Hello, friend! I thought I'd share a tale of gratitude with you this month.

If you've been following me for a while, you know I have backgrounds in both medicine and the media.

But did you know, in addition to my degrees in medicine and journalism and working long-term in those two fields, I also have a masters in public health from the University of Minnesota? I enrolled in a distance learning program and completed the degree while I was in Pittsburgh, working in TV news, living my best 40-something life as a wife and new mom. It took me seven years to finish, but at age 50, I received my diploma. I’ve called it my “midlife crisis degree.”

Because of my interest in the relationship between health and societal behavior, I had always wanted an MPH. I should have done it when I was younger, but the timing was never quite right. I finally did it, though, I believe, in homage to a beloved med school professor, Dr. Bruce Dixon. He was my attending during my acting internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh.  

He was a brilliant internist. He had a photographic memory. If anyone asked a question during rounds, he could spout off which page held the answer in the thick and heavy biblical textbook, Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, and where on the page. 

He was also an MPH, and an infectious diseases physician, and the director of the Allegheny County Health Department. He showed me that as physicians, we had a duty to use our backgrounds to make the world a better place beyond simply practicing medicine. I’ve tried to live up to the lessons of Dr. Dixon throughout my various careers.

Unfortunately, Dr. Dixon died before I completed my degree. I'm sad about that because he had written one of my letters of recommendation. However, I am happy and grateful he inspired me to earn my MPH.

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Who are you thankful for from your med school days? What experiences are you grateful for? What lessons did they teach you that stick with you today? Reply to this email! I'd love to hear from you.

The Coach's Clipboard

The November 2022 Newsletter

from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC

In this issue:

• What's New

• Tip of the Month

• Ask Me Anything

• Pie Poll

• Affiliate Links

What's New

• CLOSLER. Big thanks to the Closler website at Johns Hopkins University for featuring my insights in the October 17, 2022 article, "Working with the Media for the Public Good." The takeaway -- clinicians can communicate health messages effectively by using memorable stories to share the main message and understanding the reporter's constraints.

   

• Scoop, MD. Coming soon to Kindle Vella! YOUR questions answered about interacting with the media as a doctor. Stay tuned for the release date of this 19-chapter book, "Scoop, MD: the Doctor's Guide to Media Interviews and Opportunities."

   

• The Med & Mic™ Blog. Are you ready to talk to the news media today? Find out what they might want a comment on. For a heads up, read my medical news blog every morning and join the 300+ on LinkedIn who have subscribed. Connect with me: Dr. Maria Simbra.

   

• All of the Freebies! Get all of my complimentary resources in one bundle! Visit my website and fill out the pop up form to get them all delivered to your inbox. These include  1) “What’s News…in Medicine,” 2) “Five Words Doctors Should Stop Using,” 3) “How Doctors Can Tame Stage Fright,” 4) “Quiz: How Media-Savvy Are You, Doctor?” and 5) “Doc, Can You Comment on This Study?”

Tip of the Month

The media may approach you for an interview on a medical study.

There are eight types of studies you might be asked about:

1. Therapy

2. Screening

3. Causation

4. Diagnosis

5. Economic analysis

6. Prognosis

7. Quality of Care

8. Review

In the coming months, I will go over questions you should ask yourself as you review the article ahead of your interview.

~~~

For this month, let's say you've been asked to comment on a journal article regarding economic analysis.

How would you prepare?

As you review the article, ask yourself these questions:

• Were the measurements credible?

• Were all relevant costs and effects identified?

• How effective are the programs?

• Did the analysis compare alternatives?

Next month, I’ll go over questions to ask yourself when preparing for an interview on a prognosis article. Stay tuned! #doctors

~~~

For more information on media training for doctors, visit my website, DrMariaOnSpeaking.com.

Ask Me Anything

This month's question comes from Dr. M.A.: "I have to give a conference presentation to 100 family practicioners. I need help with my slides!"

Here is my advice for slides:

1. Keep it simple. Just words and images. No fancy animations, transitions, or music.

2. The 4x4 rule. No more than four bullet points per slide, and no more than four words per bullet point.

3. Proofread. Practice your talk along with the slides in front of a test audience. Even though you've looked at your PowerPoint a kazillion times, your staff, colleagues, and/or family will spot any typos that slipped by you.

4. Use bigger fonts. Go with at least an 18-24 point size and a sans serif font for easier readability.

5. Have a consistent design. Have the same background, font, and standardized layouts for your slides to unify your presentation.

Use the slides as an outline, rather than as information for your audience. Keep in mind, they will be looking at the slides to follow along with you in your presentation. For the nitty-gritty, they will refer to your handouts and sources.

Thanks for your great question, Dr. M.A.!

~~~

For more information on presentation coaching for doctors, visit my website, DrMariaOnSpeaking.com.

And now, for some fun,

A POLL

Which type of pie is your favorite?

A) Apple

B) Cherry

C) Pumpkin

D) Pecan

E) Other

Vote now by replying to this email.

Winner will be announced in December.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!

No matter who you are, or where you're from, or which other holidays you celebrate, this is one we can all celebrate together!

~~~

I am so grateful for you! Thank you for being part of what I do here.

~~~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!