Kate Benson

A few weeks ago Slate writer Brian Palmer accused New York Times writer Jane Brody of using a red herring for a lede and promoting a theory that he believes is not factually substantiated. But, did he then do the same?

Reporting on evidence-based medicine is tricky. Interviewing outside researchers who study the treatment being examined can clarify issues regarding suitability and efficacy and help reporters avoid any spin about the results.

The psychiatric world is close to receiving an updated version of their “Bible.” Officially known as the DSM 5 this tome, published by the Association of Psychiatrists, under goes revision every couple of decades often accompanied by contentious issues and rancor.

The Boy Scouts of America are in trouble – to say the least. But, do the boy scouts who were molested and abused have even more far reaching troubles?  After all, according to files released by the organization, many of the child abusers were not prosecuted, their misdeeds covered up for years.  The

Are many journalists so attuned to the study of lifestyle factors fueling the rise of cancer, heart disease and diabetes that infectious disease flew under the radar?

<p>At this month's AHCJ convention, blogger Sonya Collins tells us "speaker after speaker reminded us that we medical journalists shouldn’t lead with the numbers that quantify the reach of a disease or its cost to taxpayers.&nbsp; We should lead with the face of someone who lives with that condition. Show our readers that she’s just like them."</p><p>She goes on to give a wonderful example of how stigma can be reduced through good storytelling.</p><p>But what if the stigma begins in part with journalists?</p>

<p>In an era of “modern” medicine, it sometimes seems as if many of the biggies have been knocked out compared to centuries past. The previously untreatable has become treatable and in many cases preventable. With knowledge can come lower societal costs as well as health care cost containment.</p>

<p>Contacting outside sources placed one journalist's article head and shoulders above the rest</p>

<p>What happens in our society when whistleblowers are ignored? Should we ignore stories that cannot be conveniently packaged as "sound bite" material?</p>