Tag Archives: Health journalism

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

Who are “the homeless” and what do they experience?

Margot Kushel, M.D., director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, has unearthed the answers to those complicated questions. The findings of the research she led have received coast-to-coast news coverage and will be the subject of her keynote at AHCJ’s Fall Summit on “Homelessness and Health Care,” Nov. 2-3 in Oakland, Calif.

“The story of homelessness in California is really older adults, usually older adults of color, living their last years on our streets,” Kushel told Spectrum News.

People with lived experience, researchers, policymakers from across the country, and the mayor of Sacramento, who has played a significant part in efforts to improve mental health access for people who are homeless, are among the speakers.

Check out the full program and register today.


Prior approval: Journalists and researchers show health insurers’ performance is abysmal 
In the past year, journalists and health researchers have uncovered troubling facts about how health insurers fail members by delaying or denying care through prior authorization. Also called prior approval,…
Prior approval: Journalists and researchers show health insurers’ performance is abysmal 
In the past year, journalists and health researchers have uncovered troubling facts about how health insurers fail members by delaying or denying care through prior authorization. Also called prior approval,…
Why you should write about telesitting in hospitals
More hospitals are implementing virtual caregiver programs to monitor patients and alert nurses to medical problems. Here’s what to know.
Why you should write about telesitting in hospitals
More hospitals are implementing virtual caregiver programs to monitor patients and alert nurses to medical problems. Here’s what to know.
Why deceptive Medicare marketing may impact the health of older adults
How journalistscan help to set the record straight about what Medicare Advantage plans do and don’t cover, associated out-of-pocket costs and the importance of finding the best insurance to meet an individual’s health needs.
Why deceptive Medicare marketing may impact the health of older adults
How journalistscan help to set the record straight about what Medicare Advantage plans do and don’t cover, associated out-of-pocket costs and the importance of finding the best insurance to meet an individual’s health needs.
Influence of abortion disinformation and misinformation on health trends of women of color
Why reportersshould pay more attention to abortion falsehoods being disseminated in languages other than English.
Influence of abortion disinformation and misinformation on health trends of women of color
Why reportersshould pay more attention to abortion falsehoods being disseminated in languages other than English.

What We’re Reading

Interest in doula care grows amid maternal health crisis (Tina Reed and Maya Goldman for Axios)

In Hospitals, Viruses Are Everywhere. Masks Are Not. (Apoorva Mandavilli for The New York Times)

Protecting a Predator (Bianca Fortis and Laura Beil for Intelligencer)

Treating Rural America: The last doctor in town (Hyacinth Empinado for STAT)

Overdose crisis reaches historic levels in New York City (Kiara Alfonseca for ABC News)


Upcoming Events

Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ET: Application deadline — AHCJ Reporting Fellowships on Health Care Performance, This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work. Read more »

Oct. 19, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using AI for reporting, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 20, 5 p.m. ET: Application deadline — AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, This fellowship is a six-month program supporting veteran U.S.-based health care journalists who want to pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. Read more »

Nov. 2–3: AHCJ Fall Summit — Homelessness and Health Care, Housing is a health care issue. Research leaves little doubt about the negative impact a lack of a place to call home has on people’s health. We’re going to dig into this complicated issue at our Fall Summit from Nov. 2–3 in Oakland, Calif. Read more »


Career Development / Sponsored Content

McGraw Fellowships: Enterprise Reporting Grants to $15K

Applications are open for the Fall 2023 McGraw Fellowships. The Fellowships, awarded twice a year, provide experienced journalists with a grant of up to $15K and the editorial support needed to produce deeply-reported investigative or enterprise stories on critical economic, financial or business issues. Both freelance and staff journalists in all forms of media with at least five years’ professional experience are eligible. Journalists from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Fall 2023 applications are due Oct. 6, 2023. Read more »

NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant Program

The National Institute for Health Care Management is now accepting applications for the 2023–2024 cycle of the NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant program. National and local news outlets, freelance reporters, non-profit media outlets and organizations that educate journalists are invited to apply now. Read more »


*|IF:MEMBER = Yes|*

Did you change jobs, get a promotion or win an award? Let us help spread the word! Submit your member news here.


