Stanford Medicine communications office wins seven national awards

Stanford Medicine’s Office of Communications received top awards for writing and video production in the Association of American Medical Colleges’ annual competition. The office received three golds, two silvers and two bronzes for work produced in 2021 and 2022.

Stanford Medicine magazine received a silver award in the print and digital publishing (external audience periodicals) category. “A tour-de-force accomplishment,” the judges wrote. “Excellent writing defines this magazine. The blend of scholarly and personal articles, supported by strong visuals is consistent and tremendous.”

Science writer Bruce Goldman received two gold awards. One was in the basic-science writing category for “The Invader,” an in-depth article for Stanford Medicine magazine intended to introduce nonscientists to the workings of viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Judges called it an “excellently written piece that invites the reader to learn along with the writer.” The piece, also was a finalist in the Best in Show category, “fully merits the additional attention a top-level award would bring,” they wrote.

Goldman received the other gold in the news releases category for his explanation of how Stanford Medicine researchers used artificial-intelligence software to capture and interpret the thoughts of people who are paralyzed or have limited use of their limbs. The judges deemed it a compelling narrative that readers could easily understand. “The medical research and impact shared here is absolutely amazing,” they wrote. 

Associate editor Hanae Armitage received a silver award for her news release focusing on how genetic analyses found conclusive evidence of prehistoric contact between Polynesians and Native Americans from the region that is now Colombia. Judges praised Armitage for the unique topic and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. The author “thoughtfully shared the historical scientific debate and demonstrated why this new research is both compelling and important,” they wrote.

In the solicited articles category, writers Ruthann Richter and Jessica Best received a gold award for “Unequal Treatment,” an article for Stanford Medicine magazine that detailed the many ways in which racial bias has long permeated the practice of medicine, as well as the current effort to bring an end to the use of race in health care decisions. “Informative and compelling and moves the reader to want to take action,” the judges wrote.

In the electronic communications (audio and video) category, Stanford Medicine brought home two bronze awards. A COVID-19 animation series by Maya Adam, MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics, was praised for its “fresh and engaging” take on telling the COVID-19 story. “The animations are as charming as they are informational and instructive,” the judges wrote.

Senior digital media manager Margarita Gallardo was recognized for the video “Healing Through Food,” which put a spotlight on a group of unsung heroes — Stanford Health Care’s food services team. “High marks for selecting an often overlooked but very important component of hospital care,” the judges wrote.

The magazine is edited by Rosanne Spector and Patricia Hannon. The news releases are edited by John Sanford, Mandy Erickson and Hannon.

The awards are given by the AAMC’s Group on Institutional Advancement, which includes communications, development and alumni relations staff at academic medical centers. This year’s awards were presented April 5 in Chicago at the group’s annual meeting. In addition to the 2022 awards, Stanford Medicine was also recognized with one gold and three silver awards for work produced in 2020.