The Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine and Technology has trained 50 Naturopathic Medical students in medical journalism to help champion the practice and profession of Naturopathic Medicine in Ghana.
The College, under the Founder, Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, initiated the specialisation course for journalists on the conviction that medical and science writing was a unique area that required training.
He added that medical and science writing had given a great mileage to his career and field of practice, and, therefore, hoped to impact the same on others, particularly, the inky fraternity.
Graduating the students in Accra last week, Prof. Nyarkotey noted that medical journalism had not been given priority, hence, believed that the naturopathic medical students’ training and successful completion would help produce an informed public.
Per his observation, there had been misrepresentations and misreports, especially about the practice of Herbal, Complementary and Alternative medicine, due to mainstream media’s lack of knowledge in this field, “and this is one major area I would want you to diffuse as Medial Journalists,” he said.
But was quick to add: “Although medical news articles often deliver public health messages effectively, they often convey wrong or misleading information about health care, partly when reporters do not know or cannot convey the results of clinical studies; and partly when they fail to supply reasonable context.
This can result in unrealistic expectations due to coverage of radical medical procedures and experimental technology.”
Prof. Nyarkotey also added that mass media news outlets could also create a “communications storm” to shift attention to a single health issue, and this had been painted for years to demean herbal and alternative practices.
“Your role in medical journalism can also influence an individual’s healthcare quality. So I urge you all to be diligent and pursue excellence.
Do not be swayed by money and short-term success. But be bold, courageous, and have confidence. Build a good brand in medical journalism and I can tell you where it will lead you.”
He urged the Naturopathic Medical Students to be the new wine in medical journalism to propagate the profession of Naturopathic Medicine.
Ruth Narkie Nartey was adjudged the Best Graduating Naturopathic Student in Medical Journalism.
