Best Alexandra Howson PhD Podcasts (2025)

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How to Overcome Academic Trauma and Build Confidence as a Freelance Medical Writer 36:38

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2h ago36:38

36:38

What if leaving academia—or another tightly defined professional path—felt less like failure and more like freedom? For many academics, clinicians, and researchers, stepping into freelance medical writing isn’t just a career change—it’s a profound identity shift. Too often, this transition carries grief, shame, or the lingering sense of “not enough…

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Designing CME for Behavior Change: Sarah Atwood on Learning Science in Action 28:15

7d ago28:15

28:15

What if the CME you design could do more than deliver knowledge—what if it could actually change clinician behavior and improve patient care? As a CME writer or education professional, you’ve likely felt the frustration of producing content that looks strong on paper but doesn’t translate into meaningful practice change. This episode explores how l…

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Craft to Confidence: What's Coming Up in Season 11 6:07

13d ago6:07

6:07

What does it take to move from order-taker to trusted partner in CME writing? That’s the single question driving this new season of Write Medicine. In this 15-minute teaser episode, Alex introduces the season theme—Craft to Confidence: A CME Writer’s Season of Growth—and gives you a preview of what’s ahead. You’ll hear how guest interviews and solo…

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From Anxiety to Action: What Every Medical Writer Needs to Know About AI Integration 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

If you’re a medical writer today, you're no stranger to tight deadlines, dense source material, and the pressure to deliver educational content that is both engaging and evidence-based. These demands are particularly acute in the world of continuing medical education (CME), where accuracy, clarity, and relevance matter more than ever. As the medica…

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From Barbershops to Boardrooms: Pioneering CME in Unexpected Spaces 29:20

3M ago29:20

29:20

How do you design CME that reaches the communities most affected by HIV—and not just the clinicians who already have access? If you're a CME professional grappling with how to address layered issues like stigma, housing insecurity, or racial disparities, you’re not alone. This episode dives into what it takes to create truly inclusive education—esp…

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From Scattered to Specific: How a Niche Can Save Your Sanity (and Your Business) 12:39

3M ago12:39

12:39

Are you a freelance CME writer juggling too many project types and wondering if it’s time to finally “niche down”? In the world of continuing medical education (CME), clarity and focus aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for sustainable business growth. If you’re feeling stretched thin, jumping between clients and therapeutic areas, this epi…

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From Silos to Synergy: Designing CME for Real-World Healthcare Teams with Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo 32:59

4M ago32:59

32:59

How can continuing education break down professional silos and foster real collaboration among healthcare teams? If you create CME/CE content, you’ve likely encountered the challenge of writing for “teams” that still operate in silos. This episode with interprofessional education expert Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo, Founder, Collaborate for Health, revea…

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Raising the Bar: Essential Competencies for CME Writers with Haifa Kassis and Don Harting 35:24

4M ago35:24

35:24

Are you unsure which skills you need to thrive as a CME writer (or need for your writers)—or how to prove your value in an increasingly competitive field? Many medical writers stumble into CME with strong writing chops but little clarity about what the role truly demands. At the same time, education providers struggle to find writers who are not ju…

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From Diagnosis to Advocacy: What Rare Disease Teaches Us About CME 40:23

4M ago40:23

40:23

How do we create continuing education that prepares clinicians to deliver life-changing diagnoses with both precision and compassion? In this episode, we explore what happens when the scientist’s role as a communicator intersects with the lived experience of parenting a child with a rare disease. I'm talking with Dr. Jennifer Brown, a geneticist wh…

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Beyond PubMed: CME's Hidden Treasure Map 27:14

5M ago27:14

27:14

CME professionals, medical writers, educators, and researchers - what would you do if PubMed suddenly became less accessible? You depend on this critical resource daily to find evidence-based information that powers your work. But recent funding uncertainties at the NIH have raised questions about its future. You need consistent, reliable access to…

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Building a Thriving CME Community: Why Networking Isn’t Enough for Career Growth 13:12

