From Scientific Writing to Engaging Journalism: Dr. Jude Bencia G’s Internship Reflections

Introduction:

As someone deeply passionate about both medicine and storytelling, I was eager to explore the intersection of healthcare and journalism. When I discovered the medical journalism internship at MedBound Times, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to hone my writing skills while staying connected to the medical field.

Work and Responsibilities:

● During my internship, I had the privilege of contributing to various aspects of medical journalism. My primary responsibilities included:

● Researching and writing news articles on the latest medical advancements and health policies.

● Conducting interviews with healthcare professionals to provide expert insights on pressing medical topics.

● Summarizing complex research papers into reader-friendly articles for a broader audience.

● Editing and fact-checking submissions to ensure accuracy and credibility.

This required me to read scientific papers, consult with specialists, and translate intricate medical concepts into an engaging and comprehensible article for the public.

Skills Gained:

● This internship was an invaluable learning experience that enriched my skill set in several ways:

●  Medical Communication: I learned how to effectively communicate complex medical information to both professional and general audiences.

● Research and Fact-Checking: Ensuring the accuracy of information before publishing was a critical aspect of my role, reinforcing my ability to critically analyze sources.

● Journalistic Ethics: I developed a strong appreciation for ethical reporting, including proper attribution, balanced perspectives, and responsible journalism in healthcare.

● Time Management: Meeting tight deadlines while maintaining quality writing helped me develop efficient work habits.

Challenges Faced:

Adapting to journalistic writing was initially challenging, especially as someone accustomed to academic and scientific writing. Unlike research papers, medical journalism demands clarity, conciseness, and engagement. Striking the right balance between informative and accessible writing took practice, but constructive feedback from my editors helped refine my approach.

Additionally, finding reliable sources and ensuring up-to-date information required meticulous research. The responsibility of disseminating accurate medical news was both challenging and rewarding.

Memorable Experiences:

One of my most memorable experiences was interviewing a dentist for my first DocScopy.

Engaging with an expert and translating their insights into an article that resonated with readers was incredibly fulfilling.

Furthermore, collaborating with fellow interns and senior writers fostered a sense of community. Their guidance and shared enthusiasm for medical journalism made the internship even more enriching.

Takeaways and Future Goals:

This internship has solidified my interest in medical journalism and science communication. It has shown me the power of well-articulated medical information in shaping public understanding and policy. Moving forward, I plan to continue contributing to medical publications and possibly explore a career in health communication. For aspiring interns, my advice is to embrace curiosity, be open to learning, and seek feedback actively. Medical journalism is a dynamic and impactful field—one where science meets storytelling to make a difference. I specially extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Himani Negi, Ms. M Subha Maheswari and Ms. Sai Sindhuja K. It was a great time to work under your guidance. My time at MedBound Times has been nothing short of transformative, and I am grateful for the experience.  

Regards,

Dr. Jude Bencia G