It was one of a number of experiences with the health-care system that shaped my thinking as a reporter. Every time I write a story, I try to think about it from the lens of patients who deal with the system each day. I try to explain it and demystify it for them, to the best of my ability.
Lately, I’ve been wondering about whether other journalists have been affected by their own brushes with the medical system. I asked four of them to weigh in — Peter Frost of the Chicago Tribune, Gary Schwitzer of HealthNewsReview.org, Lisa Chedekel of Connecticut Health Investigative Team and Katy Butler, author of the book “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” Here’s what they told me:
The stories are easily recognizable to anyone working in health care reform.