Ghost networks” are a reporting goldmine. At #HJ25, experts urged journalists to dig into bogus provider directories that leave patients without care. Who’s accountable when listed doctors aren’t actually available? Follow the paper trail. healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/07...
🩸 Liquid biopsies hold real promise in detecting early-stage cancers via blood — but experts at #HJ25 stress the trade‑offs: missed cases, false alarms, follow-up tests, insurance hurdles & unclear long-term benefits. Still a tool in progress. healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/07...
Journalists: it's time to shift the narrative—gun violence is a public health crisis, not just a crime story. A panel at #HJ25 urged reporters to focus on research, solutions, survivors, & prevention—not just shootings. healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/07...
“Recovery isn’t just personal—it’s family. At #HJ25, those affected by substance use disorders shared how family-centered programs help kids & loved ones find language, healing & hope—without waiting to hit 'rock bottom.'” healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/07...
In May, I attended my first #HJ25 conference in LA through a
@healthjournalism.org scholarship. I got to cover the panel "Straight talk from editors: What freelancers need to know," featuring editors from @kffhealthnews.org @sciencenews.bsky.social @slate.com @whyy.org:
From #HJ25: Journalists are arming themselves with anti‑misinfo tactics — ‘verify, verify, re‑verify,’ build trust, and speak to audiences with respect. 🛡️ Don’t just debunk — engage. healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/06...
How can journalists move beyond harmful narratives when covering undocumented communities? Learn how to report with accuracy, care and context. #HJ25 #immigration #healthjournalism
🔗 healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/06...
At #HJ25, CMS Chief of Staff Stephanie Carlton insisted the House's “One Big Beautiful Bill” won’t cut Medicaid—it aims only to slow its growth, not reduce spending below today’s levels. 👉 healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/06...
🗣️ “Speak truth to power” — at #HJ25, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra urged journalists to counter misinformation and hold leaders accountable, warning that silence is complicity in the fight for public health. 👉 healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/06...
🎙️ At #HJ25 in LA, bestselling author Mary Roach joked she’s “the gateway drug to science”—using humor and curiosity to draw readers into topics like cadavers, rectums & space toilets. 🧠✨ Want a peek behind the scenes of her quirky science writing? 👉 healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/06...
Four adorable therapy dogs line up fit group photo. The
A group photo of the wonderful #therapydogs who attended #hj25 with me! #HJ2025
A nighttime view of the LA skyline, with the moon in the sky above, and the iconic Hollywood sign on the hillside on the right side.
Adiós, #HJ25! Had a great time in LA. Here's a photo I took last night from the Griffith Observatory. You can see the Hollywood sign in the moonlight on the hillside on the right. Lovely evening.
A photo of Dené Dryden in front of a red-and-white AHCJ backdrop. She is wearing a black shirt. She’s holding up her phone, on which is a photo of Olivia Estright.
My AHCJ co-fellow is here in spirit 😅 last day at #HJ25
And that’s a wrap of @healthjournalism.org #HJ25! I learned so much from all of the amazing panels + it was great meeting up with some of the journalists I met as a @nationalpress.bsky.social 2025 covering workplace mental health fellow!
Awesome opportunity today at #HJ25 to hear from two awesome authors: @drjengunter.bsky.social and @maryroach.bsky.social 📚
Seeing as I’m fully back to #freelance again I went to #HJ25 and I’m so glad I did - what a great day! #scicomm #healthcare #journo
Mary Roach at #HJ25:
"If you want to have an interesting life, say yes to things without really thinking them through *at all*." (After answering a question about convincing her husband to participate in a sex study for her book Bonk.)
CEO of MLK hospital in LA : we don't have the best medical care in the world....affluent countries =every woman in labor gets a midwife #hj25
American Public Health Association button
Day 2 at #HJ25:
Courage is contagious! Learn about @apha.org’s advocacy efforts on building public health capacity and promoting effective policy and practice. You may *catch* a resource or two!
Happening now at @healthjournalism.org #HJ25: a workshop on how to monitor and report on systemic hospital failures
"IUDs and BBLs are gender affirming care." -- love this quote from the trans health session at Health Journalism 2025. #HJ25
Rockstar health #journo & #author @marynmck.bsky.social interviewing Dr. Jonathan Grein who leads a Federal special pathogens unit at @cedarssinai.bsky.social on past and emerging threats, protocols #HJ25
“You’re more likely to get food poisoning from romaine lettuce than an undercooked hamburger,” said attorney Bill Marler. #hj25
Business card with photo of journalist and name of her session
There’s only one session about cancer at the AHCJ conference this year. Come to my panel Saturday morning at 8:45 to learn what you need to know about liquid biopsies. #hj25
Yellow golden retriever with purple bandanna looks up at camera
Charlie Barker is not much of a musician but he’s a heckin’ good therapy dog. #hj25
Golden retriever has his chin on the blue carpet
A volunteer dog handler in a purple shirt kneels on one knee with her golden retriever and a blonde journalist in a black dress. The dog is lying on the carpet looking sleepy
This 12-year-old golden retriever looks very tired
Another worm’s eye view of a golden retriever at a conference
A gorgeous golden retriever visits the Association of Health Care Journalists annual meeting in LA. #hj25
Bernese mountain dog with black, brown and white fur wears a purple bandanna and looks very patient
Winnie was one of four #therapydogs from Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles who visited health journalists at our annual meeting. They know the way to my heart! #hj25
