1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Stories of the Ages: Change of Heart — "Transplant was first for Oklahoma doctors" by Susan Simpson, Staff Writer
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story marks the 25th anniversary of the first heart transplant in Oklahoma, a night born of tragedy but propelled by hope and orchestrated by the charismatic Dr. Nazih Zuhdi.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Documents included historic photos and videos, along with statistics on transplants in Oklahoma. No FOI necessary.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
Dr. Zuhdi is notoriously private, and hasn't submitted to a sit-down interview about his life in decades. I spent many hours with him, gaining his trust and learning about his life's work. I interviewed the family of the first transplant patients, others involved and current leaders in transplant surgery for their impressions of Zuhdi.
6. Results (if any).
Zuhdi said the story was the most accurate accounting ever done of the transplant and his further contributions to medicine.
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
N/A
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Prepare to spend many hours with a reluctant source, gaining their trust and learning their life story.