LLUMC sponsors unique radio programs
 |
| Emergency room physician Bruce Heischober, MD, visits with a guest on the Loma Linda University Medical Center radio program "Ask Your Doctor." |
To many people, physicians are well respected but often inaccessible. To combat that perception, LLUMC developed the two radio programs which have proven to be effective in making quality medical advice easily available.
"Ask Your Doctor" aired for the first time in 1994. The show was initially hosted by Loren Hauck, MD, and followed a format that involved the physician interviewing a specialist on a particular topic and then fielding calls from the public on that topic.
Eventually, the format changed to accommodate the growing need of listeners to be able to address any question that was medically pertinent.
In 1995, Bruce Heischober, MD, an LLUMC emergency medicine physician, took over as host of the show. He has had experience in broadcasting and has been featured on KROQ's nationally syndicated program "Love Line," as well as Minirth Meier's "New Life Clinic." Dr. Heischober not only answers questions pertaining to specific medical conditions, but also offers information on benefits of preventive medicine.
"Ask Your Doctor's" Spanish counterpart, "Cita Con Su Medico," was developed for many of the same reasons that the English program was. The husband-and-wife physician team of Drs. Abel and Vilma Torres have hosted the show since its beginning in 1996. They are specialists in the fields of dermatology and cardiology respectively. Dr. Abel Torres is also assistant dean of the School of Medicine.
The need among the local Spanish-speaking community for medical advice that was convenient, as well as relevant, was one that could not be ignored. According to Dr. Abel Torres, "The health concerns of callers to the Spanish program are the same as the English program; however, there are certain issues in the Spanish community that are difficult to discuss, for example, birth control and infertility. It is good to be able to educate our callers on those issues."
Public response to the programs has been positive as both shows have been adept at tackling somewhat difficult medical questions in a manner that is both user-friendly and informative.
The Drs. Torres receive between eight to ten calls per show, and callers have conveyed their appreciation for the efforts put forth by the program. Dr. Abel Torres says that "though doing the show is tiring as it tapes weekly and demands a lot of preparation time, we enjoy it and find it satisfying to be able to educate and give information on many things that are preventable."
"Ask Your Doctor" is also enjoying much success. Dr. Heischober has been able to speak with up to 14 callers during a one-hour show.
According to Greg Williams, DrPH, producer and director, "people will even call the station throughout the week to make sure their questions will be answered."
"Radio is a powerful tool for spreading information," says Dr. Heischober, "and certainly the rewards reaped by both shows are plentiful."
[Scope, Autumn '97 contents] [NEWSCOPE contents]
All contents copyright © 2001 Loma
Linda University. All rights reserved.
Revised
Monday, January 8, 2001 3:01 PM
Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu
URL: http: //www.llu.edu