Biomedical Research and the Media

This module is offered in the Fall

Biomedical Research and the Media is an opportunity for biomedical PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to develop science communication skills and an understanding of the role of university Public/Media Affairs in communicating scientific and medical breakthroughs to the public. At the conclusion of the class, students will understand the process of interviewing one or more sources and writing a publishable news story on a biomedical research or health topic; understand the daily interactions between the local and national media and a medical center such as Vanderbilt that seeks to influence both public health and its national reputation via media relations; and understand the key role of social media in the modern media environment. Students will also have the opportunity to become more skilled at being interviewed and accurately conveying information, even in a challenging environment. Additionally, the students will have an understanding of some of the key differences in professional assumptions between media professionals and science professionals.

This module is capped at 5 participants. 

Module Dates and Times: Tuesdays 9a-10a, Sept-Nov

Instructor: Wayne Wood, M.L.A.S, VUMC News and Communications

Content: Writing stories for print journalism, media relations, social media, media training in interviewing. Participants will complete three writing assignments during the module.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the class, students will understand the process of interviewing one or more sources and writing a publishable news story on a biomedical research or health topic; understand the daily interactions between the local and national media and a medical center such as Vanderbilt that seeks to influence both public health and its national reputation via media relations; and understand the key role of social media in the modern media environment. Students will also have the opportunity to become more skilled at being interviewed and accurately conveying information, even in a challenging environment. Additionally, the students will understand some of the key similarities and differences in professional assumptions between media professionals and science professionals.

Assessment Plan: The module director will evaluate students based on written and class participation, including an understanding of the choices of communication tools and techniques; mechanisms for identification of appropriate stories to put before the public; and in what formats.

Readings: Class readings will be news and feature stories from contemporary sources, including news stories about developments in biomedical research, first person medical stories, and longer form pieces about medical and research topics. In addition, selected readings will be assigned from the provided text: A Field Guide for Science Writers, Blum, Knudson and Henig, Eds. Written Assignments: students will contribute three written pieces during the course: one aliquot (150 words) and one news piece (300-600 words) suitable for publication the VUMC Reporter or VUMC Voice, and one profile piece (500 words) to be included in Basic Sciences/BRET publications.

Questions: Please contact Angela Zito (angela.zito@vanderbilt.edu), Assistant Director, BRET Office of Career Development and Professional Development

This module will meet for 8 weeks, 1 hour a week. Tuesdays 9a-10a, Sept-Nov. 

Attendance Policy

Because the course is a limited enrollment opportunity, course participants need to attend all sessions and participate fully. Participants should discuss time away from the lab with their research advisor in advance of the course. Anticipated absences, such as for scientific conferences, should be discussed with the course director.