Eight journalists, the largest group yet, will participate in the 2013 journalism fellowship co-sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

The fellowship was launched in 2009 to help AHCJ members (who are health and medical journalists) enhance their coverage. Through hands-on training, fellows learn how to mine information from NLM’s online resources. Participants also gain insight into timely topics such as electronic medical records and health disparities.

“NLM is especially pleased with the record reception regarding the fellowship among AHCJ’s members,” says Robert Logan, PhD, the NLM senior staff member who developed and organizes the program.

AHCJ selected the 2013 class from 42 applicants. The fellows represent print, broadcast, and online media and report for local, national, and international audiences.

“This diverse group of journalists, representing all mediums, has shown a great interest in adding new tools to their professional arsenals,” says AHCJ Executive Director Len Bruzzese. “The AHCJ-NLM program has a great track record of tapping into the expertise on the NIH campus and finding experts excited to share these resources.”

The journalists participating this year are:
• Betsy Agnvall, features editor, AARP Bulletin
• Kristine Crane, science & health writer, The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun
• Robert Fulton, independent journalist, Los Angeles
• Christine Gorman, senior editor, Scientific American
• Elizabeth Landau, writer/producer, CNN.com
• Valerie Lego, health reporter, WZZM-Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Robert Lott, editor of special content, Health Affairs
• Kerry Sheridan, health and science writer, Agence France-Presse

The fellowship program will occur from September 15-19. Journalists will learn how to better search valuable resources including: PubMed, PubMed Health, MedlinePlus, ClinicalTrials.gov, Genetics Home Reference, ToxNet and Household Products Database. In addition, participants will be introduced to National Institutes of Health and NLM resources about disaster information, public health, and health policy.

Information compiled by Shana Potash, NLM in Focus editor