We’re grateful for your membership. As a reminder, our members have access to the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|IF:MEMBER != Yes|*

Consider becoming a member to take advantage of the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|END:IF|*


Support AHCJ

There are many ways to support AHCJ’s mission to ensure that every person – in every community – has access to quality health care information so they can make informed decisions.


Association of Health Care Journalists | info@healthjournalism.org | HealthJouralism.org


If you’d no longer like to receive emails from AHCJ, you can unsubscribe here.

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Big reporting projects can be difficult to take on for both staff and freelance journalists because they require focus, extra funds and, often, extra guidance.

AHCJ has two opportunities for reporters with a project on their mind — here in the U.S. and abroad. And the application deadlines are coming up.

Through the AHCJ Reporting Fellowships on Health Care Performance, you can pursue a significant reporting project related to the U.S. health care system at the local, regional and/or national level. It’s an opportunity to delve deeply into the causes of issues that create inequities and poor outcomes. Application deadline: 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 13.

Applications are also open for the International Health Study Fellowships, which took a pause during the pandemic. This fellowship gives experienced journalists an opportunity to travel to countries with approaches to health care that offer lessons and insight in comparison to the U.S. health care system. Application deadline: 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 20.

Both fellowships, supported by the Commonwealth Fund, offer unique training and mentorship opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance!


A primer for covering the nursing and hospital battle over mandatory minimum staffing ratios
State and federal policymakers are proposing laws limiting the numbers of patients that can be assigned to a single nurse. Check out these tips for digging into the fine points of this legislation.
A primer for covering the nursing and hospital battle over mandatory minimum staffing ratios
State and federal policymakers are proposing laws limiting the numbers of patients that can be assigned to a single nurse. Check out these tips for digging into the fine points of this legislation.
What to know about ‘smishing,’ a growing cyberattack trend targeting hospitals
It’s become increasingly important to report on “smishing” — phishing via text message — as hackers aim to steal data from hospital networks or hold them for ransom. Here are some important facts about this growing trend, plus some story ideas and resources to get you started.
What to know about ‘smishing,’ a growing cyberattack trend targeting hospitals
It’s become increasingly important to report on “smishing” — phishing via text message — as hackers aim to steal data from hospital networks or hold them for ransom. Here are some important facts about this growing trend, plus some story ideas and resources to get you started.
Reporter takes on mental health and caregiving in new documentary
Learn all about MSNBC reporter and anchor Richard Lui’s recently debuted documentary, “Unconditional,” which focuses on three families experiencing mental health crises: PTSD, terminal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reporter takes on mental health and caregiving in new documentary
Learn all about MSNBC reporter and anchor Richard Lui’s recently debuted documentary, “Unconditional,” which focuses on three families experiencing mental health crises: PTSD, terminal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Understanding the bigger public health debate on COVID-19 booster vaccines
Find out why not clarifying the bigger picture when reporting on COVID vaccine policy can cause confusion and deny your audience the opportunity to understand different, science-based perspectives.
Understanding the bigger public health debate on COVID-19 booster vaccines
Find out why not clarifying the bigger picture when reporting on COVID vaccine policy can cause confusion and deny your audience the opportunity to understand different, science-based perspectives.

AHCJ’s website is getting a fresh, new look this fall, and we want our members to be featured on it. If you have photos of yourself or your colleagues doing journalism, send them in!

The photos will be used for marketing materials, so make sure you have the permission of both the photographer and the subjects.


What We’re Reading (and listening to)

Missouri clinics halt transgender care for minors in wake of new state law (Jim Salter and Summer Ballentine for Associated Press)

Girls Are in a Mental Health Crisis. What Can Schools Do? (Tradeoffs podcast)

The food industry pays ‘influencer’ dietitians to shape your eating habits (Anahad O’Connor, Caitlin Gilbert and Sasha Chavkin for The Washington Post)

The Ozempic Era of Weightloss (The Daily podcast)

How Covid Affects the Heart (Dana G. Smith for The New York Times)


Upcoming Events

Sept. 21, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using social media to track pitch calls and freelance discussions, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ET: Application deadline — AHCJ Reporting Fellowships on Health Care Performance, This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work. Read more »

Oct. 19, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using AI for reporting, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 20, 5 p.m. ET: Application deadline — AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, This fellowship is a six-month program supporting veteran U.S.-based health care journalists who want to pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. Read more »

