CMDA | Testimonials

Testimonials

"I heartily recommend the CMDA media spokesperson training for any CMDA member physician or dentist who wishes to give, or expects to be confronted with, TV, radio, newspaper, or magazine interviews about any subject related to medicine or health. It is critically important to have Christian health professionals who are both expert in the particular subject matter being discussed, and prepared so that they do not make embarrassing mistakes in the eye of the public.

The CMDA media training first of all covers the basics that media spokespersons need to know:
• to keep to one's single overriding communication objective and not allow a media person to hijack the agenda
• to find out the purpose of the interview and who else has been interviewed
• to postpone the interview and call back if you need to review critical information before you speak
• to speak clearly and confidently and not say "uh"
• to say 'I don't know' if you don't know rather than speculate; and
• a number of other key tips.

Ms. Margie Shealy, CMDA media relations officer, has a way of teaching all these things thoroughly, in an encouraging way, without making the novice feel overwhelmed.

Then, the media training gives the trainee a chance to practice both radio and television interviews on tape, and to be critiqued by oneself, one's peers, and individually by two of the top spokespersons in all of medicine -- Dr. David Stevens and Dr. Gene Rudd. One should be prepared to be humbled by this experience, but in my estimation there is no better way to improve one's skills.

Although I have also taken media training at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, I found the CMDA media training invaluable in preparing for the media encounters that have come my way as a spokesperson on bioethical issues on which I do research. The training is also of great value for clinicians who have to discuss matters of health care policy, and also discuss case findings of importance without inadvertently breaching patient confidentiality."

Thanks

Reg

I had media training with the CMDA in Bristol in May, and it really equipped me to handle various recent interviews, including the most difficult kind – speaking into a black monitor while only able to hear the interviewer’s questions. So thank you for all the work you do.

Blessings,
Dawn

Two weeks ago I was asked to comment on our senators position on stem cells. A local TV station wanted a physician to offer a contrasting view. Because I had attended this recent course, I understood the need to respond to this request. I looked at my schedule - my day was packed. I had a lecture to give at noon, and a series of back-to-back meetings following that. At the time of the request, the only unscheduled hour of my day was the next 60 minutes. I accepted an interview time 30 minutes from the time I hung up the phone. I called my wife to ask her to pray for me, spent 30 minutes in preparation and went to the interview. The newsperson complimented my efforts. I drew heavily on principles I learned in the course. I thank God for how he used this course to help me in that moment. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your work.

Eugene Smith, MD

I was extremely impressed by the intermingling of friendliness and professionalism while I was there. I must say I was intimidated coming in to the media weekend do to my complete lack of media experience and lack of knowledge of the issues. In spite of that, I learned so much in that short amount of time. The environment was so friendly and open, mistakes were viewed as just another way of learning. The experience and expertise of the leaders was impressive and assuring.

The weekend was priceless preparation that I feel all Christian medical leaders should experience. Yesterday in Sunday School, we were talking about Christians on reality TV shows and how they are under a microscope and many just wait for them to make a mistake. In media, especially in the areas of science and ethics, Christians must always be aware that their opinion might not be popular and there are many pitfalls in getting their message across.

Thank you again for all of your help during the media weekend.
Jeremy

As I drove away from the beautiful headquarters on Saturday evening, trying to take in all that I had experienced and learned this weekend this song came on the radio. I am sure I've heard before, but had never really listened to it.... The song is by Casting Crowns, called 'the Voice of Truth'. I am attaching the lyrics into this email so you can all read these marvelous words of encouragement for those, like me (and Moses, by the way!) who are reluctantly pursing this, but feel sure that it's orchestrated by our Lord.

If you can hear the song it will probably be even more apparent to you why I now am convinced that I am on this path as part of His purpose for my life. Perhaps you could adopt this as the theme song for your spring seminar! I know all of you must be tired, but hopefully this song will inspire you in the important work that you do there at CMDA. Thanks for a wonderful learning and challenging weekend.

Blessings to all of you!

Karyn