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Health Sciences HS
  1. Health Sciences
  2. Administration
  3. Communications
  4. Public Relations
  5. Working With the Media

Working With the Media

The Health Sciences Communications team supports proactive media relations by issuing press releases and other media alerts, pitching op-eds and providing media support and training to Health Sciences experts. Our team also works reactively by responding to incoming media requests, coordinating interviews with experts, providing support for crisis communications and responding to breaking news as appropriate.

Why Work With the Media?

Working with the media is a great way to share thought leadership, build public understanding of new discoveries or advocate for ways to tackle society’s most pressing problems. It helps you and UC San Diego:

  • Engage with the public
  • Build awareness
  • Inform, influence and advocate
  • Enhance reputation and visibility
  • Highlight the value of research 
  • Encourage support for funding 
  • Provide science-based information 
  • Attract students, faculty and others

News Media Visits

  • All members of the media visiting campus should coordinate their visit through Health Sciences communications.
  • No member of the university community should speak on behalf of the university without specific coordination with University Communication or express permission from leadership. Notify your communication’s contact if you receive requests from the media.

News Media Inquiries

  • Faculty, staff or students who are contacted by the media should coordinate with their communications lead to ensure we’re able to monitor for coverage, provide helpful guidance and coordinate any university response needed.
  • Any inquiries from journalists, filmmakers, public authorities or agencies involving patients, family members, medical facility visitors, hospital staff members, programs and clinical research departments within UC San Diego Health should be directed to the UC San Diego Health Marketing Communications team at 858-249-0456 or news-media@health.ucsd.edu.

Preparing for an Interview

  • Develop three to five clear, concise key messages that reporters can easily incorporate into their story. Practice them. Memorize them. But make sure they sound authentic.
  • As you develop your key messages, ask yourself the following questions:
    • What do I want to be asked?
    • What should people remember?
    • What do I want the story to say?
    • Why should anyone care?
  • Your key messages should be supported with examples/evidence.
  • Messages should be consistent, simple, succinct and clear.
  • There may be tough questions. Develop responses to any difficult questions
    you anticipate reporters asking. 
We are here to help you refine your messages so they reach a broader audience. Contact healthscicomm@ucsd.edu or your local communications lead for support.

Media Training

Twice a year, Health Sciences Communications offers in-person media training. Email healthscicomm@ucsd.edu for upcoming training information.

Additional Resources