"Reporting on emerging public health issues means you have to kind of be a detective." Twitter Q&A with Health Correspondent, Hilary Brueck
To help our readers get to know the people that power our newsroom, we host live Twitter conversations called #TheInsideStory on our @InsiderInc account with reporters and editors from our Business, Life, and News sections.
We recently caught up with Hilary Brueck, Health Correspondent, to get the latest on what’s happening in the public health sphere, which trends Hilary and her team are closely following, and where Hilary’s passion for science and health stems from. Be sure to follow Hilary on Twitter @hilarx and check out her page on Insider.
We’re really excited to have you today, @hilarx! We know there’s a lot to talk about in public health, but can you first tell us more about your role at @thisisinsider? #TheInsideStory
Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to be here. I’m a health correspondent at Insider - and I write about all facets of public health. That includes reporting on outbreaks (recently: COVID19, monkeypox) medical mysteries, functional “cures” for HIV, Lupus+ more!
Often, my stories shine a light on people on the front lines of outbreaks, whether they’re patients, families, ER doctors, or disease detectives. Here’s a story I wrote about a frustrated MD in San Francisco seeing monkeypox patients misdiagnosed.
Generally speaking, I’m reporting on the latest health news, debunking misinformation, and unpacking mysterious trends – like this piece on why we’re seeing more infectious #diseases popping up these days, featuring @paimadhu + @DrJayVarma.
On that note, happy to answer any questions people may have about recent outbreaks or health stories in the news!
Thank you for sharing! These examples really show how you're able to break down complicated health topics and make them easier to understand. Can you also share more about your career journey prior to joining @thisisinsider?
Absolutely. Before Insider, I wrote breaking news for top-of-the-hour newscasts at @ABCNewsRadio. Writing for the ear is a little different, but it’s such a fantastic way to keep your typing muscles trained to stay short, conversational, and accurate ... kinda like Twitter!
... mega s/o and h/t goes to @CheriPreston, @AaronKatersky, @DariaAlbinger, @KateriJochum, @blaustein, @ScottGoldberg... who am I missing?? So many more talented, hosts, reporters & writers from those days ... including some who are not on Twitter! (You know who you are!! )
In addition to my work at ABC, I also wrote about science, health & technology for @ForbesScience & @FortuneTech before coming to @InsiderInc. In a previous life, I was a teacher (taught French in the US, and English in @PeaceCorps Madagascar).
I still try to use those same teaching skills (of interpretation, immersion, and clear explanation) today when I’m writing about science and health! I want to make sure what I’m writing doesn’t intimidate readers, but instead welcomes them into the story.
What an incredible journey you've had so far! So, how did you begin covering public health and wellness? Where does your interest in the field stem from?
I’ve always loved writing about health & science- it’s exciting to learn about new discoveries and advances that may improve our lives. I also think reporters and scientists share a lot in common: we’re constantly asking questions, trying to get closer & closer to the truth.
One of the first big public health stories I wrote about for Insider was this 2019 feature on how scientists @StJudeResearch were preparing for the next big influenza pandemic – just a few months before COVID19 broke out.
Can you also share the current trending topics that you’re paying close attention to?
COVID + monkeypox are the obvious answers here, but I’m also following the flu closely this year. I'm curious to see how this season pans out - things weren’t great in Australia.
A top flu expert I talked to recently said he’ll be getting his flu shot a little early this year (like, now-ish!!) in large part because of how things went in Australia.
The guy who designs our annual flu shots is getting his in October, and suggests you do too
This is a well-timed discussion and a helpful reminder that flu shots are available. There is no shortage of health topics to cover, so how do you decide what to focus on next?
Totally! When it comes to our coverage, I’m drawn to the stuff that doesn’t quite make sense yet. I want to get as close as I can to answering *seemingly* unanswerable health questions. For example: Why are some people able to ‘control’ HIV?
Or, how can existing treatment modalities (like monoclonal #antibodies, #mRNA, and CAR-T) be dispatched in new ways, against different diseases? I recently spoke with a doctor in Germany about that.
These topics are fascinating to learn more about, but can also be quite complex. Where do you look for the latest (accurate) information?
Great question. Honestly, it really depends on the subject! For COVID, I’ve started looking to wastewater surveillance for early clues about what the virus is doing in different areas this is something that wasn’t available early on in the pandemic.
But, that strategy doesn’t work for every new outbreak. Reporting on emerging public health issues means you have to kind of be a detective.
Usually, the fastest way I figure out what’s going on is by talking directly to my key sources: the doctors, patients, researchers, and officials who know what’s up.
"Detective Hilary is on the case," literally! In general, what are your favorite topics to cover?
Honestly ... I’m a huge nerd, so I love learning about new discoveries and scientific breakthroughs - like this recent find that doppelgängers share key genes that shape their appearances.
It was also fun covering the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology earlier this week - I got to chat with one of the people in Sweden (@perlmannlab) who decides who gets the prize.
Nobel Prize in medicine goes to 'unusual' candidate who discovered that modern humans and Neanderthals had children together
And I love making data easier to digest for readers too - like in this recent flu story.
Finally, anything that can take me behind the scenes where scientists are doing their work is amazing, and helps me become a better writer *and* reporter. Earlier this year, I got to do CRISPR gene editing on zebrafish @MBLScience - that was a real dream come true.
s/o to my lab mates @ambikakandasamy, @mattsreynolds1, @SciencePunk, @JudithPyke! And mega props to our professors, @JoshRosenthal16 + @JMarkWelch who made sure we didn't totally screw this stuff up.
Awesome action shot! Before we get to our last question, “spooky season” is upon us, but that means so is “cold and flu” season, like you mentioned earlier. Is there anything readers should know to help them stay healthy this fall and winter?
The great thing about the flu is that it’s super susceptible to interventions like masks and vaccines. In fact, some flu varieties almost disappeared completely in 2021.
I’d boil down flu season advice into three basic moves: 1.get vaccinated 2. stay home if you feel sick (or wear a mask if you have to go to work or run errands.) and 3. get Tamiflu if someone in your house has the flu. It can prevent you from getting sick, which is pretty cool! I used the drug that way in August.
And last but not least, what’s your favorite part about working at @thisisinsider?
Oh yes! The best part about working at @InsiderInc is definitely the people!! My editors @miadegraaf, @arielhs, @kashmiragander are so sharp - and my colleagues on the health team are all such astute reporters too. I love how creative, nimble, and collaborative we all are.
You know what they say about team work! Hilary, thanks again for joining today’s #TwitterChat & giving us the opportunity to get to learn more about you & the topics you cover. Be sure to follow Hilary @hilarx and check out her page on Insider.