December 2010
By Thea Lavin
A great deal of secrecy has historically surrounded healthcare pricing. This fortress of pricing has been harder to maintain in the digital era. Currently, a whopping 80 percent of adult Internet users, or 93 million people in the U.S., search for health information online, forcing healthcare businesses to open the kimono and explain what they charge and why. In a business climate defined by consumer-driven competition, healthcare marketers cannot afford to avoid the cost issue with prospects and customers.
Price transparency occurs when all of the parties involved in a transaction know the pricing behind the healthcare products and services being bought and sold. When price transparency is working well, it benefits sellers and buyers. It protects people from unfair or questionable pricing, and helps buyers understand how pricing works and the real value of what they buy.
While this trend may push marketers outside of their comfort zone, the growing emphasis on healthcare pricing transparency and the emergence of new online communication vehicles have created a new approach for healthcare marketers to engage with consumers.
The savviest marketers are directing their pricing transparency strategies online, as websites and online marketing programs have a stronger influence in purchasing decisions than television and print advertising. Healthcare pricing transparency websites are also popping up to facilitate the open exchange of cost information.
Schwartz client PriceDoc is a web service that allows patients who are uninsured, underinsured or seeking elective procedures to identify local physicians who offer reduced prices for procedures paid for in cash. In less than one year after launching, patients from around the country requested transparent healthcare pricing for more than 1.6 million healthcare procedures on PriceDoc.
Demand for pricing transparency is extending beyond providers and patients. It is also fundamentally changing the relationship between hospitals and the vendors with which they work. Vendors from health IT companies, medical device providers and other healthcare segments with traditionally opaque pricing models are increasingly being held accountable for the rationale behind their pricing decisions.
Schwartz’s healthcare IT client Medsphere saw an opportunity to gain a competitive edge when multiple hospital executives reported how difficult it was to compare the costs of software from different health IT vendors. Empowered with an affordable, open source EHR product, Medsphere joined the transparency wave and now offers a calculator that uses government formulas and public hospital data to show just how much an EHR should cost.
The calculator was customized to each hospital, so users look at actual figures, not guesstimates. The idea was that the more customized the tool, the longer each user would stay on the website and dive deeper into the details of the OpenVista open source environment.
With pricing transparency, Medsphere is staking out ground in a turf war between open source advocates and big-name firms that develop their own proprietary programs, often at higher prices. In national media coverage secured by Schwartz, Medsphere executive Rick Jung challenged the proprietary companies to publish their own prices. Every executive of proprietary technology companies approached by reporters about their firms' pricing rationale declined to comment.
The pricing opaqueness by their competitors was a boon for Medsphere. Within months of the calculator’s launch, 400+ hospital executives visited the “Medsphere ARRA Stimulus ROI Calculator,” creating an unmatched qualified pipeline. Even more, the sales cycle was reduced to three months from an average of six months following initiation of the program.
The obstacles that marketers face to making prices available and understandable can be formidable. However, in an era of consumer-driven healthcare, marketers that enable price transparency will be at an advantage and benefit the industry at large.
Attending HIMSS? Give Schwartz a call at 781-684-0770 if you need help with any part of your pre-show planning or during the event. And here are some tips to help you increase your visibility at HIMSS.
Tags:
ARRA stimulus,
calculator,
Medsphere,
OpenVista open source,
PriceDoc
Posted by Davida Dinerman on December 27, 2010 at 4:37 PM
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It’s true. The FDA has had 13 months to draft guidelines for healthcare companies and their use of the Internet and Social media, yet said this week that no guidelines will be announced until Q1 of 2011. Surprised? Not really. So what should we do now?
For some companies, it will be business as usual. While I think the majority of companies are taking a conservative approach to social media (limited activity on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for instance), some companies are proving that you can and should jump into social media. TIME magazine reported on the use of social media by medical companies, and Novo Nordisk’s campaign with race car driver Charlie Kimball is a good example of what can be done, while we wait for the guidelines. As Kimball notes in the story, "It's a great way to connect with the diabetes community.”
At Schwartz, we’re finding a varied mix of “tolerance” and interest in social media among our healthcare clients. Most are at least “dipping their toes in” at this point. One thing for sure, they all agree that social media has become an integral part of how almost everyone communicates, including how consumers and patients get information about their health. So if you’re not doing at least some social media, you are missing an opportunity to connect and interact.
It will be interesting to see when guidelines come out and what is addressed first, since the FDA also noted that they would be segmenting guidelines and addressing only one aspect of social media in Q1.
