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My friends and I are starting a student-run magazine surrounding topics in the humanities. What should I know as the writer of the health/medicine section?

I’m a high school student who likes to learn about medicine as well as the intersection between medical science and the humanities/social sciences. Since our magazine is mostly humanities-based, my writing will be based on public health, bioethics, and other ways medicine and health are connected with society and culture.

As a high schooler, my limitations include a lack of budget, lack of time, not being able to travel, and knowledge that mostly comes from biased sources. What are some ways I can minimize bias in my writing and avoid spreading misinformation? What are some things I can do to provide information that is accurate as possible? What are other things I should keep in mind?

Thanks

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Pamela’s Answer

Amy - first off, what a cool idea! It sounds like a great way to learn, educate your readers, and build your CV.
Given your time and resource constraints, I would start with specific questions that interest you. (For example, why do some patients have worse outcomes when they are pregnant or are diagnosed with a particular type of cancer? Or how has the Dobbs decision affected access to reproductive health care in your state?). Once you have the questions nailed down and know what you want to write about, explore the available literature offered by the matching organization (ACOG for OBGYN, for example. While you need a membership to see some of the information, much is available to nonmembers.) Once you’ve reviewed the literature, find a content expert to help you refine your writing or help you focus the question. (A local OBGYN in your community for example). This can now be done easily via a virtual platform so you don’t need to travel or spend money to meet with them.
I hope this was helpful! Best of luck to you.
Pam
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MARY’s Answer

Getting the right information is key and that can be achieved by going into research. Getting journals and reliable websites ( WHO etc) will also help.
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Jacob’s Answer

Simply remember to try to expose your data/research findings to as broad of peer-reviewed journals as possible.

Also, you may want to do as many focus groups as possible to know what sub-topics are of most interest from your potential readers. For example, I am most interested in Artificial Intelligence applications to health/medicine. Knowing your audience will help you pivot more strategically. Bless you!
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Marcelius Levites’s Answer

What are some ways I can minimize bias in my writing and avoid spreading misinformation?
-Well, to be honest with you I don't see how you can minimize bias when the whole universe's studies and claims are surrounded by biased data. Humans would rather be told a lie than the truth, Why? Because it's easier to manipulate others. If humans seek to look for the truth, it will show how they are not in control of their life or health plus the food they're eating is not real food. Now, as long the information you have can be proven that is all that matters. But to minimize bias is unbearable.

What are some things I can do to provide information that is accurate as possible?
-Research and test some of the theories yourself even on friends and family.

What are other things I should keep in mind? The heroes get slandered while evil always rises. No matter what kind of truth you seek for yourself or others. It will never be heard or followed. When you want the truth, you will have to change everything that you have known to be the truth and start life all over.

Marcelius Levites recommends the following next steps:

Research
Scientific Method
Data Analyze
Duck Duck Go web search
Library is a great place for none-bias
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Kendra’s Answer

Hi Amy-

My advice is a bit different than the others, outside of always use credible sources.

My recommendation from a content perspective and an audience perspective- have fun with it. Being aware of misinformation and uncredable sources-you clearly have your heart in the right place.

Focus on doing articles you would enjoy reading and being inspired by.

Some ideas that help from a content/credible source, and is time saving

Try to come up with 2-3 questions you would like answered and e-mail local organizations that can assist in providing insight on that topic. A wealth of knowledge exists likely in Your own community and doesn't have to come from 500 sources online!

Have fun with it and it'll work out.
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Daniela’s Answer

Hi Amy,

That's a great question!

The first step to becoming a writer in Mental Health and Medicine is to study hard and delve deeper into the topics you want to write about. Maybe this course can help you at the beginning of your journey (there is an option to do it for free!):

https://www.udemy.com/course/an-introduction-to-medical-writing/

You can also start writing about mental health from your personal experiences:

https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/16-websites-that-pay-for-writing-on-mental-health/

Seek scientific knowledge on certain topics in reputable sources such as:

https://paperpile.com/g/what-are-credible-sources/

That's it, hope I helped. Good luck with your projects!
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