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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T140000
DTSTAMP:20251006T191041Z
CREATED:20250812T234007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T191041Z
UID:60667-1760619600-1760623200@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: AI and you
DESCRIPTION:It’s been a while since we first broached the subject of AI and freelance journalism\, and so much has changed. We’ll share how we’re using AI in research\, drafts\, headlines — even to enhance pitches or check for similar articles on the topic. And we’ll discuss how our client publications are responding — some may be using AI\, some may be prohibiting its use. Randy Dotinga will start us off with his experiences and insights. \n\n\n\nAt AHCJ’s Lunch and Learns\, freelancer members chat about a designated topic over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is now required for Lunch and Learns and is only available to current freelance AHCJ members.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/lunch-and-learn-ai-and-you/
CATEGORIES:Event,Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T140000
DTSTAMP:20251118T224234Z
CREATED:20250812T235221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T224234Z
UID:60669-1763643600-1763647200@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: These are Stressful Times. How Are You Coping?
DESCRIPTION:This will focus on the practical (not expressly political) issues that we’re facing amid an implosion in our industry and radical changes in the health care landscape. How are you getting accurate information and data? How are you finding reliable sources? How are you navigating sudden changes as editors leave\, get laid off or retire? How are you coping with your own stress? Let’s share strategies. \n\n\n\nRegistration is now required for Lunch and Learns. You only need to register one time to be automatically registered for all Lunch and Learns. Not sure if you’ve already registered? Try searching your email for “AHCJ Lunch & Learn Confirmation.”
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/lunch-and-learn-these-are-stressful-times-how-are-you-coping/
CATEGORIES:Event,Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T160000
DTSTAMP:20251009T165610Z
CREATED:20251009T165607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T165610Z
UID:61245-1764856800-1764864000@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Virtual PitchFest
DESCRIPTION:AHCJ’s popular Virtual PitchFest is back — giving independent journalists the chance to pitch directly to editors at leading health publications. \n\n\n\n\nHere’s how it works\n\n\n\n\nWe’re recruiting 10–15 editors from a variety of outlets.\n\n\n\nEach participating writer will get up to three 10-minute pitch slots\, with a short break built in for editors between sessions.\n\n\n\nJournalists can sign up with the editors who best match their interests and expertise.\n\n\n\nThe cost to participate is just $25.\n\n\n\nTo ensure quality interactions\, registration is capped at 45 journalists\, each guaranteed three pitch sign-ups. If all slots are not filled\, we may expand capacity. \n\n\n\nPitchFest has long been one of AHCJ’s most anticipated opportunities for freelancers to get their ideas in front of a variety of editors. Don’t miss your chance to connect with editors who are actively seeking fresh\, high-quality health stories.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTimeline\n\n\n\n\nOct. 31: Full slate of editors announced; journalist registration opens\n\n\n\nNov. 6 at 11 a.m. ET: Editor slot sign-ups open for all registered journalists; sign-up link will remain open\, with additional slots added if needed.\n\n\n\nDec. 4 at 2 p.m. ET: PitchFest begins!