In the meantime, campaigns already underway will most likely continue as they have in 2010, without clear guidelines. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either.
Tags:
DDMAC,
FDA guidelines for social media,
healthcare PR,
Medical PR,
social media
Posted by Helen Shik on December 23, 2010 at 1:30 PM
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While the official theme of RSNA 2010 was “Personalized Medicine,” the real “buzz” among the 57,000 attendees at this year’s meeting was low (radiation) dose technologies. In the last two years, radiation exposure has become a hot topic and “consumer” news when several new studies—validating that Americans receive too many CT scans—were reported by major media outlets.
RSNA attendees were urged to join the Image Wisely campaign that was launched at the conference. The project is supported by the American College of Radiology (ACR)/RSNA Joint Task Force on Adult Radiation Protection and co-chaired by James A. Brink, M.D., chair of diagnostic radiology at the Yale University School of Medicine. “Image Wisely seeks to raise awareness of opportunities to eliminate unnecessary imaging examinations and to lower radiation in necessary imaging examinations to only that needed to acquire appropriate medical images,” Dr. Brink told the Daily Bulletin.
Additionally, the recently announced results from the National Lung Screening Trial—which showed that screening heavy-smokers with CT scans reduced lung cancer death by 20% compared with chest X-ray—were further analyzed to determine how the news could impact patients. These study results for the first time confirm that screening can impact lung cancer survival. We are particularly interested to see how the NLST results will impact protocols for lung cancer screening moving forward. There are new tools, which our client Riverain Medical markets, which improve detection of early stage lung cancer on a standard chest x-ray. As the radiology community considers the NLST study results in the context of healthcare reform, access and radiation exposure, technologies like Riverain’s could play a key role in shaping screening protocols, and the role of chest X-ray.
Traditionally one of the last medical conferences of the season, RSNA 2010 reported an increase in attendance, marking a positive sign for the year ahead.
Digital media has become a key communication channel for companies at RSNA. Above, social media mentions of the four major vendors at RSNA 10.
Tags:
Chicago,
Low Dose CT Scans,
National Lung Screening Trial,
Radiology,
RSNA
Posted by Dana Conti on December 21, 2010 at 1:25 PM
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What do Robert Reich and Michael J. Fox have in common? They will be keynoting at HIMSS 2011, the largest healthcare IT conference of the year. The show will take place February 20-24, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
From the Pre-Conference Workshops and Symposia to the 300 educational sessions, the learning never stops and neither does the professional development. The exhibit floor is filled with more than 900 exhibiting companies. Attendees include C-level executives, directors and senior level managers at hospitals, vendors, consulting firms and academia focusing on clinical systems, meaningful use, IT infrastructure, ARRA, medical home, accountable care, HIE, leadership management, e-health, security, among other topics. And they expect about 130 journalists to be in attendance.
Let’s not forget the networking and social opportunities, such as the Opening Reception, and the friendly and competitive 5K Fun Run/1 Mile Walk, the exciting Wednesday Evening event.
For as long as I can remember, Schwartz has been working with clients who attend HIMSS. We have seen the good, bad and ugly. Here is a HIMSS Tip Sheet to help you approach this behemoth of an event in a logical and lucrative way for you and your company.
Give Schwartz Communications a call at 781-684-0770 if you need help with any part of your HIMSS planning or during the event.
Tags:
accountable care,
ARRA,
clinical systems,
e-health,
educational sessions,
exhibit,
HIE,
HIMSS 2011,
IT infrastructure,
leadership management,
meaningful use,
medical home,
Michael J. Fox,
Robert Reich,
Schwartz Communications,
security,
visibility at HIMSS
Posted by Davida Dinerman on December 16, 2010 at 8:02 AM
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The political landscape has changed in the wake of the 2010 mid-term elections. The Republican controlled House of Representatives has stated healthcare reform will become a top priority next year. Specifically, the following has been said as it relates to “Obama-care.”
Speaker-elect John Boehner (R-OH) recently stated “I think it is important for us to lay the groundwork before we begin to repeal this monstrosity (Obama-care) and replace it with common sense reforms that will bring down the cost of health insurance in America.” Even the Democrats seem to be willing to work on changes. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said "If there's some tweaking we need to do with the healthcare bill, I'm ready for some tweaking.”
The elections sent a clear message for the need to cut spending and reduce the size of the federal deficit. Republicans will undoubtedly look for savings in Medicare and Medicaid, the government’s largest mandatory funding expenditures, and cost will be central to the renewed healthcare debate.
