Insights

You learn a lot when you spend months reporting on a given issue or community, as our fellows can attest. Whether you’re embarking on a big new story or seeking to go deeper on a given issue, it pays to learn from those who’ve already put in the shoe leather and crunched the data. In these essays and columns, our community of journalists steps back from the notebooks and tape to reflect on key lessons, highlight urgent themes, and offer sage advice on the essential health stories of the day.

Health Media Jobs and Opportunities: Health Initiatives, Unions and Print Media

By Kristen Natividad

<p>Highlighted this week: A CDC initiative focused on obesity and tobacco use seeks a lead writer. Also featured are career opportunities at a variety of health organizations nationwide, and two openings at health-related publicationsand the most updated information on upcoming grants, fellowships and educational opportunities.</p>

This Doctor Sees Dead People - On The Taxpayer's Dime

By Barbara Feder Ostrov

<p>A tuberculosis prevention program that crosses borders, slashing Medicaid, Germany's E. coli outbreak and more from our Daily Briefing.</p>

The Shadow Practice: Pharma wholesaler's slippery business model begs for scrutiny

By William Heisel

<p>When a company tries to mimic a well-known and respected brand, health journalists should be suspicious. Consider The Harvard Drug Group. Most people hearing about a pharmaceutical wholesaler with that name might assume that it was affiliated with Harvard University. It's not.</p>

Blue Shield of California: Yep, We're Giving (Some) Money Back

By Barbara Feder Ostrov

<p>A health insurer stuns by giving back, heart attacks killing patients younger in California, and salmonella on the rise, plus more from our Daily Briefing.</p>

How Can We Afford It? Six Tips for Reporting on Cancer Treatment Costs

By Barbara Feder Ostrov

<p>A little legwork can deliver compelling stories about how cancer treatment costs are affecting patients in your community, whether they’re  insured or not. Here are some tips and resources to jump-start your reporting.</p>

Not Recommended: Paying Medical Bills in Pennies

By Barbara Feder Ostrov

<p>Paying medical bills with pennies, worries about dental care for California's poor kids, AIDS at 30 and more from our Daily Briefing.</p>

The Markingson Files: Conflicts of interest in clinical trials should be transparent

By William Heisel

<p>It can be uncomfortable asking people about their finances. In journalism, though, there is an obligation not only to ask, but to ask for proof — especially with clinical trials.</p>

Samuel Loewenberg: Making a Living Covering Global Health

By Angilee Shah

<p>Global health journalist Sam Loewenberg is passionate about his work. But if you really want to get a rise out of him, ask him to talk about how media organizations treat freelance journalists trying to do serious journalism.  </p>

No more time hooks, please

By Beatrice Motamedi

<p>Tragically, the murder of a 17-year-old student became a reason to run a fellowship project on inner-city teens and stress. But I wish this time hook had never happened.</p>

You don't know Jack

The Death of Dr. Death

By Angilee Shah

<p>In the Friday edition of the <em>Daily Briefing</em> we bring you news about the death of Jack Kevorkian, a report on race and health care, new ideas about AIDS, a toilet story and great listening for your weekend.</p>