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/training-events/virtual-pitchfest-2025/
CATEGORIES:Event,Freelancers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pitchfest-logo-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T140000
DTSTAMP:20251212T190057Z
CREATED:20251212T185927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T190057Z
UID:61911-1768482000-1768485600@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Stand up for yourself: How to be your own best advocate
DESCRIPTION:Join a discussion with fellow freelance journalists about how to be your own best advocate. For January’s Lunch and Learn\, we’ll talk about how to negotiate changes in contract language\, how to ask for more money from an editor\, how to navigate an unresponsive editor when you have a timely story\, and more. \n\n\n\nAt AHCJ’s Lunch and Learns\, freelancer members chat about a designated topic over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required for Lunch and Learns and is only available to current freelance AHCJ members.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/stand-up-for-yourself-how-to-be-your-own-best-advocate/
CATEGORIES:Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T140000
DTSTAMP:20251212T190738Z
CREATED:20251212T190735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T190738Z
UID:61915-1771506000-1771509600@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Get Organized: Tips and tools for keeping on track and managing clutter
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow freelance journalists for a Lunch and Learn discussion about staying on track and how to manage your electronic and physical clutter. \n\n\n\nAt AHCJ’s Lunch and Learns\, freelancer members chat about a designated topic over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required for Lunch and Learns and is only available to current freelance AHCJ members.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/get-organized-tips-and-tools-for-keeping-on-track-and-managing-clutter/
CATEGORIES:Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T170000
DTSTAMP:20260206T211150Z
CREATED:20260206T211149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T211150Z
UID:62511-1771603200-1771606800@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Virtual freelance happy hour
DESCRIPTION:Freelancers are invited to a casual virtual happy hour — come as you are\, bring a drink\, and enjoy conversation with peers.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/virtual-freelance-happy-hour/
CATEGORIES:Event,Freelancers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T140000
DTSTAMP:20260311T210418Z
CREATED:20260311T210416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T210418Z
UID:62845-1773925200-1773928800@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: How to land a pitch
DESCRIPTION:Freelancers\, what was the secret to your successful pitches? We’ll talk about how to pitch for different types of stories—narrative\, short explanatory pieces\, wellness\, trade publications\, and more. \n\n\n\nAt AHCJ’s Lunch and Learns\, freelancer members chat about a designated topic over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required for Lunch and Learns and is only available to current freelance AHCJ members.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/lunch-and-learn-how-to-land-a-pitch/
CATEGORIES:Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T170000
DTSTAMP:20260206T211339Z
CREATED:20260206T211338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T211339Z
UID:62513-1774022400-1774026000@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Virtual freelance happy hour
DESCRIPTION:Freelancers are invited to a casual virtual happy hour — come as you are\, bring a drink\, and enjoy conversation with peers.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/virtual-freelance-happy-hour-2/
CATEGORIES:Event,Freelancers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T140000
DTSTAMP:20260324T211015Z
CREATED:20260324T211012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T211015Z
UID:63002-1776344400-1776348000@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: How to stay accountable
DESCRIPTION:Think about your goals for your freelance work: Are you hoping to get assignments from a wider number of publications? Or maybe from a “dream” publication? Do you want to be more organized and productive? Or just to feel more encouraged and motivated?  \n\n\n\nWe’ll talk about how to stay focused on your goals\, either with an “accountability partner” or by finding your own way to stay accountable. \n\n\n\nAt AHCJ’s Lunch and Learns\, freelancer members chat about a designated topic over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required for Lunch and Learns and is only available to current freelance AHCJ members.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/lunch-and-learn-how-to-stay-accountable/
CATEGORIES:Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T162725Z
CREATED:20260206T211516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T162725Z
UID:62515-1777046400-1777050000@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Virtual freelance happy hour
DESCRIPTION:Freelancers are invited to a casual virtual happy hour — come as you are\, bring a drink\, and enjoy conversation with peers.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/virtual-freelance-happy-hour-3/
CATEGORIES:Event,Freelancers
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T214621Z
CREATED:20260821T205333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260828T214621Z
UID:65270-1787914800-1787918400@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Everyone's talking about peptides: What reporters should know