7M ago13:12

13:12

Do you ever feel like you're navigating your career in CME alone, unsure of where you fit in or how to grow without burning out? Many CME professionals work independently or remotely, which can be both rewarding and isolating. Beyond professional networks, building a true community can provide the support, engagement, and inspiration needed to thri…

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PubMed Uncertainty: Smart Alternatives for CME Professionals 7:06

7M ago7:06

7:06

What would happen if the go-to resource for your CME research—PubMed—became unreliable or inaccessible? Would your workflow survive the disruption? As CME professionals, we depend on PubMed for high-quality, evidence-based research. But with looming funding changes it’s time to rethink how we source medical literature. This episode unpacks the late…

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Empowering Nurses Through Education: Reducing Burnout, Building Leadership, and Elevating Care 38:14

7M ago38:14

38:14

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 learnin…

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Missing Data? How to Keep Your CME Content Evidence-Based 14:09

8M ago14:09

14:09

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 …

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Follow the Money: The Unexpected Economics of CME 15:49

8M ago15:49

15:49

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 i…

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AI, Art & Social Networks in Continuing Education for Health Professionals 20:26

8M ago20:26

20:26

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 effectiv…

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Don't Be Kodak: Future-Proofing Your CME Strategy 18:41

9M ago18:41

18:41

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: Inc…

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Future-Proofing Your CME Writing Biz: Preparing for 2025 28:19

9M ago28:19

28:19

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 c…

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Is the Human-AI Handshake the Future of CE? With Stephanie Preuss 26:15

10M ago26:15

26:15

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 leadin…

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Uncensored: Fearless CME Writer Questions, Breakthrough Solutions 16:24

11M ago16:24

16:24

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…

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Embrace Your Voice: How to Optimize the Power of Pause, Timing, and Flow in CME Script Writing 36:07

11M ago36:07

36:07

Do you struggle to transform dense medical information into scripts that sound natural when read aloud in videos or podcasts? As a medical writer or CME professional, you know the challenge of bridging the gap between technical accuracy and listener engagement. Your scripts need to convey complex scientific concepts while maintaining clarity and ho…

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Freelance Like a Pro: Niching, Marketing, and SOPs with Alejandra Viviescas 30:18

11M ago30:18

30:18

Are you a freelance medical writer struggling to streamline your workflow and grow your business? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by client management, marketing, and the constant need to prove your value? If you're looking to transform your freelance medical writing career from chaotic to confident, especially in the field of Continuing Medical E…

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Savvy Money-Saving Hacks for Thriving Freelance Medical Writers 12:21

12M ago12:21

12:21

Are you a new medical writer feeling overwhelmed by the costs of starting your career? Do you hesitate to invest in expensive resources, wondering if there's a smarter way to begin? You're not alone. Many aspiring medical writers struggle to balance their passion for the field with the financial realities of getting started. But what if I told you …

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Root Cause Analysis: How to Easily Transform Your Needs Assessments 17:34

12M ago17:34

17:34

Is your CME content scratching the surface or truly addressing the core issues in healthcare practice? As a CME professional, you're constantly striving to create educational interventions that make a real difference. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, the impact falls short of expectations. Root cause analysis (RCA) could be the missing pie…

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CME as a Strategic Resource in Quality Improvement with Katie West MSN 24:27

1y ago24:27

24:27

Are you struggling to position your CME program as a strategic asset in your healthcare system? As a CME professional in a hospital or health system, you're likely facing challenges in demonstrating the value of your programs beyond mere accreditation requirements. You know that CME has the potential to drive quality improvement and enhance patient…

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Embracing Visual Trends and Patient Voices: A New Era in Medical Education with Caroline Halford 38:29

1y ago38:29

38:29

Are you a CME professional struggling to create engaging, accessible content that truly resonates with healthcare providers? You know the importance of staying current with medical advancements, but you're finding it challenging to deliver information in ways that stick. You want your educational materials to not only inform but also inspire change…

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Build Your Medical Writing Portfolio: A Guide for CME Writers 12:29

