Author Archives: Debbie Myers

Never Underestimate the Power of “Plain-Speak”

March 1, 2012 – 10:03 am

Plain, simple terms get people’s attention. The Virginia General Assembly abortion legislation is one prime public relations lesson of how the power of plain-spoken words can trump the jargon.

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From Babies to Brands: Three Steps for Picking the Best Name

February 2, 2012 – 9:24 am

My family has been in the naming business of late. Both of my daughters are expecting. Usually I’m in the position of helping healthcare companies rebrand or name new services. So, could the advice I provide clients help my kids through this daunting task? Well, let’s see.

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Patients Speak Out on Healthcare: Are You Listening?

December 1, 2011 – 9:00 am

The customer is always right, but what about patients? What would happen if we engaged the average patient rather than wait for them to come to us? Focus-group consumers offer snapshot about their patient experience.

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Are physicians ready for consumer-driven healthcare?

October 27, 2011 – 9:00 am

I have great respect for physicians. I think most people do. In fact, doctors were ranked in second place (right behind firefighters and before nurses and scientists) in a Harris poll that measured consumer perceptions of the top 23 professions So, why are some doctors having a Rodney Dangerfield moment and feeling like they “get no respect?”

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Healthcare can learn a lot about reputation from Troy Polamalu

October 13, 2011 – 3:16 pm

If healthcare companies, or any company for that matter, could manage their reputations as if they were Troy Polamalu, we would all live in a better world. When advising clients on reputation, I tell them there are six steps to building reputation that will ensure their company can win, even when they are not on their best game.

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Hospitals are among the least social organizations. How can they change their course?

September 1, 2011 – 6:00 am

Despite all of the advances in medicine, healthcare providers have never been on the cutting edge of new business and marketing practices. However, some hospitals have made great strides is using social media to connect with patients and consumers. Here are some recent examples:

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He May Be a Doc, But It’s My Foot!

August 11, 2011 – 9:06 am

The medical and healthcare professions have got to get its arms around the serious issue of medical errors. It’s an enormous team effort that requires everyone involved to participate, including the patient. Here’s a checklist I created for myself that you might find helpful.

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Doctors on Facebook: Hide or Seek?

July 21, 2011 – 9:26 am

As the medical profession begins to dip its toe into social media, professional associations are starting to issue recommendations, particularly regarding Facebook.

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Will EMR Disengage Doctors From Patients?

May 19, 2011 – 6:00 am

By Debbie Myers (@debamyers)
I love that my doctor is part of a health system that has invested smartly in electronic medical records (EMR). I can email my doctor, and she, or her nurse, will respond in 24 hours. I can make appointments online, ask for prescription refills, and check diagnostic test results – often [...]

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Facebook Plays an Important Role for Grieving Families

April 14, 2011 – 9:12 am

By Debbie Myers (@debamyers)

I admit it. I’m a big fan of Facebook. I love the connectivity it gives me to family and friends. I obnoxiously chronicle vacations and events with pictures and anecdotes. It’s even become a breaking news source – sometimes beating out my CNN news alerts I receive through my email. In fact, [...]

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