A Residency Program for Technical/Biomedical Communicators: A Master's Degree Program with Concurrent On-the-Job Training

Abstract

An editor in a medical center requires a combination of knowledge and skills which provides an understanding of biomedical concepts and the aptitude for being a technical communicator. A medical editor edits manuscripts authored by physicians and scientists in biomedical specialties. A training program which combines academic and on-the-job training requirements has been conducted at a military medical center over a two-year period. One Resident has completed the on-the-job phase of the program. She has been a contributing biomedical communicator in the editorial office during this period and received a master's degree from a local university in May 1978. The support of the medical center, the dedication of the Preceptor, the vision of the Mentor, and the educational background, interests, aptitudes, potential, and persistence of the student selected to participate in the residency program have been contributing factors in making the program successful. This plan is a practical and economical approach to rewarding an institution for its investment and to training technical/biomedical communicators.