Want to be a Medical Writer? These 4 Top Websites are For You

New medical writers need primary-leaning health sites ahead of random blogs. This shortlist covers WebMD, MedlinePlus, Mayo Clinic, and the CDC, with notes on reading level, authority, and interface friction.

• Why it matters: Accurate sources keep healthcare copy from inventing claims patients will later challenge.
• Case in point: MedlinePlus sits under NLM/NIH, trading a busy layout for depth and outbound primary links.
• Zoom in: Mayo Clinic pairs clinician updates with patient education written for non-specialists.
• Reality check: CDC is strong on diseases, recalls, and travel health, though heavy graphics can slow downloads.
• The bottom line: Start here for citeable baselines, then chase the studies those pages link.

For those of you just getting started as a health care or medical writer, finding accurate and timely health and medical information online can be challenging. I've put together a few of the best websites with health information that is accurate, current and well-written, primarily by medical professionals as the voice of authority.

Web MD

The website is easy to understand, written in (mostly) layman’s terms with most articles written by medical and other health professionals. Overall, the information is current and accurate. Links to studies that support information are included as are additional references to related topics.

You do have to open an account (it’s free and very easy) but once done, you will be able to access hundreds of articles and blogs on numerous healthcare topics.

MedlinePlus

This health information website is a service operated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institute of Health, making it one of the more accurate as well as informative sites.

The minor drawback (at least for this writer) is the site’s ‘busy’ appearance: lots of diverse information, subheadings, graphics and tabs clutter the pages making it a bit confusing when trying to choose a topic but if you can get past that, there are plenty of well-written articles and general health information available here.

Of course, personal preference plays a role in how people use these sites. Some folks really don’t mind a crowded interface if it means having more info pack—like, right there in front of you, one click away. Others bail pretty fast when they see too many buttons or dropdowns. There’s just something to be said for a site that knows when to keep things simple, and MedlinePlus nearly gets that balance right, depending on your mood (or how much coffee you’ve had, frankly).

You’ll also notice the government sites tend to link out directly to primary literature or deeper resources, which is fantastic for anyone who wants to chase original studies or data. But be ready: sometimes that just means falling down yet another rabbit hole. If you’ve ever accidentally read half a journal article when you only meant to check one statistic, you’ll get what I mean. That mix of depth and chaos isn’t for everyone, but it sure beats sifting through endless blogs with zero sources.

Mayo Clinic

This is the online extension of the prestigious Mayo Clinic based in Rochester, MN. As you might expect from one of the premier teaching medical schools and hospitals in the United States, the information it offers is accurate and current as written by medical and other experienced heath care professionals. Healthcare providers can connect to the latest information on research and other findings, while patients and laypersons have a wealth of health and medical information in the Patient Education Materials that is detailed enough to be accurate and informative but not so much that it’s outside the grasp of the average person.

The site is user-friendly, with few graphics and a clean appearance to easily identify and access topics. Its dependability and accuracy is almost like having a trusted medical care provider at your fingertips.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Another government healthcare service site, this site is especially useful for learning about information about diseases and conditions, food recalls and foodborne illnesses, travelers’ health advisories and healthy lifestyles. There are extensive graphics which may cause downloading problems for some but overall is well-organized with detailed and current information.