Nov. 2–3: AHCJ Fall Summit — Homelessness and Health Care, Housing is a health care issue. Research leaves little doubt about the negative impact a lack of a place to call home has on people’s health. We’re going to dig into this complicated issue at our Fall Summit from Nov. 2–3 in Oakland, Calif. Read more »


Career Development / Sponsored Content

McGraw Fellowships: Enterprise Reporting Grants to $15K

Applications are open for the Fall 2023 McGraw Fellowships. The Fellowships, awarded twice a year, provide experienced journalists with a grant of up to $15K and the editorial support needed to produce deeply-reported investigative or enterprise stories on critical economic, financial or business issues. Both freelance and staff journalists in all forms of media with at least five years’ professional experience are eligible. Journalists from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Fall 2023 applications are due Oct. 6, 2023. Read more »

NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant Program

The National Institute for Health Care Management is now accepting applications for the 2023–2024 cycle of the NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant program. National and local news outlets, freelance reporters, non-profit media outlets and organizations that educate journalists are invited to apply now. Read more »


*|IF:MEMBER = Yes|*

Did you change jobs, get a promotion or win an award? Let us help spread the word! Submit your member news here.


We’re grateful for your membership. As a reminder, our members have access to the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|IF:MEMBER != Yes|*

Consider becoming a member to take advantage of the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|END:IF|*


Support AHCJ

There are many ways to support AHCJ’s mission to ensure that every person – in every community – has access to quality health care information so they can make informed decisions.


Association of Health Care Journalists | info@healthjournalism.org | HealthJouralism.org


If you’d no longer like to receive emails from AHCJ, you can unsubscribe here.

September 13, 2023

September 13, 2023

When it comes to politics, how old is too old?

Ongoing coverage of President Biden’s age, along with nearly non-stop chatter about Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) recent health incidents, have highlighted the ageism that often accompanies reporting on age and leadership.

Join AHCJ Aging Health Beat Leader Liz Seegert for a webinar tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET for a discussion on age bias in reporting and how to offer more balanced coverage. Guests include veteran D.C.-based health reporter Joanne Kenen and top aging and longevity researcher S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D.


Curbing the confusion: Strategies for covering the latest COVID booster shot approvals
As reporters prepare stories about new COVID booster recommendations, it’s crucial they work to dispel any confusion about the shots and provide their audience with contextual information about how these…
Curbing the confusion: Strategies for covering the latest COVID booster shot approvals
As reporters prepare stories about new COVID booster recommendations, it’s crucial they work to dispel any confusion about the shots and provide their audience with contextual information about how these…
How to ramp up your coverage of teen pregnancy health risks
Pregnant teenagers face unique health risks compared to their older counterparts because, for one thing, their bodies are still developing. Research has shown that very young mothers have higher odds…
How to ramp up your coverage of teen pregnancy health risks
Pregnant teenagers face unique health risks compared to their older counterparts because, for one thing, their bodies are still developing. Research has shown that very young mothers have higher odds…
Rural Health Workshop spotlights both successes and persistent challenges
Building unity and establishing trust within communities is crucial to improving health care access and addressing inequities in rural America. That was a recurring theme at AHCJ’s 2023 Rural Health…
Rural Health Workshop spotlights both successes and persistent challenges
Building unity and establishing trust within communities is crucial to improving health care access and addressing inequities in rural America. That was a recurring theme at AHCJ’s 2023 Rural Health…
Webinar to explore age, health and ageism in reporting
Recent health concerns among several older political leaders are raising questions about fitness for office. A top aging and longevity researcher and a veteran D.C.-based health reporter will discuss age…
Webinar to explore age, health and ageism in reporting
Recent health concerns among several older political leaders are raising questions about fitness for office. A top aging and longevity researcher and a veteran D.C.-based health reporter will discuss age…

AHCJ’s website is getting a fresh new look this fall, and we want our members to be featured on it. If you have photos of yourself or your colleagues doing journalism, send them in!

The photos will be used for marketing materials, so make sure you have the permission of both the photographer and the subjects.


