Medical Writing: Finding Your Ikigai

When you align your writing with both your strengths and the world’s needs, you create more than just content - you create impact. 

In recent years, the concept of Ikigai a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being"– has gained widespread recognition as a guide to achieving fulfillment in both personal and professional life. In the

context of medical writing, particularly within drug approvals, Ikigai offers valuable insight into how professionals can align their passion for science, expertise in regulatory writing, the societal need for accurate information, and the career opportunities available in the pharmaceutical industry. By embracing Ikigai, medical writers can experience greater job satisfaction, enhance their well-being, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Practicing Ikigai in this field involves harmonizing the four core elements - what they love, what they’re good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for, leading to meaningful contributions in the drug approval process. This alignment not only ensures the delivery of precise, impactful content but also fosters a sense of purpose in the critical work of communicating complex medical information that can directly influence patient outcomes and public health.  

The Four Pillars of Ikigai in Medical Writing

1. What You Love: Passion for medicine and communication. Medical writers often begin their journey with a fascination for health and science. Whether through education or personal experiences, these individuals develop a desire to help others by making complex medical content accessible. They thrive in translating dense, technical jargon into language that can benefit patients, healthcare providers, and the public. 

2. What You're Good At: Mastering the craft of communication. Success in medical writing requires more than just medical knowledge. Writers must also have strong communication skills, the ability to distill intricate details into clear, concise narratives, and an understanding of various formats, from regulatory documents to patient brochures. Skill development is crucial, and many medical writers refine their abilities through practice, training, and professional experience. 

3. What the World Needs: Advancing healthcare through clear communication. In a world of constant medical advancements, the need for well-written, clear, and accurate information is ever-growing. Medical writers contribute significantly to health literacy by producing content that enables patients to make informed decisions, supports healthcare professionals in their work, and aids in the development of safe, effective healthcare policies. This work is essential, especially as the healthcare sector becomes more complex and data driven. 

4. What You Can Be Paid For: A rewarding career in medical writing offers not only a sense of purpose but also financial stability. The demand for skilled writers spans across industries; pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, academic research, and public health organizations are all in need of writers who can convey technical knowledge clearly and accurately. The variety of work available makes this a dynamic and sustainable career path, allowing writers to specialize in different areas based on their expertise and interests. 

   
   

The Benefits of Finding Your Ikigai in Medical Writing 

Medical writing, like many desk jobs, poses health risks due to prolonged sitting and poor posture. The sedentary nature of the work can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders such as back and neck pain, and even long-term conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease. Research shows that inactivity is strongly linked to adverse health outcomes, including diabetes and early mortality. While incorporating regular exercise and healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks, embracing Ikigai in medical writing offers additional benefits by fostering a more balanced and fulfilling career together with health benefits indicated to be associated with ikigai.  

For medical writers, embracing Ikigai may offer both physical and psychological benefits, as supported by multiple meta-analyses and longitudinal studies conducted in different population types. Research shows that Ikigai is linked to improved physical health and a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Psychologically, it can enhance a writer’s sense of self-awareness, provide clarity in goal-setting, and improve problem-solving skills—key elements in overcoming the challenges of a demanding profession. By aligning passion, skill, societal needs, and career opportunities, medical writers can not only increase their job satisfaction but also experience a sense of purpose that nurtures both their personal and professional well-being. 

Conclusion and Final Reflections on Ikigai 

Medical writing offers an ideal opportunity to apply the principles of Ikigai. By identifying where your passions for healthcare, communication, and societal impact intersect with your professional expertise and career opportunities, you can build a meaningful and sustainable career. As the medical field continues to evolve, the demand for skilled medical writers will grow, offering more chances to align work with purpose. Finding your Ikigai in medical writing not only enhances your professional journey but also contributes positively to the broader healthcare ecosystem. 

References

• Sartore M, Buisine S, Ocnarescu I, Joly LR. An Integrated Cognitive-Motivational Model of Ikigai (Purpose in Life) in the Workplace. Eur J Psychol. 2023;19(4):387-400. Published 2023 Nov 30. doi:10.5964/ejop.9943 

• Kotera Y, Fido D. Ikigai: Towards a psychological understanding of a life worth living. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2021;67(2):130-137. doi:10.1177/00207640211001709. 

• Long and Happy Life: Garcia H, Miralles F. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Penguin Life; 2017. 

• Pate RR, O'Neill JR, Lobelo F. The Evolving Definition of "Sedentary." Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. 2008;36(4):173-178. 

• Katzmarzyk PT, Church TS, Blair SN. Epidemiology of Sedentary Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of the Literature. Current Opinion in Cardiology. 2009;24(5):489-495. 

• American Heart Association. Sedentary Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2015;131(18):1907-1917. 

• Koizumi, Y., & Kuroda, A. (2020). The relationship between Ikigai and health outcomes in Japan: A systematic review. Psychology and Health, 35(7), 825-837. 

• Sone, T., Sone, H., & Takeuchi, A. (2008). The impact of Ikigai on mortality in Japanese elders: A 7-year follow-up study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70(6), 734-739. 

• Miyamoto, Y., & Koga, K. (2020). Ikigai and well-being in Japan: A psychological perspective on meaning and happiness. Psychological Studies, 65(3), 210-222. 

• Takahashi, Y., & Matsumoto, S. (2014). Ikigai and its impact on health outcomes: A study of the relationship between Ikigai and mortality. Journal of Aging and Health, 26(4), 552-567. 

• Yamamoto, K., & Kobayashi, Y. (2019). Ikigai as a protective factor for mental health in older adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 34(5), 849-856. 

• Steger, M. F., & Dik, B. J. (2010). Work as meaningful: A review and synthesis. Journal of Career Assessment, 18(1), 23-42. 

• Sato, T., & Tsuji, T. (2018). The relationship between Ikigai and psychological well-being in older Japanese adults. Social Science & Medicine, 202, 38-45. 

• Arai, H., & Suzuki, T. (2019). Ikigai and health outcomes in Japanese elders: A 12-year follow-up study. Journal of Epidemiology, 29(3), 98-105.