Author Archives: Cynthia Craft

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About Cynthia Craft

Cynthia Craft (@cynthiahcraft) is the director of engagement for AHCJ, joining the organization after an extensive career in daily journalism, including a decade on the health care beat. Craft most recently worked as a senior writer at The Sacramento Bee, having also worked for the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Times Herald and the California Journal.

Listen up: AHCJ compiles list of health-related podcasts

The universe of podcasts is expanding, with a growing array of choices for health and science journalists eager to absorb new topics, inspiration and trends in storytelling.

Some podcasts focus on a single topic, unfolding a dramatic storyline in a series that has already debuted but is timeless and still worth listening to.

Others are up-to-date with new episodes being produced on a regular basis. Continue reading

Comparative Effectiveness Research Fellows named for 2019

Thirteen journalists have been selected for the 2019 class of the AHCJ Fellowship on Comparative Effectiveness Research. The fellowship program was created with support from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to help reporters and editors produce more accurate, in-depth stories on medical research and how treatment decisions are made.

The fellows will gather in Washington, D.C., the week of Sept. 9 for four days of presentations, how-to database sessions and discussions with researchers.

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Health Journalism 2019 sets attendance record

Drawn by an influential lineup of speakers and panels – plus an intriguing offering of field trips – more than 800 conference-goers helped make AHCJ’s Health Journalism 2019 in Baltimore a record-setter in attendance.

In AHCJ’s 20 years of annual conferences, the increase in attendance has mirrored the public’s level of interest in health news and need for clear, accurate health care reporting. Today, health-care pocketbook issues, partisan politics and worrisome matters such as the re-emergence of measles and stubborn drug dependence epidemics are seen as topics likely to be front and center in upcoming elections.

From May 2 to May 5, health journalists attended more than 60 panels, including a carefully curated lineup guiding independent journalists toward success and informative sessions on how to cover aspects of the scientific revolution of genetics.

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Brawley’s remarks open #AHCJ19 as 20th Health Journalism conference draws a record number of attendees

Photo: Pia Christensen/AHCJOtis Brawley kicked off Health Journalism 2019 with a nearly standing-room-only audience.

Otis Brawley has given a lot of thought lately to the socioeconomic factors that serve as predictors of health disparities among disadvantaged Americans.

Brawley, a Bloomberg distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins University, told a crowded room at Health Journalism 2019 in Baltimore on Thursday that a community’s resources – or lack thereof – contributes mightily to the health outcomes of its residents.

That holds true, regardless of race, Brawley explained to attendees at the record-breaking health journalism conference. About 800 people are attending the Baltimore conference, the 20th annual training confab AHCJ has held. Continue reading

Some advance work can help freelancers make the most of #ahcj19 conference

So far, it’s looking as if our upcoming Health Journalism 2019 conference in Baltimore May 2-5 is going to be one of our largest and busiest info-packed gatherings ever.

As the event grows nearer, here’s a handy checklist to help independent journalists, in particular, get ready.

Before the conference, you’ll want to go to our online freelance directory to: Continue reading