What We’re Reading

How Advance Care Planning Neglects Black Americans (Carina Storrs for Undark)

Mexico’s Supreme Court Decriminalizes Abortion Nationwide (Simon Romero and Emiliano Rodríguez Mega for The New York Times)

Covid Vaccines May Roll Out Within Days (Christina Jewett and Noah Weiland for The New York Times)

Amid another rise in cases, Covid’s new normal has set in (Helen Branswell for STAT)

Parts of the world have already grown too hot for human survival (Zoya Teirstein for Grist)


Upcoming Events

Sept. 14, 2 p.m. ET: AHCJ Webinar: How old is too old? It depends on whom you ask, How should we frame “the age issue” in light of already-divisive politics, and how can we offer more balanced and fair reporting about officeholders, candidates, and others when critics argue they’re too old to serve? A top aging and longevity researcher and a veteran D.C.-based health reporter will discuss age bias in reporting and how to offer more balanced coverage. Register here »

Sept. 21, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using social media to track pitch calls and freelance discussions, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ET: Application deadline — AHCJ Reporting Fellowships on Health Care Performance, This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work. Read more »

Oct. 19, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using AI for reporting, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 20, 5 p.m. ET: Application deadline — AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, This fellowship is a six-month program supporting veteran U.S.-based health care journalists who want to pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. Read more »

Nov. 2–3: AHCJ Fall Summit — Homelessness and Health Care, Housing is a health care issue. Research leaves little doubt about the negative impact a lack of a place to call home has on people’s health. We’re going to dig into this complicated issue at our Fall Summit from Nov. 2–3 in Oakland, Calif. Read more »


Career Development / Sponsored Content

NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant Program

The National Institute for Health Care Management is now accepting applications for the 2023–2024 cycle of the NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant program. National and local news outlets, freelance reporters, non-profit media outlets and organizations that educate journalists are invited to apply now. Continue reading →

Senior Writer, American College of Physicians

The publishing division of the American College of Physicians is looking to hire a senior writer for the Internist/Hospitalist department. The national organization of internal medicine physicians and related sub-specialists is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States with 161,000 members worldwide. Continue reading →


*|IF:MEMBER = Yes|*

Did you change jobs, get a promotion or win an award? Let us help spread the word! Submit your member news here.


We’re grateful for your membership. As a reminder, our members have access to the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|IF:MEMBER != Yes|*

Consider becoming a member to take advantage of the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|END:IF|*


Support AHCJ

There are many ways to support AHCJ’s mission to ensure that every person – in every community – has access to quality health care information so they can make informed decisions.


Association of Health Care Journalists | info@healthjournalism.org | HealthJouralism.org


If you’d no longer like to receive emails from AHCJ, you can unsubscribe here.

September 6, 2023

September 6, 2023

The AHCJ Mentorship Program pairs early career journalists with veteran reporters to build relationships, share knowledge and increase confidence in the health journalism field. 
🔍 Are you an experienced pro in the field? Share your insights, knowledge and guidance with the next generation of health care communicators. 
📚 New to the health care reporting scene? Imagine having a trusted mentor by your side, offering invaluable advice, personalized guidance and a roadmap to success. 


AHCJ mentorship program expanding, seeks participants
AHCJ’s mentorship program launched in March 2023 with the mentor-mentee match breakfast in St. Louis. The goal: to connect less-experienced health reporters with journalists who could give career advice.
AHCJ mentorship program expanding, seeks participants
AHCJ’s mentorship program launched in March 2023 with the mentor-mentee match breakfast in St. Louis. The goal: to connect less-experienced health reporters with journalists who could give career advice.
Why now is the time to report on sepsis
One out of three patients who dies in the hospital has sepsis, which causes 350,000 deaths a year. Here’s how to effectively report on this public health issue.
Why now is the time to report on sepsis
One out of three patients who dies in the hospital has sepsis, which causes 350,000 deaths a year. Here’s how to effectively report on this public health issue.
Top tips for breaking into narrative journalism
Narrative journalism can provide readers with a powerful and rewarding experience. Instead of cut-and-dry facts and figures, this form of writing focuses on developing rich characters and telling a story…
Top tips for breaking into narrative journalism
Narrative journalism can provide readers with a powerful and rewarding experience. Instead of cut-and-dry facts and figures, this form of writing focuses on developing rich characters and telling a story…
Tip sheet: Harnessing ChatGPT for good journalistic use
Although ChatGPT and other AI chatbots can return incorrect information, they can still be a good tool for journalists is used carefully.
Tip sheet: Harnessing ChatGPT for good journalistic use
Although ChatGPT and other AI chatbots can return incorrect information, they can still be a good tool for journalists is used carefully.

