Media and medicine

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Tim Johnson ... there are several physicians-turned-reporters on the air these days. I understand from our local NBC affiliate that health news stories rate highly for their broadcasts. I know from my practice that people often believe what they see on TV, hear on the radio or read in a magazine and frequently will bring clippings to me for my opinion. Often, I have not seen the particular reference and find myself reacting to new information without much preparation. It is occasionally difficult to change someone’s mindset after hearing a particularly positive account in the media for some test, drug or procedure. And yet the media relies on very brief presentations to convey the news — certainly not enough time to understand a complex medical issue (or political, environmental, economical ...).

So it was with mixed emotion that I accepted an opportunity to record a two-minute video clip regarding my research in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy for the ABC news web channel. I think it turned out pretty well for my first venture into the mainstream media. I was definitely nervous and tentative during the recording and found the shooting of the “video” segments awkward. These are the images they show while you are talking, generally to illustrate a point or just relief on screen from a talking head. Check it out and let me know how I did — be honest!