In Depth
Doctors to Watch
Physicians are playing an increasingly important role in television news at both the local and national levels, and experienced particularly high visibility this year during coverage of the aftermath of the earthquakwe in Haiti. NewsPro correspondent Elizabeth Jensen profiles some of the current TV doctor-reporters who are making names for themselves on and off the air.
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, CBS News
Dr. Jennifer Ashton was hired as the medical correspondent for CBS News’ “The Early Show” before Executive Producer David Friedman got to the show, but she was one of the elements that stood out for him as he watched the program in advance of taking on his new assignment.
“She pops on TV right away,” he said. “Jen is right up there with the anchors.” Not only is she knowledgeable, he said, but “she’s very easy to understand.” He added, “It’s almost like going to see her in the doctor’s office.”
Ashton, who was previously a medical contributor for Fox News, joined CBS in March 2009; she contributes to other shows on the network in addition to the morning program, and was the network’s medical correspondent in Haiti after the January earthquake.
Although she is on “The Early Show” nearly every day, and is a regular guest expert on woman’s health on the “The Dr. Oz Show,” she also continues to practice medicine. A board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology, Ashton is on the attending staff of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood, N.J., and has a private practice, Hygeia Gynecology, which treats women for medical and surgical gynecologic conditions.
In coming months, Friedman said, the show may experiment with having Ashton do stories that appeal to men, as well as women. And Ashton may host roundtables or town halls on various issues. “She’s so calm and people really take to her,” Friedman said.
Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News
Dr. Richard Besser joined ABC News as its senior health and medical editor in September 2009, right in the middle of the swine flu story. It was a story he already knew inside and out; before coming to ABC he was the director of the Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and from January to June 2009 he served as the CDC’s acting director, leading the agency’s response to the H1N1 influenza outbreak.
“The government’s loss was our gain,” said Jon Banner, the executive producer of “World News With Diane Sawyer.” And, said Banner, “He’s been an incredibly quick study when it comes to the sausage-making part of our business,” learning how to do television. Besser first joined the CDC in 1991, leaving in 1993 for five years to join the faculty of the University of California, San Diego, as the pediatric residency director. He returned to the CDC in 1998.
With so much time at CDC, “It’s very easy for him to get a lot of people on the phone,” Banner said. His contributions so far haven’t been limited to big public health issues; Besser, like other networks’ medical reporters, traveled to Haiti in the wake of that country’s earthquake. And Banner singled out Besser’s recent reporting on the possible dangers of the Fosamax osteoporosis drug, noting that the reports started with a tip, and ended with the FDA alerting doctors to be on the lookout for possible risk of fractures. “He really stuck with it,” Banner said.
Dr. Sapna Parikh, WNYW-TV, New York
Dianne Doctor, the vice president for news at Fox-owned WNYW-TV in New York City, hired Dr. Sapna Parikh, at her previous station, CBS-owned WCBS-TV. Parikh left to be the medical correspondent for the Fox station in February 2006, and Doctor followed in April 2008.
“She’s very intertwined with the public health issues in the city,” Doctor said of Parikh, who completed an internship in general surgery at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center before going into broadcasting, and is currently working on her master’s degree in public health at Hunter College in the city. “She’s a step ahead of other reporters, because she has access to so much information,” Doctor said.
Parikh, who is also at home filing a report from Central Park demonstrating the best running shoes to avoid injury, appears nearly every day on the station’s morning show, “Good Day New York,” and a couple of times a week on the afternoon and evening newscasts. Doctor likes Parikh’s ability to “take a complicated medical issue and translate it into simple terms for people.”
In recent weeks, Parikh has been working with a group of Jersey City, N.J., middle school teachers who wrote in wanting to participate in the “Dr. Oz Weight Loss Challenge.” (WNYW carries “The Dr. Oz Show” in New York.) Her team has been following the group’s progress every few weeks, through the May finale. “She’s done a great job of tying and making relevant stories from ‘Dr. Oz,’” Doctor said.
Dr. Maria Simbra, KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh
Dr. Maria Simbra, the Emmy award-winning medical reporter for KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh, started out as a physician, with a private practice and academic career in neurology. But in 2003, a year after beginning reporting for the station, she also received her master’s degree in journalism and mass communication. (She’s since been pursuing a master’s degree in public health, as well.)
Simbra, vice president of the National Association of Medical Communicators board, “definitely has taken that part of her life seriously. It’s important to her and I think that probably comes through,” said Christopher Pike, KDKA’s vice president and general manager. From 2005-07, Simbra also served on the board of the Association of Health Care Journalists.
Pittsburgh has “an above average interest” in medical stories, said Pike, thanks to the large regional medical community based in the area. Not only are there well-respected treatment facilities in the city, but also a significant amount of research is being done in cancer, diabetes and regenerative medicine, among other fields. “There’s an abundance of medical stories,” he said. And a proportionately older population is keenly interested in health news, he said.
“Dr. Maria helps us fill that need,” Pike said. “She’s respected, she’s been here awhile, and being a doctor herself adds credibility to her reports. She’s also accepted in the medical community, which probably gives her access that others might not get. She’s passionate about it, and I think that comes through.”