Companies with a compelling story of improving quality of care, increasing efficiency, keeping more accurate records, and cutting cost will be welcomed in the coming weeks and months in Washington. Not surprisingly, the discussions regarding Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) have significantly increased as Congress investigates ways to reduce the cost of healthcare. One of these key delivery system reforms that came out of last year’s legislation is the encouragement of ACOs, which facilitate coordination and cooperation among providers to improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries and reduce unnecessary costs. In fact, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that ACOs could save Medicare at least $4.9 billion through 2019.
There is significant momentum behind this initiative. The nation's largest physician lobby, the American Medical Association (AMA), has recently asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create an environment helpful for the development of ACOs. AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD, said, "The physician-led ACO model injects competition into the market by eliminating the need for consolidation under a hospital system. Competition fosters innovation, which ultimately helps patients receive efficient, high-quality care. Care coordination is vital, and physicians can work together with a health care team to keep patients healthy and out of the hospital while maintaining independent medical practices.”
CMS is still developing the regulations and requirements for ACOs, making now the opportune time for companies and stakeholders to engage the government and become an active voice in the debate. With a large number of newly elected Republicans pledging to reduce deficits and cut spending, there’s potential for a monumental shift in healthcare. Schwartz believes companies who join and help shape the discussion on ACOs now will be better positioned when those reforms are implemented.
Posted by Corey Lewandowski, Director of Public Affairs at Schwartz Communications
Tags:
ACOs,
Government Health IT,
government relations,
healthcare,
medical pr,
public affairs,
technology
Posted by Neil Cutter on December 14, 2010 at 4:27 PM
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We hope everyone has enjoyed our “Getting to Know” series featuring journalists, industry thought leaders and fellow colleagues. You may have noticed that we went a bit over 20 interviews - but since we got such a great response, we wanted to include everyone! One theme consistent among the healthcare PR and marketing practictioners as well as the journalists we spoke with—working in healthcare is exciting, challenging and most of all rewarding. Perhaps David Freeman said it best: “healthcare has a way of stripping the business veneer away and reminding you of what’s at stake and how you make a difference in a way that I imagine few industries can.”
Schwartz Healthcare Practice Leader and Executive Vice President Nigel Smith, closes out our special 20th Anniversary series with a video commentary on what’s next for public relations, including content marketing and the vital incorporation of digital, video and SEO with traditional PR. Enjoy!
Tags:
healthcare,
healthcare PR,
medical device PR,
public relations agency,
Schwartz Communication
Posted by Lauren Arnold on December 9, 2010 at 11:13 AM
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Name: Sherry Feldberg
Title: Director
Company: Schwartz Communications
My first Schwartz healthcare client was: Philips Medical Systems.
What I like most about working in healthcare is: the opportunity to empower people to take charge of their healthcare by educating them about the latest tools available for a variety of conditions/ diseases.
When I’m not working, I like to: spend time with my family, watch my favorite shows including Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and Mad Men, and travel.
Who had the biggest influence on your career?: That's a tough one. Pretty much every Vice President in Schwartz's healthcare practice has helped me become the professional I am today.
People would be most surprised to learn that: while I tend to be "type A" at work, I am not quite that way at home. For example, sometimes I leave the dishes unwashed in the sink and my daughter's toys all over the living room before going to sleep at night. The horror, I know!
If I wasn’t in healthcare, I would probably be: a therapist.
You can find me: sfeldberg@schwartzcomm.com, @sherryfeldberg; http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sherry-feldberg/11/81a/465
Tags:
healthcare PR,
healthcare public relations,
public relations agency,
Schwartz Communications
Posted by Lauren Arnold on at 9:43 AM
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Name: Doug Russell
Title: Vice President
My first Schwartz healthcare client was: Over the past five years at Schwartz, I’ve shifted to an account load that predominantly consists of healthcare IT clients. But some of my earliest work here touched on the healthcare vertical (Honeywell Specialty Materials with pharmaceutical packaging), also some of my HR-focused clients were heavily focused on staffing solutions for the healthcare industry.
What I like most about working in healthcare is: It’s fun to see a company go from “stealth” mode to becoming a leader in its field and make meaningful contributions to how healthcare is delivered. I’ve also greatly enjoyed collaborating with organizations dedicated to helping wounded veterans, those with physical disabilities and families struggling with depression.
