Digest Magazine – Who Tells the Story of Health?

Stacie Fairley, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, PCOM South Georgia, emphasizes that addressing vaccine misinformation requires both scientific evidence and empathy. “The myth that vaccines cause autism has no scientific basis. It originated from a flawed study linking the MMR vaccine to developmental disorders. The paper was later retracted. Since then, studies worldwide have shown no causal relationship,” she says. “Clinicians must approach vaccine conversations through a culturally responsive lens. This involves listening, acknowledging concerns without reinforcing misinformation and explaining concepts in respectful ways.”

Stacie Fairley, PhD

Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, CMD, FACOFP, dist., professor and chair of geriatric and palliative medicine, PCOM, notes that the federal reclassification of medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III has precipitated questions from patients and providers. “Cannabis is sometimes used for pain relief in older adults, especially for chronic nerve pain, arthritis and cancer- or inflammation-related pain,” she says. “While it has shown some benefit, it also comes with important risks in this age group, including confusion or memory problems, anxiety or paranoia (THC-related), cardiac effects, drug interactions, impaired driving, falls and sedation. Providers should approach cannabis use in older adults with caution and always ‘start low and go slow.’ ”

Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, CMD, FACOFP, dist.

Jessica Glass Kendorski, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, chair of school psychology, PCOM, observes that fear is a motivator in a society where attention—especially through social media—is a hot commodity. “We are bombarded with information, and emotionally salient messages are often the ones remembered,” she says. “Parents trying to support their children can be vulnerable to misinformation that capitalizes on fear, while children and adolescents are still developing critical-thinking skills. To respond, we must focus not only on facts, but also empathy, and provide clear, developmentally appropriate information along with stronger media and technology literacy skills.”

Jessica Glass Kendorski, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D

Brent Rollins, PhD, RPH, professor of pharmacy administration, PCOM Georgia, warns that misinformation is a persistent challenge requiring clinical preparedness. “Fake facts and misinformation aren’t going away. Today’s algorithm-driven media environment ensures their spread. The volume, speed and emotional resonance of false narratives give them a head start,” he says. “This shifts responsibility to healthcare professionals, who are often the last line of defense between patients and decisions shaped by what they see online or using AI. Staying current is no longer optional; it is a clinical competency. The antidote is evidence-based knowledge paired with clinical experience.”

Brent Rollins, PhD, RPH

“Body of Proof gets the premise right—then reminds you it’s still from Hollywood. It captures the core of medicolegal investigation: how a body can tell the story of a life and death through autopsy findings, toxicology and injury patterns. Even the autopsy scenes feel more grounded than most, with attention to process and detail. Where it stretches credibility is the medical examiner’s role. Megan Hunt isn’t just interpreting findings. She’s interrogating suspects and chasing down suspects, which always makes me laugh. In reality, medical examiners stay in their lane, working alongside law enforcement rather than leading it. And while TV wraps cases in 41 minutes, real answers take time. Sometimes they remain incomplete. Still, it’s my favorite—the show that started it all for me.”

Joseph C. Vizzarri, MS/FM ’26

“Shrinking shows a side of mental health professionals that audiences rarely see. The protagonist, Jimmy, is overwhelmed by grief after the death of his wife, yet he continues showing up for his patients. While his behaviors are often questionable—and the lack of consequences unrealistic—the show still captures something important: the complexity of being a therapist while struggling with personal issues. It humanizes the psychologist. Mental health professionals do think about their patients outside of sessions, and while we like to imagine people can completely separate work from personal life, that separation is rarely realistic. While Shrinking often gets ethics and professionalism wrong, it gets one thing right: Therapists genuinely care about their patients. And that care does not begin and end within a session.”

Ayla Bleznak MS/Psy ’24 (PsyD ’29)

“The Pitt is an intense, highly realistic medical drama that brings to light many issues faced in health care and our current sociopolitical climate. The portrayal of the emergency department captures the raw reality of medicine: the grueling burnout and pain, balanced by its unparalleled rewards. I enjoyed feeling guilt-free as I watched each episode because in watching the show, I was studying. It felt surreal to see a patient diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia from gastric content aspiration when I had just learned about it. Melette Le Blanc-Cabot, PA-C, is in part responsible for this as she has worked behind the scenes to help ensure that The Pitt remains as authentic as possible. There are of course errors (like Dr. Robby’s stethoscope facing backward in season 1); however, I appreciate the attention to detail. I would love to see a physician assistant next season!”

Alexandra Maloy (MS/PA ’27)

“I enjoy watching The Resident while studying. It captures the intensity and pace of hospital life. The pressure to make quick decisions, the constant interruptions and the teamwork across different providers all feel true to the day-to-day energy of medicine. I also think it does a nice job bringing patient advocacy to the forefront. Where it starts to drift is in how quickly everything gets resolved. A lot of complex cases are simplified into quick answers. Real medicine is rarely that straightforward. And like most medical shows, the timing is very TV-friendly. Labs, imaging and consults seem to happen almost instantly. In reality, there’s a lot more waiting, coordination and uncertainty behind the scenes. Still, it’s an easy watch, and it gives a decent snapshot of hospital life.”

Darnell Fisher (DO ’29), MS/Biomed ’25, MBA