Leave a comment
Comments 88
Internet Marketing
Excellent job.
Private Jet San Diego
Wonderful to read!
waterproof binoculars
Wonderful to read!
Englewood Roofing
Excellent job.
Diabetic Test Strips
I found your site via google thanks for the post. I will bookmark it for future reference. Thanks Super Colon Cleanse is a great site for related tips.
weight management
Good post, thanks
Private Aircraft Charter
Thank you for a great post
Problem Drinking
Amazing, thanks for posting about it. This stuff appears intriguing. Will make a note of your internet site and pop back again. Appears like an excellent reference. All the best. Henry
Englewood Mason
Wonderful to read!
pocket watch
This great site can be utterly outstanding with more clips or pictures ... at the least I do know that my deviantART mates would really like it a lot better.
how to lose weight
Thank you for a great post
Candida cleanse
Excellent job.
Free Stuff
Thanks for your visiting this www.hello-free.com/freebies online Free WebSite.
Stargazing telescopes
Excellent job.
free tv online
I learn something new on different blogs everyday. It is always refreshing to read posts of other bloggers and learn something from them. Thanks for sharing.
Angel Tanniehill
This is very short diet, so don’t cheat, follow the 3 day diet religiously and you will see results in just 3 days. Although I want to be clear that 3 days are not enough for stable weight loss results, but if you want to wear that new dress or to look perfect for a party or any other urgent reason, it will work.
Pregnancy Miracle
Took me awhile to read all the comments, but I really love the article. It proved to be very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It's always nice when you can not only be informed, but also engaged! I'm sure you had fun writing this article.
Carroll B. Merriman
This article was very interesting! Post more please! and Thank you very much! Euro Diet Recipes for Weight Control For those who want to quickly and easily get rid of excess pounds. Achieve a healthy lifestyle,exercise, meditation, relaxation, and nutrition advice. This was very helpful to me and my family! I love waking up in the morning and looking through any of these great delicious recipes and think of the beneft in the long run :)
medicine
Cradled in the peaceful hills above Santa Fe, New Mexico, Life Healing Center embodies the hope of recovery from emotional trauma, mental health disorders, addictions and the complex, very human problems that so many of us face. At Life Healing Center we understand how hard it can be to reach out for help and how important it is to find the right kind of care. Our treatment focus is on the specific, individual needs of each and every client, encouraging an individualized, comprehensive approach to recovery and emotional well-being.
healing
Cradled in the peaceful hills above Santa Fe, New Mexico, Life Healing Center embodies the hope of recovery from emotional trauma, mental health disorders, addictions and the complex, very human problems that so many of us face. At Life Healing Center we understand how hard it can be to reach out for help and how important it is to find the right kind of care. Our treatment focus is on the specific, individual needs of each and every client, encouraging an individualized, comprehensive approach to recovery and emotional well-being.
Buffalo Sabres jerseys
Thank God we have a common interest, thank you for sharing, you're a good author. Hope to see more of your articles. Juno sincere.
Link Building
Neat blog layout! Very easy on the eyes.. i like the colors you picked out
Buy Backlinks
Nice!! Great Ifo. Great People. Great Blog. Thank you for all the great sharing that is being done here.
wholesale jerseys from china
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It's very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
Gregoria Vendrick
Considering the GOP gains within the House the other day, Republicans are moving into their House majority with a team of representatives aiding this change. 4 of Governor Palin’s endorsees are chosen to be a component of this team
Backlinks
I would like to start my own blog one day. This was a really nice blog that you made here. Keep up the success :P
Backlinks
Kudos to you! This is a really good blog here and I love your style of writing. How did you get so good at blogging?
Link Building Services
Hey how are you doing? I just wanted to stop by and say that it's been a pleasure reading your blog. I have bookmarked your website so that I can come back & read more in the future as well. plz do keep up the quality writing
Seo Services
Keep focusing on your blog. I love how we can all express our feelings. This is an extremely nice blog here :)
Free Porn
You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I've been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you're an inspiration to me and i'm sure many others!
Link Building Services
You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I've been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you're an inspiration to me and i'm sure many others!
Deer Hunting
Neat blog layout! Very easy on the eyes.. i like the colors you picked out
Link Building Services
Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.
Garmin 110 Review
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.
Buy Backlinks
Keep focusing on your blog. I love how we can all express our feelings. This is an extremely nice blog here :)
First Food Projects
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply back as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
Fair Trade Goods
High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.
Backlinks
Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.
Mountain Bikes
Love all the opinions expressed here! How is everyone? Love how everyone expresses whatr they feel :)
motorcycle garage door opener
Credit for the great blog post. I am glad I have taken the time to read this.
Backlinks
Love the blog here. Nice colors. I am definitely staying tuned to this one. Hope to see more.
utube
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.
Buy Backlinks
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply back as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
Backlinks
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
Touch Screen Repair
Great blog!! You should start many more. I love all the info provided. I will stay tuned :)
Replica Handbags Fashion
I’m very happy with Replica Handbags Fashion of my bank account and a credit card and will by the numbers.