DESCRIPTION:Peptides made headlines this summer when an FDA advisory panel decided compounding pharmacies could prepare six peptides for patients with a prescription. Great news for wellness influencers\, celebrities and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — among the many people who have touted the benefits of peptides for muscle growth\, fat loss\, anti-aging and enhanced athletic performance. But what are peptides\, and are they safe?  \n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, medical experts Dhruv Khullar\, an associate professor of health policy and economics at Weill Cornell Medical College\, and Rachel Frank\, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine\, will help you get a handle on what you need to know about peptides\, what the media often gets wrong when reporting on them\, and what stories still deserve to be explored. As always\, the discussion will be followed by a Q&A. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nModerator\n\n\n\n\nKaren Blum\n\n\n\nAHCJ’s Health Beat Leader for AI and Patient SafetyKaren Blum is a Baltimore-based freelance writer who covers AI and patient safety for the Association of Health Care Journalists. She writes about health\, medicine and science for a variety of outlets. Her articles have appeared in the Baltimore Sun\, AARP\, Cure\, Medscape\, and numerous medical trade magazines such as Anesthesiology News\, Pharmacy Practice News\, Clinical Oncology News\, Kidney News\, Clinical Laboratory News and Ophthalmology Management. She also has written profiles and feature articles for alumni and association magazines and offers copy editing services. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nModerator\n\n\n\n\nAnna Medaris\n\n\n\nAHCJ’s Freelance Beat LeaderAnna Medaris is AHCJ’s Freelance Beat Leader and head of the association’s New York City chapter. A health and lifestyle journalist with more than 15 years of experience\, she’s written for publications including The Washington Post\, Women’s Health\, New York Magazine\, the New York Post\, AARP\, Business Insider and US New & World Report. She’s also appeared as a health expert on the “TODAY Show\,” “Good Morning America” and Hulu’s “Age of Influence.” Anna is a graduate of the University of Michigan\, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa\, and of American University\, where she earned her master’s in interactive journalism. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Frank\, M.D.\n\n\n\nProfessor in Orthopaedic Surgery\, University of Colorado School of MedicineRachel Frank\, M.D.\, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine surgeon. Frank serves as professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine\, is head orthopaedic surgeon for the Colorado Rapids professional soccer team\, and is a team physician for US Soccer. Frank has authored or co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles\, over 50 book chapters\, and presents her research both nationally and internationally at orthopaedic meetings every year. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDhruv Khullar\, M.D.\, M.P.P.\n\n\n\nAssociate Professor of Health Policy and Economics\, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeDhruv Khullar\, M.D.\, M.P.P.\, is a physician and associate professor of health policy and economics at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is also a writer at The New Yorker\, where he covers medicine\, health care\, and politics. He serves as director of The Physicians Foundation Center for the Study of Physician Practice and Leadership\, and associate director of the Cornell Health Policy Center. His research focuses on value-based care\, health care consolidation\, and medical innovation\, and has been published in JAMA and The New England Journal of Medicine. \n\n\n\nKhullar earned his medical degree at the Yale School of Medicine and completed his medical training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He also received a master’s in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School\, where he was a fellow at the Center for Public Leadership. He has been recognized by the National Academy of Medicine as an Emerging Leader in Health and Medicine\, the National Minority Quality Forum as a 40 Under 40 Leader in Health\, and FASPE with the 2019 Distinguished Fellow Award for Ethical Leadership. His writing was featured in The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2025.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/peptides-what-reporters-should-know/
CATEGORIES:AI and Patient Safety,Event,Freelancers,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/peptides-webinar-new-img.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T140000
DTSTAMP:20260917T170924Z
CREATED:20260814T203859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T170924Z
UID:65172-1789650000-1789653600@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: Finding a freelance gem
DESCRIPTION:In the midst of the journalism free-fall—publications closing\, editors getting laid off\, editorial budgets tightening—there are still some well-paying outlets. We’ll brainstorm about the best markets and share advice about how to pitch them.  \n\n\n\nAlso: How do you nurture your relationships with editors to turn an assignment or two into a regular gig? \n\n\n\nAHCJ hosts virtual Lunch and Learn sessions for our freelance members on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/lunch-and-learn-finding-a-freelance-gem/
CATEGORIES:Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://healthjournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lunch-and-Learn-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T140000
DTSTAMP:20260917T171443Z
CREATED:20260819T113059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T171443Z
UID:65211-1792069200-1792072800@healthjournalism.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: How to promote your work
DESCRIPTION:You’ve been working hard on a special project\, and the story is coming out. How can you extend its reach—and make sure it gets some attention? We’ll talk about podcasts\, blogs\, social media\, and other platforms that you can use to find an audience. \n\n\n\nAHCJ hosts virtual Lunch and Learn sessions for our freelance members on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required.
URL:https://healthjournalism.org/event/lunch-and-learn-promotion/
CATEGORIES:Freelancers,Lunch and Learn
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