What We’re Reading

Time to Talk about ‘Pandemic Revisionism’ (The Ezra Klein Show and The New York Times)

Homeless people were given lump sums of cash. Their spending defied stereotypes. (Kelsey Ables for The Washington Post)

Female surgeons have lower rates of long-term adverse outcomes than their male peers, study finds (Deborah Balthazar for STAT)

Climate-linked ills threaten humanity (Annie Gowen, Niko Kommenda and Saiyna Bashir for The Washington Post)

Narcan Is Headed to Stores: What You Need to Know (Jan Hoffman and Noah Weiland for The New York Times)


Upcoming Events

Sept. 14: AHCJ Webinar: How old is too old? It depends on whom you ask, 2 p.m. ET, Ongoing coverage of President Biden’s age, along with nearly non-stop chatter about Mitch McConnell and Dianne Feinstein’s recent health incidents, have highlighted the ageism that often accompanies reporting on age and leadership. A top aging and longevity researcher and a veteran DC-based health reporter will discuss age bias in reporting and how to offer more balanced coverage.

Sept. 21, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using social media to track pitch calls and freelance discussions, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ET: Application Deadline — AHCJ Reporting Fellowships on Health Care Performance, This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work. Read more »

Oct. 19, 1 p.m. ET: Lunch and Learn — Using AI for reporting, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. The Zoom link is always the same.

Oct. 20, 5 p.m. ET: Application Deadline — AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, This fellowship is a six-month program supporting veteran U.S.-based health care journalists who want to pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. Read more »

Nov. 2–3: AHCJ Fall Summit — Homelessness and Health Care, Housing is a health care issue. Research leaves little doubt about the negative impact a lack of a place to call home has on people’s health. We’re going to dig into this complicated issue at our fall summit from Nov. 2–3 in Oakland, Calif. Read more »


Career Development / Sponsored Content

NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant Program

The National Institute for Health Care Management is now accepting applications for the 2023–2024 cycle of the NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant program. National and local news outlets, freelance reporters, non-profit media outlets and organizations that educate journalists are invited to apply now. Continue reading →

Senior Writer, American College of Physicians

The publishing division of the American College of Physicians is looking to hire a senior writer for the Internist/Hospitalist department. The national organization of internal medicine physicians and related sub-specialists is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States with 161,000 members worldwide. Continue reading →


*|IF:MEMBER = Yes|*

Did you change jobs, get a promotion or win an award? Let us help spread the word! Submit your member news here.


We’re grateful for your membership. As a reminder, our members have access to the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|IF:MEMBER != Yes|*

Consider becoming a member to take advantage of the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|END:IF|*


Support AHCJ

There are many ways to support AHCJ’s mission to ensure that every person – in every community – has access to quality health care information so they can make informed decisions.


Association of Health Care Journalists | info@healthjournalism.org | HealthJouralism.org


If you’d no longer like to receive emails from AHCJ, you can unsubscribe here.

August 30, 2023

August 30, 2023

AHCJ wrapped up its latest Rural Health Journalism Workshop last Thursday in Kansas City, Mo., where journalists and local experts talked about some of the most pressing issues facing rural America. More than 60 people attended the event, representing over 40 organizations.

Check out photos from the workshop on AHCJ’s Facebook page. And if you didn’t get a chance to attend, we’ve got you covered. Audio transcripts from each session will be available soon at  www.healthjournalism.org.


