Proofreading Strategy for Document Quality Control

An essential skill that every medical communicator should have in their professional toolkit, proofreading is the final and often underappreciated step in producing professional documents. This introductory or refresher workshop focuses on proofreading as a strategy for document quality, distinct from writing or copyediting. Proofreading involves achieving consistency, sharpening attention to mechanical errors, and identifying and correcting production and layout issues. Damiana will discuss standard proofreading practices, review electronic proofreading methods, and guide the class through practical exercises. Participants will learn to train both the mind and the eye to determine what to correct, query, or ignore. 

Target Audience:

This workshop is designed for medical communicators who review and finalize written documents and want to strengthen their proofreading skills. It is ideal for medical writers, editors, regulatory and scientific communicators, and other professionals who prepare or review technical, clinical, or business documents. It is also designed for beginners seeking a foundational understanding of proofreading, as well as experienced professionals looking for a structured refresher on best practices, consistency checks, and electronic proofreading techniques.

About the Presenter:

Damiana Chiavolini, MS, PhD
Freelance Writer, Editor, and Instructor, Evergreen Biomedical Communications Group, LLC

Damiana began her career in science, research, and instruction before transitioning to medical communication, where she has worked as a writer, editor, and instructor for the past 16 years. She currently works as a freelance writer, authoring features about health topics for non-expert audiences, edits textbooks and eLearning materials in higher education, and develops documents for biotechnology companies, focusing on clarity, strategy, and audience awareness. Damiana specializes in microbiology and infectious diseases, with additional experience in autoimmunity and oncology, adapting her approach across disciplines and contexts. She brings clear and thoughtful communication to every class and workshop she leads and has taught the Proofreading workshop since 2017.