The Stanford Global Health Media Fellowship: Training the Next Generation of Physician Communicators to Fight Health Misinformation

Abstract

Problem The COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of related health misinformation, especially on social media, have highlighted the need for more health care professionals to produce and share accurate health information to improve health and health literacy. Yet, few programs address this problem by training health care professionals in the art of science writing and medical journalism. Approach Created in 2011, the Stanford Global Health Media Fellowship aims to train medical students and residents in public communication strategies. Each year, 1 physician-in-training is selected to complete the fellowship, which includes 3 rotations: (1) 1 academic quarter at Stanford’s Graduate Program in Journalism, (2) 3 to 5 months with a national news network (previously NBC and ABC, now CNN), and (3) a placement at an international site. During the year-long program, fellows also complete a capstone project tackling a global health equity issue. Outcomes Since 2011, 10 fellows have completed the program, and they have acquired skills in reporting, writing, multimedia, social media, and medical communications. During the news network rotation, they have completed more than 200 medical news pieces and improved the quality of the health information in a myriad of other pieces. Alumni have continued to write and report on medical stories throughout residency, other fellowships, and as practicing physicians. One alumnus is now a medical news producer at CNN. Next Steps Expanding high-quality training in medical journalism for physicians through partnerships with journalism schools; communications departments; and local, national, and international journalists can greatly improve physicians’ ability to communicate with the public. It also has the potential to greatly improve the health information the public receives. Educators should consider embedding mass health communications training in medical education curricula and increasing opportunities for physicians to engage with diverse public audiences.

The Role of Graduate Medical Education in the Fight Against Health Misinformation

“…36 Additionally, schools and medical societies have begun to offer courses and programs aimed at helping clinicians address health misinformation, and GME programs can take advantage of such resources. [37][38][39][40]…”

Social Media in Neuro-Ophthalmology: Paradigms, Opportunities, and Strategies

“…SoMe has also been used in harmful ways, such as disseminating misinformation. 3 Although this technology is relatively nascent, the obligations of medical professionalism require the extension of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice principles to SoMe use. Medical societal guidelines may aid in defining and clarifying the bounds of these duties.…”

“…Medical societal guidelines may aid in defining and clarifying the bounds of these duties. [3][4][5] As a small subspecialty with significant concerns of provider shortage, 6 neuro-ophthalmologists have the opportunity to harness the positive aspects of SoMe to amplify expert-level information, disseminate high-impact research, advocate for neuroophthalmic care, enhance mentorship, networking, and pipeline initiatives for neuro-ophthalmology, and strengthen personal online brand and influence. However, data are scant on the use of SoMe by neuro-ophthalmologists.…”

Moving Forward Through the Pandemic With Strength, Resilience, and Adaptation in Academic Medicine

“…5 Academic medicine, the health professions, and health care systems are evolving to address the challenges of the past, present, and future, as illustrated by several articles appearing in this issue. 5–9…”

“…5 Academic medicine, the health professions, and health care systems are evolving to address the challenges of the past, present, and future, as illustrated by several articles appearing in this issue. [5][6][7][8][9] The effects of the immense and multifaceted experience over these past few years will be felt through lifetimes and generations as a kind of shared trauma-a trauma that has revealed tragedy and vulnerability as well as heroism and strength. 10 Academic medicine, and all other areas of society, will be changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.…”