equity firms are rapidly acquiring education providers. Understanding these shifts is crucial for developing sustainable, high-quality educational programs and navigating your way as a CME professional. In this episode, we’ll explore: How CME funding has evolved from primarily university-based to a complex mix of commercial support, registration fees, and private investment Why private equity firms are acquiring CME providers and what this means for content development Key strategies for maintaining educational quality and professional relationships in an environment of frequent mergers and acquisitions Listen now to gain insights into the $4.23 billion CME industry's funding transformation and position yourself for success in this rapidly changing landscape. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Art of Hustling Pool and CME 00:54 AI Bootcamp for Medical Writers 01:32 The Complex Financial Side of CME 02:06 Evolution of CME Funding 02:42 Pharmaceutical Influence and Regulations 05:47 The Impact of Compliance and Regulatory Codes 07:06 Current CME Funding Landscape 08:21 Private Equity in CME 10:48 Challenges and Questions for CME Professionals 12:08 Conclusion: Ensuring Educational Quality Resources Ratnasekera A, Impact of private equity on graduate medical education: A slippery slope. Am J Surg. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.116160 ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education (2020) ACCME Data Report. Thriving Through Growth and Innovation—2023. ACCME. Toolkit for the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education

    15 min
  4. AI, Art & Social Networks in Continuing Education for Health Professionals

    JAN 22

    AI, Art & Social Networks in Continuing Education for Health Professionals

    What if everything we believe about driving change in healthcare education is fundamentally wrong - and AI might be making it worse? As healthcare education rapidly embraces AI and digital transformation, you're likely grappling with crucial decisions about how to integrate new technologies while ensuring your programs remain equitable and effective. The latest Alliance for Continuing Education in Health Professions conference keynotes reveal surprising insights about AI bias, observation skills, and behavior change that challenge conventional approaches to CME program design. • Discover concrete strategies to identify and address AI bias in your educational programs, including a practical checklist for evaluating AI integration in healthcare education • Learn how art history methods can dramatically improve clinical observation skills through specific techniques like "close looking" and formal analysis • Master the science of "complex contagion" to design more effective peer learning networks, backed by new research showing networked physician groups make significantly fewer diagnostic errors Listen now to transform your CME programs with evidence-based insights from Dr. Immani Shephard, Dr. Siobhan Conaty, and Dr. Damon Centola on AI ethics, clinical observation, and driving meaningful change in healthcare education. Resources Glickman, M., Sharot, T. How human–AI feedback loops alter human perceptual, emotional and social judgements. Nat Hum Behav (2024).

    19 min

  5. JAN 1

    Don't Be Kodak: Future-Proofing Your CME Strategy

    In this episode of Write Medicine, I speak with Ginny Jacobs, Principal of Quality Catalyst Group, about the necessary disruption happening in continuing medical education (CME). Drawing from her recent co-authored Almanac article, Ginny discusses four major shifts in the field and what they mean for CME professionals. Four Major Shifts in CME: Increased use of technology, including artificial intelligence Evolution in the science of learning and cognitive load Technology utilization for clinical practice relevance Development of adaptive and collaborative models across disciplines Key Takeaways: Data collection and analysis remain significant challenges for many CME organizations The importance of "unlearning" outdated approaches while maintaining what works Strategic alignment with organizational priorities is crucial for success The field must evolve from episodic learning to sustainable, data-driven approaches Looking Ahead: Need for more systematic professional development in CME Importance of collaboration to avoid common challenges Focus on creating nimble educational systems with robust assessment Emphasis on critical thinking and practical application Resources Jacobs G, McGowan B, Paynter N, et al. Necessary Disruption 2.0: A Continuing Education Call to Action. Alliance Almanac. Nov 18, 2024. Alliance Annual Conference, January 8-11, Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL.

    18 min
  6. Future-Proofing Your CME Writing Biz: Preparing for 2025

    12/31/2024

    Future-Proofing Your CME Writing Biz: Preparing for 2025

    Are you prepared for how AI and private equity will reshape continuing medical education (CME) in 2025? As CME professionals face rapid industry changes, staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for creating impactful educational content. This episode unpacks the key developments that will affect how you develop and deliver CME programs in the coming year. In this episode, you'll discover: How to leverage emerging trends like AI and confidence frameworks to position yourself as an indispensable strategic partner to your clients Practical strategies to integrate patient perspectives and real-world data into your content development process Specific ways to evolve your service offerings and build flexible workflows that adapt to changing project dynamics Press play to unlock your roadmap for thriving in the 2025 CME landscape and learn exactly how to future-proof your freelance business in an industry that's transforming at breakneck speed.Future Proof Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Evolving CME Landscape 00:49 Key Trends Shaping CME in 2025 03:23 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in CME 06:30 Confidence Frameworks and Outcomes Measurement 13:25 Patient-Focused Education 17:38 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) 19:56 Impact of Private Equity on CME 21:41 Practical Strategies for Independent CME Professionals 24:44 Conclusion and Future Outlook Resources WriteCME Pro Finding the Freelance Clients You Deserve Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence AI in CME Cheat Sheet AMA’s Health Equity Resource Center AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) toolkits on cultural competency and equity in medical education. WHO’s Social Determinants of Health Framework. CME/CE Market Trends

