The Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ)  meets in Orlando, Florida, later this month, bringing together hundreds of reporters, producers, editors, news directors and news enthusiasts from around the world to polish the skills of their trade through educational sessions and networking. The opportunities abound for those in the medical field, including Mayo Clinic researchers and specialists who will showcase their world-class expertise during panel discussions and key presentations. 

Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine, will present “Regenerative Medicine: The Promise and the Reality”on Saturday, April 22. The presentation will focus on separating hype from hope while advancing the field and how journalists can provide a trusted voice to distinguish unsupported claims from validated achievements. Additional panel members include: Randal Mills, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; and Brock Reeve, M.Phil., M.B.A., executive director, Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Barbara P. Smith, aging reporter and health editor, Sarasota (Fla.) Herald-Tribune will moderate the panel.

Mayo Clinic is one of the most comprehensive research institutions in the world. By collaborating across specialties, Mayo accelerates the discovery, development and application of life-changing therapies, surgical procedures, and technologies so patients can receive exactly the care they need. This core philosophy is what puts Mayo’s experts at the table for such a visible worldwide venue.

Mayo’s presentations will include:

Thursday, April 20

• Amit Sood, M.D., Executive and International Medicine: “Science of Stress”
• Keith Knutson, Ph.D., Immunology: “Science of Vaccines”
• Nilufer Taner, M.D., Ph.D., Neurology: “Science of Dementia”

Friday, April 21

• Keith Knutson, Ph.D., Immunology: “Cancer Immunotherapy — The Newest Wave in Treatment”
• Sarvam TerKonda, M.D., Plastic Surgery: “Telehealth: Will it Transform the Way Care is Delivered?”
• Robert Cima, M.D., Colon & Rectal Surgery: “Hospital Quality: The Quest for Reliable Measures”
• Yogish Kudva, M.B.B.S., Endocrinology: “Taking on Diabetes”

Saturday, April 22

• Michele Halyard, M.D., Radiation Oncology: “Changing Medical Education through Innovation”
• Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., Cardiovascular Diseases: “Regenerative Medicine: The Promise and the Reality”
• James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., Endocrinology: “The Latest Look at Obesity”

AHCJ, a professional trade organization with more than 1,500 members, offers the conference as a premier training event for journalists covering all aspects of health care, including medical research, public and consumer health, ethics and the business of health care.

Search the daily lineup of programs and presentations.