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. 

Author(s)
By Rachel Cook

The allegations of dental negligence against Dr. Robert Tupac described a host of problems — painful eight-hour dental surgery performed without anesthesia, crumbling dental work, drooling and bone loss. But with patients not eager to talk to a reporter, court records proved key to the story.

Author(s)
By Sue Luttner

The premiere showing of "The Syndrome," a documentary that asks the hard questions about shaken baby syndrome theory, brought together a group of people in desperate need of community.

Author(s)
By William Heisel

The Medical Board of California has successfully won legislation that will remove a 10-year time limit on the online disclosure of doctors' discipline records. But the board better have its legal team ready, because doctors won't hesitate to challenge the rules in court.

Author(s)
By Ryan White

The White House recently announced a set of initiatives to "bridge the word gap" between kids of different socioeconomic backgrounds. The research on which the policy is based has been around for decades, so why all the fresh attention on this topic?

Author(s)
By William Heisel

If a rubber plantation in one of the world’s poorest countries can successfully stop the spread of Ebola, shouldn't one of best-funded hospitals in one the wealthiest cities in the world be able to as well? Here's what reporters should look for in covering the story.