1y ago12:29

12:29

You've got the writing skills. You're passionate about medical education. But every prospective CME client asks for that elusive portfolio. Sound familiar? If you're an aspiring CME writer feeling stuck in this catch-22, you're in the right place. Today, we're breaking down how to build a compelling CME portfolio from scratch - even if you've never…

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When Clients Collide: Maintaining Integrity in Freelance CME Writing 17:41

1y ago17:41

17:41

Have you ever faced the ethical dilemma of being asked to work on similar projects for competing clients? As a freelance CME writer, you may encounter situations where multiple clients request your expertise for overlapping projects. This can put you in a challenging position, balancing professional ethics with business opportunities. By listening …

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From Burnout to Brilliance: Dr. Lisa Herbert’s Framework for Leadership Development 28:44

1y ago28:44

28:44

Are you a physician feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of modern healthcare? Do you struggle to have your voice heard in an increasingly corporate medical landscape? Or perhaps you're a medical professional looking to step into a leadership role, but unsure how to begin? As CME professionals, we work with physicians on a daily basis. But how t…

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Competencies, Gaps, and Grants: Your Roadmap to Compelling CME Needs Assessments 30:19

1+ y ago30:19

30:19

Are you struggling to create compelling needs assessments that win over supporters in today's evolving medical education landscape? As a medical education grant writer or provider, you know that crafting targeted, data-driven needs assessments is crucial for securing funding and delivering impactful education. However, piecing together the right da…

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Trauma Surgery Training: Simulations, Continuing Education, and Preventing Burnout with Stephen Cohn 30:35

1+ y ago30:35

30:35

What really happens behind the scenes when a severely injured trauma patient arrives at the hospital? Emergency care providers need to act quickly and coordinate seamlessly with their team when seconds count to save a trauma patient's life. But the high-stakes, chaotic environment can make it challenging to stay calm, avoid errors, and prevent burn…

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Elevate your CME Game: Insider Secrets from Kristen Dascoli to Transform Education Programs 48:23

1+ y ago48:23

48:23

Kristen Dascoli, a seasoned pro with experience on both the editorial and business development sides of CME, pulls back the curtain on the development of a pioneering program on gender-affirming HIV care. ELEVATE was a groundbreaking CME initiative that aimed to enhance healthcare providers' cultural competencies in delivering gender-affirming care…

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Navigating Self-Doubt in Continuing Medical Education: Insights from Milini Mingo 39:05

1+ y ago39:05

39:05

Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt in your continuing education career? If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or doubtful about your abilities in continuing education's fast-paced, ever-changing world, you're not alone. In this episode of Write Medicine, Milini Mingo reviews the history of the imposter phenomenon, shares a three-step …

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Gender Equity in CME: Practical Strategies for Empowerment 41:11

1+ y ago41:11

41:11

Have you ever wondered how gender inequities affect career progression in the world of continuing medical education/professional development (CME/CPD)? In this episode, we explore women's pervasive challenges in CME and CPD, from microaggressions to barriers in leadership roles. Whether you're looking to climb the career ladder or simply gain insig…

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The CEO of You: Why Investing in Yourself is the Key to Freelance Medical Writing Success 21:17

1+ y ago21:17

21:17

Are you tired of feeling like your freelance medical writing business is running you, instead of the other way around? Many freelance medical writers find themselves stuck in a reactive cycle, pouring all their time and energy into client projects but neglecting the strategic work that will actually move their business forward. They dream of a thri…

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Busting Silos: The Evolution of Independent Medical Education 41:54

1+ y ago41:54

41:54

Are you curious about the role of Medical Affairs in Independent Medical Education (IME)? Perhaps you're struggling to demonstrate the value and impact of your programs in a way that resonates with IME teams. IME is evolving. Today’s episode with IME expert Nancy Paynter discusses the pivotal role of IME within the broader scope of medical affairs …

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From Boring to Brilliant: Transform Your CME Content with Proven Storytelling Frameworks 15:14

1+ y ago15:14

15:14

Are you struggling to keep your clinical audience engaged and invested in your CME content? In today's fast-paced, information-overloaded world, medical writers face the daunting challenge of capturing and maintaining their readers' attention. This episode explores how you can leverage proven storytelling techniques to create compelling, memorable …