Link Building
Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.
Sovety
Very okay. agree with most people
Sovety
Well, not totally sure about it btw...
Dieta
Very okay. agree with most people
Sovety
Hehe, u cant be serious??
Dieta
Very okay. agree with most people
DietyiSovety
Very okay. agree with most people
Dietyi
Hehe, u cant be serious??
Buy Backlinks
Amazing freakin blog here. I almost cried while reading it!
Backlinks
Hey how are you doing? I just wanted to stop by and say that it's been a pleasure reading your blog. I have bookmarked your website so that I can come back & read more in the future as well. plz do keep up the quality writing
Link Building
Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.
Burton Haynes
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
Replicas Designer Handbags
Cleaning of the Replicas Designer Handbags should be carried out very carefully. Sometimes the water can ruin your luggage, so far from water, if the manufacturer says. Your coach bags are among the happiest of all because they help special kits, maintaining the supply of new longer able to buy.
Faux Handbags
She is famous, and that women around the world fell in love with the coach. The reason for this is that the coach understands the latest fashion. According to the understanding and insight that provides scholarships to high fashion,Faux Handbags and other accessories that women of all ages, with love.
Girls Handbags
The shoes you wear a lot of things to say about the person you are. Experience a true Girls Handbags for his property Louboutin shoes. There are different qualities of replica shoes available online.
Backlinks
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.
Web Designer Phoenix
You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I've been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you're an inspiration to me and i'm sure many others!
Web Designer Phoenix
Kudos to you! This is a really good blog here and I love your style of writing. How did you get so good at blogging?
Web Design Phoenix
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply back as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
Web Design Phoenix
I love the way you write and also the theme on your blog. Did you code this yourself or was it done by a professional? I'm very very impressed.
Phoenix Web Design
Amazing freakin blog here. I almost cried while reading it!
The Diet Solution Program
Good advice in this article, I’m a old classic car enthusiast
Merle Corpening
Im not going to say what everyone else has currently mentioned, but I do need to remark on your information of the topic. Youre honestly well-informed. I cant believe how significantly of this I just wasnt conscious of. Thank you for bringing much more info to this topic for me. Im really grateful and genuinely impressed.
Story
Kudos to you! This is a really good blog here and I love your style of writing. How did you get so good at blogging?
Blog
I love the way you write and also the theme on your blog. Did you code this yourself or was it done by a professional? I'm very very impressed.
Buy Links
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.. :)
improve ranking
Hello there! I really enjoy reading your blog! If you keep making great posts I will come back every day to keep reading!
Get Backlinks
Neat blog layout! Very easy on the eyes.. i like the colors you picked out
Backlinks
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.
power balance wristbands
Nice blog subject. thanks for letting me add something!
Link Building Services
This is the best blog I've ever seen in my life! I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to share your this with everyone.
Financial Services
You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I've been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you're an inspiration to me and i'm sure many others!
free weight loss programs
I really enjoyed this article and have book marked it. Nice Site! I also do blogging and post videos online about my weight loss journey, feel free to visit me (I put the link above, in the website field). Thanks so much for your post. Will be back to read more soon! Carissa.
weight loss blog
I really enjoyed this article and have book marked it. Nice Site! I also do blogging and post videos online about my weight loss journey, feel free to visit me (I put the link above, in the website field). Thanks so much for your post. Will be back to read more soon! Carissa.
weight loss blog
I really enjoyed this article and have book marked it. Nice Site! I also do blogging and post videos online about my weight loss journey, feel free to visit me (I put the link above, in the website field). Thanks so much for your post. Will be back to read more soon! Carissa.
weight loss blog
I really enjoyed this article and have book marked it. Nice Site! I also do blogging and post videos online about my weight loss journey, feel free to visit me (I put the link above, in the website field). Thanks so much for your post. Will be back to read more soon! Carissa.
weight loss blog
I really enjoyed this article and have book marked it. Nice Site! I also do blogging and post videos online about my weight loss journey, feel free to visit me (I put the link above, in the website field). Thanks so much for your post. Will be back to read more soon! Carissa.
Emily
Thank you so much!! I just finished loosing 35 pounds :D!!!! Your website helped me SOOO much. I followed your tips and some I got from a couple of guides, and they helped me so much. Thank you!! I follow your blog everyday and applied your methods and some I got from this weightloss course (http://bit.ly/i5yuIO if you want to check it out). Your methods went perfectly with the program, and helped me out a lot! Again, thank you :) ! Everyone trying to loose weight, DEFINITELY FOLLOW THIS BLOG!!! If anyone needs help just email me, and I will definitely give you some advice (my email's greatestlovefrom.emily@gmail.com) or add me on facebook. Again thank you, and GL to everyone!
Buy Backlinks
I really like the colors here on your blog. did you design this yourself or did you outsource it to a professional?
Link Building Services
I love the expression. Everyone needs to express there own opinion and feel free to hear others. Keep it up :)
Porn
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
Free Porn
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.