HHS names first 10 drugs for price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act
The Biden administration named the first 10 prescription drugs on Tuesday that will undergo Medicare price negotiations starting this year. This story is only the first part of what will…
HHS names first 10 drugs for price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act
The Biden administration named the first 10 prescription drugs on Tuesday that will undergo Medicare price negotiations starting this year. This story is only the first part of what will…
Freelancers: AHCJ has 41 market guides to help you
pitch your next story
Do you have an article to pitch but aren’t sure where or how to send it? AHCJ now has over 40 market guides available on our Freelance Center, with the…
Freelancers: AHCJ has 41 market guides to help you
pitch your next story
Do you have an article to pitch but aren’t sure where or how to send it? AHCJ now has over 40 market guides available on our Freelance Center, with the…
Teleneurology improves access to specialty care for rural residents
You might not think of neurology as a specialty that lends itself well to telehealth appointments, but the Veterans Health Administration and some academic medical centers have been operating teleneurology…
Teleneurology improves access to specialty care for rural residents
You might not think of neurology as a specialty that lends itself well to telehealth appointments, but the Veterans Health Administration and some academic medical centers have been operating teleneurology…
In her new book, physician-journalist reframes what’s wrong with U.S. health care
It’s a cliché to say that American health care is broken. Ilana Yurkiewicz, M.D., a Stanford University oncologist and internal medicine physician, says journalists should be more specific. The central…
In her new book, physician-journalist reframes what’s wrong with U.S. health care
It’s a cliché to say that American health care is broken. Ilana Yurkiewicz, M.D., a Stanford University oncologist and internal medicine physician, says journalists should be more specific. The central…

What We’re Reading

America’s unique, enduring gun problem, explained (Nicole Narea, Li Zhou, and Ian Millhiser for Vox)

Black Lung Resurgence Prompts New Mining Rules (Kris Maher for The Wall Street Journal)

The Painful Pandemic Lessons Mandy Cohen Carries to the CDC (Fred Clasen-Kelly, Rachana Pradhan, and Holly K. Hacker for KFF Health News)

How Do We Fix the Scandal That Is American Health Care? (Nicholas Kristof for The New York Times)

Ozempic seems to curb cravings for alcohol. Here’s what scientists think is going on (Michaeleen Doucleff for NPR)


Upcoming Events

September 21, 12 p.m. CT: Lunch and Learn — Using social media to track pitch calls and freelance discussions, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 12 p.m. Central Time. The Zoom link is always the same.

October 13, 5 p.m. ET: Application Deadline — AHCJ Reporting Fellowships on Health Care Performance, This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work. Read more »

October 19, 12 p.m. CT: Lunch and Learn — Using AI for reporting, In AHCJ’s Lunch and Learn, freelance members chat about a designated topic every third Thursday of the month at 12 p.m. Central Time. The Zoom link is always the same.

October 20, 5 p.m. ET: Application Deadline — AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, This fellowship is a six-month program supporting veteran U.S.-based health care journalists who want to pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. Read more »

November 2-3: AHCJ Fall Summit — Homelessness and Health Care, Housing is a health care issue. Research leaves little doubt about the negative impact a lack of a place to call home has on people’s health. We’re going to dig into this complicated issue at our fall summit from Nov. 2-3 in Oakland, Calif. Fall Summit registration is now open. Read more »


Career Development / Sponsored Content

NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant Program

The National Institute for Health Care Management is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 cycle of the NIHCM Foundation Health Care Journalism Grant program. National and local news outlets, freelance reporters, non-profit media outlets, and organizations that educate journalists are invited to apply now. Continue reading →

Senior Writer, American College of Physicians

The publishing division of the American College of Physicians is looking to hire a Senior Writer for the Internist/Hospitalist department. The national organization of internal medicine physicians and related sub-specialists is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States with 161,000 members worldwide. Continue reading →

Health reporter, Cardinal News

Cardinal News seeks a health reporter to cover the policies and business of health care in Virginia and its effect on people living in the state’s underserved regions. While the position is based in Roanoke, you will be the only dedicated health care reporter in the state. Your stories will be widely read and make an impact. Continue reading →


*|IF:MEMBER = Yes|*

Did you change jobs, get a promotion or win an award? Let us help spread the word! Submit your member news here.


We’re grateful for your membership. As a reminder, our members have access to the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|IF:MEMBER != Yes|*

Consider becoming a member to take advantage of the following resources:

*|END:IF|*

*|END:IF|*


Support AHCJ

There are many ways to support AHCJ’s mission to ensure that every person – in every community – has access to quality health care information so they can make informed decisions.


Association of Health Care Journalists | info@healthjournalism.org | HealthJouralism.org


If you’d no longer like to receive emails from AHCJ, you can unsubscribe here.