    27 min
  7. Is the Human-AI Handshake the Future of CE? With Stephanie Preuss

    11/27/2024

    Is the Human-AI Handshake the Future of CE? With Stephanie Preuss

    Are you struggling to balance high-quality medical education content creation with increasing demands for varied formats and accessibility? As CME/CE professionals face mounting pressure to create more content across multiple platforms while maintaining scientific accuracy, traditional writing approaches are becoming unsustainable. Learn how leading scientific publisher Springer Nature is revolutionizing content development through AI integration, offering valuable lessons for medical education professionals seeking to enhance their content creation process. Listen to discover: A practical framework for incorporating AI tools while maintaining content integrity and human expertise, including specific approaches to quality control and oversight Strategic methods for adapting complex medical content for different audience levels without sacrificing scientific accuracy, supported by AI-assisted processes Proven techniques for accelerating content development across multiple formats while ensuring consistent quality and clear communication Transform your CME/CE process by learning how scientific publishing's "human-AI handshake" approach can help you create more impactful educational content in less time. Timestamps 07:44 AI aids in content conversion and audience targeting. 10:36 Encourage AI use transparently for in-house tools. 12:22 Exploring AI support for writing and social media. 17:08 Free research roundups offer interdisciplinary literature overview. 20:57 Novels prioritize style, factual books prioritize clarity. 23:29 Developed LLM prompting expertise with skilled writers. 25:19 Balancing human interaction with scalable automation. Resources We’ve built a brand new program for you that prioritizes foundational skills, implementation support, and connection. There’s a limited quantity of this offer available, so this week we’re sharing it only with those who are on our secret list. If you’re interested ​click here​ and we’ll send you an email with more info. Next week, we’ll share the official announcement with everyone else.

    25 min
  8. Uncensored: Fearless CME Writer Questions, Breakthrough Solutions

    10/30/2024

    Uncensored: Fearless CME Writer Questions, Breakthrough Solutions

    Are you turning down lucrative CME writing opportunities because you're unsure how to handle client conversations about pricing, research access, or expanding your services? As a CME writer, you know the challenge of building a sustainable business isn't just about writing skills - it's about making smart decisions about which projects to take, how to access resources, and when to specialize. From negotiating research access fees to breaking free from the needs assessment cycle, every decision impacts your growth potential. In this episode, I take you inside a real CME writers' strategy session where we tackle these exact challenges head-on. By listening to this episode, you will: • Learn proven strategies for handling awkward client conversations about project scope and resource access without damaging relationships • Discover how to leverage your expertise in one area (like needs assessments) to expand into new opportunities while maintaining your current client base • Master the art of responding confidently to questions about therapeutic specialties while keeping doors open for diverse opportunities Press play now to get an unfiltered look at how experienced CME writers navigate real business challenges and come away with practical strategies you can implement in your next client conversation. Resources Howson A. WriteCME Roadmap: How to Thrive in CME with No Experience, No Network, and No Clue. 2024. Tilt Publishing. WriteCME Roadmap Launch Party For tips on getting around publishing paywalls see How to write a literature review

    15 min
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About

Write Medicine is your weekly shot of powerful, practical tips to transform your CME content from meh to marvelous. Join me, Alexandra Howson, PhD, a medical writing veteran with battle scars and wisdom from the CME trenches. Each week I crack open insights via conversations with CME rockstars on adult learning secrets, killer outcomes frameworks, and the hottest healthcare trends. Consider Write Medicine your personal power-up session. I spill the tea on proven techniques for crafting CME content that will inspire and arm you with the tools to create unforgettable learning experiences. Whether you're a CME newbie or a seasoned pro, Write Medicine is your one-stop shop to become a CME writing Jedi. ️✨ Don't just listen to Write Medicine—devour it. Your CME will never be the same.

Information

  • Creator
    Alexandra Howson PhD | CME Writer, Educator, Researcher
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Write Medicine
  • Show Website
    Write Medicine

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