The National Institutes of
Health's Office of Medical Applications of Research (OMAR) presents a
free annual training opportunity to help develop journalists' ability to
evaluate and report on medical research. Now in its seventh year, the
course curriculum builds on the best of prior years' offerings to
create an intensive learning experience with hands-on application. This
year's course will be held on the campus of
See what past participants have to say.
The course examines the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process of communicating the results of medical research to the public. Stressing an evidence-based approach and re-examining intuitive beliefs about medicine, the course will prepare participants for the crucial task of interpreting and evaluating research findings including statistics, selecting stories that hold meaningful messages for the public, and placing them in the appropriate context. Faculty include prominent experts from the fields of medical research and medical journalism. Sessions will be interactive, with hands-on opportunities to apply lessons learned, and will incorporate journalists' special perspectives on the public's need for useful medical knowledge.
We invite application by journalists whose primary target audience is the general public. Applicants may produce news stories about health or healthcare for newspapers, magazines, or newsletters; television or radio; or on-line media. Participants should be eager to develop skills and knowledge necessary for good medical science reporting, but need not have specific experience or background in medical journalism.
There is no cost for the course. All meals and
lodging are provided. Participants are responsible for their own travel.