Journalism students get inside look at health care

Graduate journalism students now taking Science and Medical Writing with Herald Senior Editor Scott Brinton, an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, met April 9 with officials from Long Beach Medical Center to discuss the future of medicine following recent passage of President Obama's historic health-reform legislation.

Among the speakers in the three-hour, small-group session were: Merrick resident Douglas Melzer, LMBC's chief executive officer; Barry Stern, the hospital's chief financial officer; Cheryl Chapman, assistant administrator; Dr. Cheryl Carrao, director of graduate medical education; and Sharon Player, public relations director. The morning gave students a new perspective on the inner workings of a major medical center, as well as the challenges that hospitals will face in the coming years. Students also learned about best practices when approaching hospital officials for stories.