Medical Students to Provide Answers to Health Questions Online via Healia
The American Medical Student Association partners with Healia for online health Q&A to improve public access to health information

SEATTLE (April 2, 2009) – The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the nation’s oldest and largest independent association for more than 67,000 physicians-in-training, and Healia announced today that medical students and interns/residents from AMSA are now available to answer online health questions from the public for free on [Healia Communities] (http://communities.healia.com). Where once people looked to friends and acquaintances for advice on topics such as where to find reputable medical information and what kind of doctor to visit for a particular set of symptoms, a trained group of medical students will now be available to answer many of people’s common health questions. Healia and medical students are working together to make trusted health information available – anywhere, anytime, and at no cost.

Since the dawn of the public Internet, millions of people have sought answers to their health-related questions online. The Internet enables people to ask questions with anonymity and without costs – it also provides a way for people to connect with others in similar situations, providing much needed support. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, between 75% and 80% of American Internet users have looked for health information online.

There are many websites that people can use for online Q&A, but most of them are not appropriate for answering health questions because their sources are seldom qualified health professionals. Often the people responding to questions may only offer anecdotal information, they may not have any knowledge or training in medicine, or they may have hidden agendas or other conflicts of interest.

In contrast, the health Q&A service on Healia Communities allows users to view the profiles of those who have posted answers to their questions; all people whose profile identifies them as medical students or interns/residents have been verified by AMSA. They will deliver answers appropriate for students, while Healia’s health professional members will continue to offer expert answers. AMSA students will be trained in the principles of health counseling and patient education, enabling them to provide information that is accessible to the average Internet user. The online health Q&A service is available immediately and the public may submit health questions on any health issue for free after signing up at Healia Communities (http://communities.healia.com).

“The problem is that many people are rightly hesitant to use the Web for health questions because they have little or no confidence that their questions will be answered by someone who is actually qualified to do so,” said Tom Eng, Founder and President of Healia. “Through this partnership with AMSA, we hope that people will take advantage of this unique opportunity to get trusted information and learned insight from doctors-in-training who are actively studying the latest research and developments in medical science.”

“AMSA is proud to partner with Healia to offer this much needed public service,” said Dr. Brian Hurley, AMSA national president. “AMSA has long believed in public health and meeting patients where they are, and this program epitomizes that. We’re also excited that this program provides an opportunity for physicians-in-training to learn and begin implementing the fundamentals of patient education and health counseling. The AMSA-Healia Partnership enables medical students to expand upon the skills that will distinguish them as outstanding future clinicians and health communicators, while serving a current and acute public need.”

In addition to asking health questions, Healia Communities members can share their experiences and knowledge and make connections with others who have similar health interests and concerns. There are more than 250 active communities including allergy, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, breast cancer, diabetes, exercise and fitness, heart diseases and weight management.

About Healia
Healia (www.healia.com) is a patent-pending health-optimized search engine and online health community that guides people to trusted health information and personal support so that they can make the best health decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Healia is part of Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP) (www.meredith.com), one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies with businesses centering on magazine and book publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing and interactive media. For more information please visit www.healia.com.  

About the American Medical Student Association
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With more than 67,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. AMSA focuses on four strategic priorities, including advocating for quality, affordable health care for all, global health equity, enriching medicine through diversity and professional integrity, development and student well being. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at [www.amsa.org].

Media Contact for Healia:
Media Director
Healia
(425) 646-6030 ext. 105
media@healia.com

Media Contact for AMSA:
Kim Cunningham
Director of Public Relations
American Medical Student Association
Phone: (703) 620-6600 ext. 207 Mobile: (781) 223-4042
pr@amsa.org