The AAMC is seeking new writers for the Aspiring Docs® Diaries blog to showcase diverse pathways to a career in medicine. Writing a blog post is a great way to inspire others and demonstrate one of the 17 Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students: written communication. To get started, read our tips below for writing a great post.
- Identify a Topic That Readers Will Care About.
Aspiring Docs blog posts can be about anything related to medicine. Our most popular topics include stories about your interactions with patients, your inspiration for going into medicine, volunteer experiences, a time where you showed great resilience, etc. After choosing a topic, consider what makes your perspective unique and why readers should care. Another question to ask yourself while writing is, “Is this a post I would want to read?”
- Write a Compelling Headline and Introduction.
An engaging title and introduction can make or break a blog post. As the first thing people see, it’s important to quickly draw readers in. Some creative ways to open are to begin with dialogue, pose a question, or state a surprising fact.
- Write From Your Point of View.
Writing in the first-person perspective gives readers a glimpse into your world. Whether you’re writing about a patient interaction, shadowing a physician, or a volunteer experience, first person will allow readers to put themselves in your shoes.
- Say It With a Story.
If you have a story, anecdote, or memory of a specific event related to your topic, share it in your post! Blog posts that feature a story with a distinct beginning, middle, and end are some of our most popular.
- Don’t Skimp on the Details — Be Specific.
When it comes to providing details in your post, the more the better. For example, instead of saying, “It’s important to establish a study routine,” tell us specifically what your routine was and why it worked for you.
- Write How You Would Talk to a Friend.
Avoid using formal language, technical jargon, or an academic tone. If you’re writing about a medical procedure, write about it the same way you would explain it to a friend. Using plain language will make your post relatable to a broader audience.
- Be Open.
Posts that show a bit of vulnerability — by sharing a mistake or a lesson learned — showcase the author’s growth and are more engaging to readers.
To learn more, read some of our most popular recent posts: Doubt, Deferral and Destiny, Repeating a Year of Medical School, and Small Acts of Kindness. To volunteer to write a post for the Aspiring Docs blog, email aspiringdocs@aamc.org.