When I’m not working, I like to: Travel, ski, try new restaurants, read, enjoy my ever-growing music collection and spend time with my wife and ten year-old son, Nate. Do things that are related to Italy, where I grew up. Collect miscellaneous things like advertising icons, antique apothecary jars and vintage vinyl.
Who had the biggest influence on your career?: Over the years, I’ve been lucky to have many mentors here at Schwartz. This place attracts a smart and talented bunch. It’s been a particular pleasure working with and learning from Dave Close, our GM, and frequent collaborator on dozens of projects in our healthcare technology practice.
People would be most surprised to learn that I: I can speak fluent French…in Russian.
If I wasn’t in healthcare, I would probably be: I would be working for an organization dedicated to solving global health issues – I especially admire the work of the Gates Foundation.
You can find me at:
drussell@schwartzcomm.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasrrussell
http://twitter.com/DougRRussell
Tags:
healthcare IT PR,
healthcare PR,
public relations,
public relations agency
Posted by Risa Goldman Burgess on December 8, 2010 at 2:29 PM
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Name: David Freeman
Title: President
Company: Freeman & Associates Consulting
My first job in healthcare was: My first job in healthcare was as a PR Specialist and Tradeshow Manager at HP Medical, in the headquarters operation. I was 26 years old and I remember the feeling of awe when I first came to the company for an interview (the first of 9 interviews). HP was famous at the time for its open workplace environment (read low cubicles). As I rounded a corner I looked across a huge expanse of desks and people and computers on every desk!
It was a great start in healthcare because I had the opportunity to learn about HP’s entire portfolio as well as travel to conferences like the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, where I got to interact with clinicians, sales reps and marketing professionals from around the world.
What I like most about working in healthcare is: It’s of course trite to say that I work in healthcare to make a difference. And that the industry attracts good, smart and caring people. All true. But working in an office, caught up in conference calls and cross-functional meetings, a challenging regulatory environment, demanding quality system requirements, it can be easy to forget why I feel so passionate about being in healthcare.
However healthcare has a way of stripping the business veneer away and reminding you of what’s at stake and how you make a difference in a way that I imagine few industries can. Every time I visit a hospital on business, suit and tie, folio in hand, there’s a moment when the environment breaks through and I realize that I’m surrounded by people in crisis and that I’m connected to assessing and preserving health.
I was a pediatrics product manager when the first Iraq war broke out. We were racing to develop a pediatric transesophageal ultrasound imaging transducer. The miniaturization of the electronics was pushing state of the art at the time but my clinical trial sites at children’s hospital in the U.S. and U.K. had conveyed how important this innovation would be to assess surgical repair of congenital heart defects from behind the heart, out of the sterile field, after the repair but before the chest was closed.
The European OEM firm we were working with to develop the transducer had a sister division that got caught up in the night-vision scandal and the State Department put the entire company on hold for business with the U.S. Six months in on a scheduled nine month project we scrambled to find an alternate firm to work with to restart our effort. Our schedules slipped and while we kept our clinical trial sites informed, one day the head of Pediatric Echocardiography from the largest of the U.S. children’s hospitals reached me by phone at my desk. He proceeded to tell me about a patient they had lost on the table the day before and that the transducer might have saved the patient’s life. He was upset and emotional and asked me what was taking us so long.
Similarly, I was involved with Schwartz to build awareness of sudden cardiac arrest from the early days when every new airline placing AEDs on board was still news. At each turn, as we worked with corporations, public places, schools and home users, the calls would come in…hi, my name is (pick a name)…and I’m just calling to thank you because my (husband, father, daughter…) was saved by your device.
It’s that vital connection to people, to saving and preserving lives, that keeps me loving this industry.
When I’m not working, I like to: We have four kids and I love spending time with them. Other interests include music (jazz and chill), taking nature photographs, writing poetry, and keeping up with the world and technology.
Who had the biggest influence on your career?: A woman named Cynthia Danaher, who was at HP, has been the most influential person on my career. She heard me interacting with customers on the trade show floor (when I was in my first healthcare job) and recruited me to work in the ultrasound business. She demonstrated a mix of three qualities as a manager that I admire to this day: (1) The ability to personally connect with people, (2) Passion for advancing the business, and (3) Intellectual rigor of the work she did and asked of her team. I learned an enormous amount from Cynthia and HP about management, marketing excellence, and corporate ethics.
People would be most surprised to learn that I: Went to a canoe/survival camp when I was 15 years old in Northern Canada where I learned to portage wood canvas canoes for up to five miles and survived 5 days in the woods with nothing but a match and a knife.
