As healthcare public relations professionals, we have often suffered from an identity crisis. No one understands what we do, let alone appreciates it. Often we complain that the marketing folks get all of the attention – and the budget! If you are sulking away in your cubicle, it’s time to shake it off. The role [...]
Author Archives: Debbie Myers
Broadening Our Horizons: The Changing Role of PR Professionals in Healthcare
May 23, 2013 – 11:48 am
Four Steps to Opening Social Media to Employees
March 28, 2013 – 12:29 pm
Compared to other industries, healthcare has been slow to adopt social media to engage employees. For many, their focus has been to use social media to market services to consumers and to engage with the community. But when it comes to employees, social media is considered a “hands off” communication tool by managers who fear [...]
Is Google the New Family Doc?
January 24, 2013 – 12:53 pm
We used to rely on family, friends and old wives tales to diagnose medical conditions. Now, we’re looking to Google for what ails us. Should this trend concern health care professionals?
Communicating with Patients Online: Where Real Wellness Begins
October 18, 2012 – 10:11 am
With the healthcare industry moving toward a model of population health management and needing to keep people healthy and out of the hospital, patient-doctor communication takes on a whole new level of importance – and it starts online.
The Digital Graveyard: Is Voicemail Dead?
September 13, 2012 – 8:00 am
When was the last time you got a voicemail message? In fact, when was the last time you even checked your voicemail? USA TODAY study shows that texting and even voice transcription apps are preferred over voicemail communication.
Strong Brands Support Strong Reputations
August 16, 2012 – 8:47 am
By Debbie Myers (@debamyers) This article first appeared, in part, in HBAdvantage, a newsletter of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. With healthcare reform driving increased scrutiny of hospitals and providers by the government, insurance companies and consumers, the importance of managing corporate reputation is a topic that has reached the C-suite. However, many organizations do not have [...]
Beware of Oversharing in the Age of Facebook
June 21, 2012 – 8:00 am
Sharing photos of your loved ones on Facebook is a great way to connect with family and friends. But are you sharing too much online?
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.
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.
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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