From the Emergency Room to the Newsroom

Overview

As a television news correspondent, as a social media content creator, as an emergency medicine physician - communication is my most important skill and something I value greatly. Today’s discussion will revolve around how we communicate with each other and why it matters… from the small pleasantries of a “good morning,” through the complex intra-specialty plans of care, to sincere and understandable moments with our patients. This lecture will share a story of connection, communication and community; how these have changed through time and what they mean today to different generations. The audience will also learn a small part of “what it means to communicate science today.” I will review topics of health literacy, access, health information gathering, usage of social media (the good and the bad), and how providers can work with these changes to improve healthcare.

Learning Objectives

• Understand health information-seeking behaviors: How are patients getting their information
• Explore generational differences in communication preferences: What is a ‘credible’ source of information
• Discuss the role of social media in shaping public perceptions: How are social platforms provide different experiences for information gathering