If I wasn’t in healthcare, I would probably be: If I wasn't in healthcare I would probably be an unknown writer.
You can find me at (email, Twitter, LinkedIn):
Web: www.freemanb2b.com
LinkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/26shj26
Blog: www.freemanure.wordpress.com
Twitter: @freemanb2b
Tags:
David Freeman,
healthcare,
healthcare PR,
medical device PR,
public relations agency,
Schwartz Communications
Posted by Jayme Maniatis on December 7, 2010 at 12:31 PM
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My first Schwartz healthcare client was: in healthcare IT, it was Skyscape, a provider of mobile reference solutions for healthcare professionals. In the medical device market, it was Endius, maker of a minimally-invasive spine surgery platform. Today, I work primarily with companies in
Schwartz’s healthcare IT practice.
What I like most about working in healthcare is: learning about new innovations that have a direct impact on everyday people. It’s interesting to promote solutions that really improve the practice of medicine or make a business impact for providers and payers. It’s also cool when I am at a doctor’s office and see him/her using a technology that I represent, like Epocrates’ medical software on a mobile device.
When I’m not working, I like to: spend time with my 15 month old son dancing and giggling, as well as with my great husband Dan. I also like to watch TV, shop, read, and enjoy a glass of good wine and yummy food (these days it’s mostly take-out or finding recipes to make at home). And, I admit, I like Facebooking and playing games like Angry Birds on my iPhone!
Who had the biggest influence on your career?: I never really thought about this before, but I think it’s my mom. She always taught me that I can achieve anything I want, and to set big goals and work hard to achieve them. She passed away several years ago, but I think she’d be proud to see where I am today.
People would be most surprised to learn that I: pursued a career in professional theatre before coming to Schwartz. I was in stage management at Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Indiana Repertory Theatre, where I worked with/met some famous people like Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Arthur Miller, Sigourney Weaver, Marisa Tomei, F. Murray Abraham and Blythe Danner.
If I wasn’t in healthcare, I would probably be: a therapist. People seem to like talking to me about their problems and I think I give good advice.
You can find me at: jgoldman@schwartzcomm.com;
@juliegoldman;
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/julie-goldman-sculley/8/112/a71
Tags:
healthcare IT PR,
healthcare PR,
healthcare public relations,
public relations agency,
Schwartz Communications
Posted by Lauren Arnold on December 6, 2010 at 7:42 AM
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In the wake of the 2010 mid-term election Republican wave, Healthcare IT companies should be excited about what the new political landscape means for them. The newly Republican controlled House of Representatives means that readdressing health care is almost a certainty early in the next Congress. In fact, the likely soon-to-be Speaker of the House John Boehner has already said as much while speaking to a group of reporters in the capitol. “I think it is important for us to lay the groundwork before we begin to repeal this monstrosity and replace it with common sense reforms that will bring down the cost of health insurance in America.” Current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who pulled out a surprise victory in his reelection race, has suggested, "If there's some tweaking we need to do with the healthcare bill, I'm ready for some tweaking.” As such it looks as though the table is set for the debate to heat up early next year.
The elections sent a clear mandate from the electorate to cut federal spending and reduce the size of the federal deficit. Republicans will undoubtedly look for savings in Medicare and Medicaid, the government’s largest mandatory funding expenditures, and cost will be central to the renewed healthcare debate. Health IT companies have a great story to tell with products that improve quality of care, increase efficiency, keep more accurate records, and cut cost; a story neither Republicans nor Democrats can ignore.
With health care at the top of the Republican agenda, and Democrats willing to come to the table, now is the time to begin building a strategy to impact and shape the health care debate. Health IT companies, in particular, are poised in a great position to get involved with this second coming of health care reform. However, it will be essential to being planning now if they intend to be involved with the conversation, if companies wait until January it will be too late.
For additional information or to schedule a call to discuss government affairs in greater detail, please contact, Corey R. Lewandowski, Director of Public Affairs at 781-684-6572 or CLewandowski@schwartzcomm.com.
Tags:
congress,
election,
government relations,
healthcare IT,
public affairs
Posted by Lauren Arnold on December 3, 2010 at 10:19 AM
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Name: Risa Burgess
Title: Vice President
Company: Schwartz Communications
My first Schwartz healthcare client was: Cyberonics. Interviewing and meeting patients, and their family members, who have struggled with epilepsy and depression was eye opening and humbling for me. VNS Therapy is truly life changing and I can distinctly remember the thrill I got from pitching patient success stories to regional TV and newspapers. Hearing about patients who were seeking out information about the treatment after watching a TV segment or reading a newspaper article that I had placed, I was sold.
