TL/DR –
Felice Freyer, President of the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ), shares her experiences in health care reporting and the ever-evolving challenges of the journalism industry. She highlights her journey to becoming a health care reporter, beginning with her admiration for AHCJ co-founder Irene Wielawski. She also discusses the changing dynamics of AHCJ, with its membership now comprising a third of freelancers due to the shifting landscape of journalism. Freyer emphasizes the importance of staying humble and seeking the truth in health care journalism while acknowledging the growing issue of misinformation and political bias.
AHCJ President Felice Freyer and panelist Jennie DunKley during the HJ24 session “The final gift: What happens when you donate your body to a medical school?” Photo by Zachary Linhares
Felice Freyer, AHCJ President, shares insights about her career as a health care reporter, the changes in AHCJ and its impact on healthcare news at the recent HJ24 in New York.
When did you decide to focus on health care as a journalist?
Freyer attributes her interest in healthcare journalism to AHCJ co-founder Irene Wielawski. Wielawski’s influence led Freyer to apply for her position at The Providence Journal, further igniting her passion for health-related human interest stories that incorporated science and policy.
What was your first significant health care story?
One of Freyer’s earliest impactful stories focused on a young woman’s struggle with major depression, a taboo topic at the time. Her article helped a reader recognize his own depression symptoms, prompting him to seek treatment, thus significantly improving his life.
How did you get involved with AHCJ?
Freyer’s involvement with AHCJ started with an invitation from co-founder Duncan Moore. She initially joined the Right-to-Know Committee and later ran for the board in 2009.
How has AHCJ evolved since you joined?
The shift in journalism has brought changes to AHCJ’s membership, with a growing number of freelancers. The association offers great services for freelancers and conducts more sophisticated training for all members. AHCJ also has more fellowships and collaborations with other institutions such as SEJ (Society of Environmental Journalists) and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing.
Has the pandemic influenced the public’s interest in health care?
Freyer sees an increase in public interest in health care due to the pandemic. However, this interest has also brought about misinformation and political influence, affecting the ability to cover certain topics.
How should journalists handle the issue of misinformation in health care reporting?
Addressing misinformation is a challenge. Freyer suggests journalists need to focus on reporting the facts and avoid false equivalence. Reporters should also be careful not to scorn those who hold different views.
What advice do you have for new health journalists?
Freyer advises aspiring health journalists to remain humble and thorough in their research. She emphasizes that health care journalism is multi-faceted and complex, with a multitude of viewpoints to consider.
What lessons from your career do you wish you had known earlier?
Reflecting on her career, Freyer wishes she’d been more aware of the emotional aspects of reporting, especially when covering sensitive topics like health and disease. She learned over time to embrace these emotions rather than suppress them.
Has your approach towards your subjects changed over the years?
Yes, Freyer now finds it beneficial to share personal experiences with interviewees, like her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, to establish a stronger connection.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News