The National Institutes of Health's Office of Medical Applications of Research (OMAR) presents a free annual training opportunity to help develop journalists' and editors’ ability to evaluate and report on medical research. Now in its eighth year, the course curriculum builds on the best of prior years' offerings to create an intensive learning experience with hands-on application.
See what past participants have to say.
The course will examine 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: understanding statistics, selecting stories that hold meaningful messages for the public, and placing them in the appropriate context. The course faculty includes experts in 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 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 and health reporting.
There is no cost for the course. All meals and lodging are provided. Participants are responsible for their own travel.