by WHSLA Member, Diane Giebink-Skoglind
Being an informed citizen requires work to find quality information and identify misinformation
and disinformation. Librarians are well-qualified to do this work. We in this field know that the
quality of healthcare information is critical to the work medical librarians do. In today’s
environment some of the sources we have relied on have been impacted in numerous ways
which necessitates looking for experts who can explain, refute, elaborate or otherwise
determine impacts in this chaotic situation which now exists following the monumental
changes to federal resources.
Personally, I've been watching what is happening with HHS, CDC, FDA, NIH, etc. And have
searched for sources of information that can help shed light on what is happening. In the
process I have found commendable people and organizations working diligently to fill in gaps
and illuminate concerns.
Because some legacy news sources have been compromised for a variety of reasons,
they have been skirting or ignoring some healthcare issues or tempering their comments.
As an end-around this deficit, I have been using several tools and resources to search for more information.
Here is a far-from-complete synopsis of what I have found. These are resources I use and can
comment on. I am interested in hearing what others use too. Previous WHSLA blog entries
have listed some of these options, so please excuse any duplication.
Substack
My favorite tool is the Substack app which contains experts that are using this resource to
disseminate information that may not be covered in the legacy press and to elaborate on
information that other resources either can’t or won’t provide adequate ink space to. A lot of
the influencers on this resource have multiple accounts on other platforms such as,
This knowledge came into good use sooner than I expected. Recently at my local pharmacy, I
had an interesting conversation with a former co-worker that is very conservative and was
repeating some misinformation relating to NIH cuts. I simply asked him where he thought the
Keytruda that is prolonging his life came from, and how cuts to research impact the drugs we
benefit from now and impact future formulations. He considered my example and
acknowledged he hadn’t thought of that.
Health Specific Substack Examples (a limited list)
MORE:
Below, is a screenshot of different payment options and subscription plans using Dr. Rubin’s
site as an example:
When one is in a Substack account, the option, below, is very helpful and the links lead to past
postings and other resources. You can also set up alerts.
Independent News Resources on the Substack App
Following are a couple of independent news resources. Personally, I watch MEIDAS+ and Jim
Acosta which can lead to more shows and recommendations. Of note, a recent addition to the
Meidas+ list of options is Meidas Health which is hosted by Dr. Vin Gupta.
Beyond Substack
In addition to Substack, I monitor/watch/scan various websites of news organizations.
My Favorites:
One of the features I appreciate the most with these sites is the ability to sign up for free alerts
to key you into something that may be of interest. In addition, daily newsletters, provide a
synopsis of the news either early in the day or after hours, both aids are helpful and lead to
more information and other resources. Moreover, just exploring a site’s menu and clicking on
various features provide a plethora of options. Serendipity works!
I pay for full access subscriptions for the NYT and The Atlantic.
Here is a far-from-complete synopsis of what I have found. These are resources I use and can
comment on. I am interested in hearing what others use too. Previous WHSLA blog entries
have listed some of these options, so please excuse any duplication.
Substack
My favorite tool is the Substack app which contains experts that are using this resource to
disseminate information that may not be covered in the legacy press and to elaborate on
information that other resources either can’t or won’t provide adequate ink space to. A lot of
the influencers on this resource have multiple accounts on other platforms such as,
“X”, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). I won’t speak to these
platforms and their content other than to say, “you do you,” and choose
your resource per your preference!
Caveat emptor: Concerning Substack, as anyone can use and create on this resource,
Caveat emptor: Concerning Substack, as anyone can use and create on this resource,
there is a lot of questionable posting on this platform to be aware of.
Some of it makes for interesting reading, but it’s always good to know what other groups
disseminate so to fact check and formulate a response.
This knowledge came into good use sooner than I expected. Recently at my local pharmacy, I
had an interesting conversation with a former co-worker that is very conservative and was
repeating some misinformation relating to NIH cuts. I simply asked him where he thought the
Keytruda that is prolonging his life came from, and how cuts to research impact the drugs we
benefit from now and impact future formulations. He considered my example and
acknowledged he hadn’t thought of that.
Health Specific Substack Examples (a limited list)
MORE:
Below, is a screenshot of different payment options and subscription plans using Dr. Rubin’s
site as an example:
When one is in a Substack account, the option, below, is very helpful and the links lead to past
postings and other resources. You can also set up alerts.
Independent News Resources on the Substack App
Following are a couple of independent news resources. Personally, I watch MEIDAS+ and Jim
Acosta which can lead to more shows and recommendations. Of note, a recent addition to the
Meidas+ list of options is Meidas Health which is hosted by Dr. Vin Gupta.
Beyond Substack
In addition to Substack, I monitor/watch/scan various websites of news organizations.
Note: Some of these are only accessible via a subscription.
Some subscribed content may be available through Badgerlink.
Some are more censored than others.
My Favorites:
- STAT
- Politico / Politico Health Care
- Axios / Axios Health
- Vox
- The Associated Press
- The Guardian
- NPR
- PBS News Hour
- The New Republic
- WIRED
- NBC
- MSNBC
- CBS
- CBS Healthwatch
- ABC
- Slate
- ProPublica
- The New York Times
- The Atlantic
One of the features I appreciate the most with these sites is the ability to sign up for free alerts
to key you into something that may be of interest. In addition, daily newsletters, provide a
synopsis of the news either early in the day or after hours, both aids are helpful and lead to
more information and other resources. Moreover, just exploring a site’s menu and clicking on
various features provide a plethora of options. Serendipity works!
I pay for full access subscriptions for the NYT and The Atlantic.
Everything else and Substack, I use the unpaid option. In Substack this option allows some access,
but limits some interactions and access to some features, so I can't comment virtually on the articles displayed;
however, I can read and 'like' and download or forward. Some websites allow free access,
with or without sign up for a free account, depending on the resource; others, are behind a firewall,
but can provide hints of where else to look.
Also, check your public library; through my local public library and the Libby app I can
access WIRED, the Guardian Weekly, and The New Yorker.
It is impossible to watch and/or take it all in (nor is it good for mental health) so I pick and
choose and try to be that informed citizen and take solace in resources I find in my wandering
like this.
Also, check your public library; through my local public library and the Libby app I can
access WIRED, the Guardian Weekly, and The New Yorker.
It is impossible to watch and/or take it all in (nor is it good for mental health) so I pick and
choose and try to be that informed citizen and take solace in resources I find in my wandering
like this.
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