Medical Journalism

Catalog description

Health is one of journalism’s most complex and important reporting beats. This course is designed to acquaint medical students with all venues of health reporting, including print, television, internet, and radio. The ethical dimensions inherent in health care reporting will be discussed. The elective will focus on how physicians can communicate effectively with the media in the context of daily practice and reacting to breaking medical news. To do so, students will develop competency in analyzing medical journals and case studies and reporting these findings accurately and simply for the public. In addition, emphasis will be placed on understanding health policy, such as the bifurcation of health insurance, the pharmaceutical industry, and conflicts of interest in health reporting. Didactic sessions and assignments will help medical students develop knowledge in these domains. The student will meet several times per week with a faculty member/preceptor. Extensive readings between sessions fill out the student’s time. A course syllabus and reading list will be provided. In partnership with SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio, as well as the Departments of Communications and Bioethics, students will have the opportunity to observe selected broadcasts, and interact with hosts and producers. Finally, students will have the opportunity to strengthen their ability to report and write about health stories by engaging in several written investigate assignments.