2017 Conference

Charles Atkin Outstanding Translational Health Communication Scholar Award

We are pleased to announce Jay M. Bernhardt, Ph.D., MPH as the recipient of the 2017 Charles Atkin Outstanding Translational Health Communication Scholar Award!  Jay currently serves as Dean of the Moody College of Communication, Founding Director of the Center for Health Communication, Walter Cronkite Regents Chair, and DeWitt Carter Reddick Regents Chair at The University of Texas at Austin. He was competitively selected to receive this prestigious award based on his outstanding record of translating health communication research into important new health practices, programs, policies, and technologies.  Jay will be accepting this award at the DC Health Communication (DCHC) conference Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 29th, where he will discuss his translational program of research and scholarship. Past recipients of the Charles Atkin Outstanding Translational Health Communication Scholar Award include the following distinguished scholars:  Dr. David Gustafson, University of Wisconsin, Dr. Linda Neuhauser, University of California at Berkeley, and Dr. Bradford Hesse, National Cancer Institute.

Friday Morning Keynote Address
Marcus Engel

Marcus Engel is a bestselling author and speaker whose messages inspire, impact and influence audiences.

His powerful story is customized for each individual organization and always includes the basis of overcoming adversity, commitment to higher goals, honoring health care professionals and embracing the truly important aspects of life.

Marcus’ keynotes have been witnessed by tens of thousands of audience members including major Healthcare Institutions, Corporations, Faith Based Organizations and many of the country’s top rated Universities and Colleges. No matter where audience members are personally or professionally, there is something for everyone!

Marcus’ memoir, “After This…An Inspirational Journey for All the Wrong Reasons,” chronicles his amazing journey. As a college freshman, Marcus was blinded and nearly killed after being struck by a drunk driver. Through two years of rehab, over 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery and adaptation through a multitude of life changes, Marcus remained committed to his goal of recapturing life. This unforgettable story is the basis for “The Drop,” a multi-award winning short film, and is currently in development as a feature film.

Marcus’ other books include “The Other End of the Stethoscope: 33 Insights for Excellent Patient Care,” “I’m Here: Compassionate Communication in Patient Care,” “Everyday Inspiration” and “Open,” a health care focused E-novelette by Marcus and Amy Glenn-Vega.

Institutions around the country, such as Columbia University, Clemson University, University of Central Florida, Missouri Baptist Hospital, and Wake Med Health continue to use Marcus’ books as required reading for students and health care professionals.

Marcus holds a B.S. in sociology from Missouri State University and an M.S. in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, NYC. He lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Marvelyne and Seeing Eye dog, Elliott.

Keynote Sponsored by Mason’s
Center for Health and Risk Communication

Click here to learn more about Marcus