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The Future of MedEd: Chatbots, AI, and Personalized Learning 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence and chatbots are revolutionizing continuing medical education (CME) and transforming the way clinicians learn? As a CME professional, you constantly seek innovative ways to create engaging and effective educational experiences for your clinician audience. Staying up-to-date with the latest technolog…

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First Friday: From Pharma to Freelance Medical Writing in the Digital Age 30:08

1+ y ago30:08

30:08

Virginia Chachati is a pharmacist turned medical writer who embarked on her freelance journey after moving to Germany in 2020. Inspired by the need to work remotely and make a living online, Virginia started a travel health blog that caught a client's attention on Upwork. Despite being underpaid for her valuable work, this experience motivated her …

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Telling a Stronger Story: The Art of Communicating CME Outcomes 42:27

1+ y ago42:27

42:27

Are you measuring CME outcomes effectively or just tacking them on at the end? If you're involved in developing, measuring and reporting on CME outcomes, you know it's become an expected part of the process. But many CME providers still struggle with integrating outcomes throughout program design and implementation. This leads to poor practices lik…

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Elevate Your Medical Writing: How to Choose the Right Literature Review Approach for Your Project 13:11

1+ y ago13:11

13:11

Are you struggling to find the most relevant papers for your medical writing projects on PubMed? You know the importance of having a solid research foundation when working on medical writing projects like clinical practice guidelines, grant proposals, or CME materials. But searching databases like PubMed can feel like falling down a rabbit hole, le…

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The Art of Short-Form CME: Tweetorials and Social-Media-Based Content 36:34

1+ y ago36:34

36:34

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 …

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Bridging Gaps and Crafting Learning Objectives: High-Impact Skills for CME Writers 14:35

1+ y ago14:35

14:35

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 perfor…

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Crafting Accessible and Inclusive Medical Content 17:16

1+ y ago17:16

17:16

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 me…

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Navigating New Horizons: Understanding European Accreditation in CME 40:46

1+ y ago40:46

40:46

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 complexitie…

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How to Thrive in the Evolving Field of Medical Writing 43:31

1+ y ago43:31

43:31

Are you a medical writer struggling to stay competitive and confident in the rapidly evolving industry landscape? Experienced medical writer and educator Michelle Guillemard shares her insights today on how aspiring and established medical writers can navigate the challenges of an increasingly crowded field, economic fluctuations, and the rise of A…

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Designing for Outcomes: Putting the Learner at the Heart of Your Educational Strategy 40:48

1+ y ago40:48

40:48

Are you measuring educational outcomes but failing to capture the true impact on your learners? As a CME/CPD professional, you know that proving the effectiveness of your educational programs is crucial. But in the rush to gather data and report metrics, it's easy to overlook the individual learner's experience and perspective. Relying solely on qu…

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The Art of Storytelling: Engaging Clinical Audiences 42:17

1+ y ago42:17

42:17

If you are a medical writer my guess is that you occasionally struggle to engage your target audience. Health professionals have less time and shorter attention spans, making it critical for medical writers to master storytelling techniques that get their audiences interested and engaged with content, whether we’re talking about slide decks, manusc…

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Femtech and Inclusive CME/CPD: A Conversation with Caitlyn Tivy DPT 41:31

1+ y ago41:31

41:31

Have you ever wondered how biases in medical research and education can significantly impact women's health and health in the LGBTQ+ community? Do you want to learn how you as a CME/CPD professional can promote inclusive and equitable language in your work, and why this is important in CME content creation? My guest today is Caitlyn Tivy DPT, a phy…

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100 Ultimate Tips from 100 Episodes of Write Medicine 17:43

1+ y ago17:43

17:43

We’ve reached a major milestone here at the Write Medicine podcast – episode 100. When I started this podcast, my mission was to foster a spirit of community, connection, and support among peers and colleagues in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This mission has evolved and is increasingly focused on providing you. Write Medicine friend, wi…