What I like most about working in healthcare is: I really enjoy working with entrepreneurs who are paving the way for new treatment options for underserved patient populations and researchers at the top medical institutions in the country to get the word out on the latest medical advances. I know first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate the healthcare system and work through the different channels to find information on treatment options for loved ones. I’d like to think I’m helping the cause for others.
When I’m not working, I like to: spend family time with my son, daughter, and husband. I enjoy hosting dinner parties but, let’s be real, today my get-togethers are centered around kid-friendly cuisine, nap-time, building blocks and construction trucks. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also love to travel, camp with my sister, cook, drink good wine, try new restaurants, read non-fiction and spend time on the beach.
Who had the biggest influence on your career?: At different inflection points along the way there have been different people – colleagues, family members, friends – who have both encouraged me and inspired me. I have to hand it to my parents for instilling in me a strong work ethic – at an early age. See my next answer below.
People would be most surprised to learn that I: am the queen of odd jobs. Before my career in healthcare PR, I taught sailing at my beloved summer camp, sold vinyl siding as a telemarketer, ran museum exhibits at a Children’s museum in Washington, D.C, served lunch to faculty members at a “haunted” inn at the University of Maryland in College Park (my alma mater), conducted holiday inventory scanning at department stores, tagged clothing in a factory, and refereed soccer games for my town soccer league.
If I wasn’t in healthcare, I would probably be: a restaurant food critic or a stay-at-home mom.
You can reach me at: rburgess@schwartzcomm.com; @RisaGBurgess; http://www.linkedin.com/pub/risa-goldman-burgess/9/331/61
Tags:
healthcare PR,
healthcare public relations,
public relations agency,
Schwartz Communications
Posted by Lauren Arnold on at 7:37 AM
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Name: Lauren Arnold
Title: Vice President
Company: Schwartz Communications
My first Schwartz healthcare client was: Cyberonics in 1997. We started working with them 4 days before FDA approval so it was a hectic and demanding week like I had never experienced before. From faxing reporters the news release to FedExing press kits, how we do things may have changed, but what has remained constant since that FDA approval is the thrill of seeing news stories that have an impact on patients and their families.
What I like most about working in healthcare is: the great life-changing impact our clients’ technology has on patient’s lives and their families. From artificial hearts to participation in life-saving clinical trials to digital hearing aids that allow grandparents to hear their grandchildren clearly for the first time, the technology and medicine we publicize is making people’s lives better every day.
When I’m not working, I like to: spend time with my family, including my 7 month son who I’m still hoping will get my curly hair; read; and unwind watching tv.
Who had the biggest influence on your career?: My mentors and colleagues who inspire me daily to do the best job I can.
People would be most surprised to learn that I: think I would make a great detective, although I get scared easily.
If I wasn’t in healthcare, I would probably be: a writer of children’s books featuring my dog Piper and her Lazybones Detective Agency.
You can find me at: larnold@schwartz-pr.com, @LaurenaPR, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lauren-arnold/2/42b/3a3
Tags:
healthcare PR,
healthcare public relations,
public relations agency,
Schwartz Communications
Posted by Lauren Arnold on December 2, 2010 at 7:46 AM
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Name: Mike Miliard
Title: Managing Editor
Company: Healthcare IT News
My first reporting job was: My first-ever reporting job was as a writer for the Boston Phoenix, an alternative newsweekly where I worked for more than 10 years. My first big reporting job in the healthcare field was more recent -- at HIMSS10 in Atlanta this past February, just a few weeks after starting at Healthcare IT News. It was quite an introduction to an exciting and fast-moving industry!
What I like most about working in healthcare is: With so much going on across the breadth of the IT space, there's never a shortage of interesting stories to write.
When I'm not working, I like to: Get outdoors with my wife and explore my beautiful home state of Maine.
Who had the biggest influence on my career: Too many people to name.
People would be most surprised to learn that I: Have somehow never been to the West Coast.
If I didn't work in healthcare, I would probably be: In college, my dream was to work in academia as a James Joyce scholar; I even studied at his alma mater in Dublin.
You can find me at: mike.miliard@medtechmedia.com, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-miliard/2/251/669
Tags:
healthcare IT PR,
healthcare PR,
healthcare public relations,
Schwartz communications
Posted by Risa Goldman Burgess on December 1, 2010 at 9:44 AM
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