The Medical and Science Journalism Program at UNC is one of the nation's first master's programs of its kind. The program teaches skills needed to work as a practicing medical and science journalist across all media platforms.

The mission of the program is to educate journalists so that they can communicate the wonders and complexities of science and medicine to capture the imaginations of viewers, listeners and readers. Medical and science journalists provide a bridge between scientists and consumers.

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Deadline for application for admission to the master's program in medical and science journalism is Jan. 1.

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Students in the program's Science Documentary Television course have produced a number of award-winning medical and environmental reports. The latest video profiles a riverkeeper in the mountains of North Carolina.

In July 2009 another student-produced documentary, "Environmental Heroes," was broadcast on North Carolina Public Television, as part of the "North Carolina Visions" film festival. Students also have published recent articles in The Scientist and Endeavors magazines.

Tom Linden, M.D., is director of the Medical and Science Journalism Program and Glaxo Wellcome Distinguished Professor of Medical Journalism in the school. Faculty from both the J-School and the School of Public Health teach required courses in the master's program. A number of distinguished guest lecturers also work with the program's students.

For more information about medical journalism, read Dr. Linden's article, "Learning To Be a Medical Journalist" in Nieman Reports. For a perspective on media coverage of swine flu, listen to Dr. Linden interviewed on RadioWest, KUER-FM.