NYU Gets Sirius about the Reach of Medical Radio

NYU recently partnered with Sirius Satellite Radio to launch “Doctor Radio Powered by NYU Medical Center,” a pioneering radio channel devoted exclusively to information on all health, wellness, and medical issues.

      “Doctor Radio” will broadcast 24/7 on Sirius channel 114 and feature four original two-hour live programs each weekday, replayed throughout the day. Each program will have a guiding theme and will be hosted or cohosted by a member of the Medical Center community, including more than 40 prominent NYU physicians from various fields.

      The project’s medical director and physician coordinator is Marc K. Siegel, clinical associate professor of medicine, a widely published author and columnist. Hosts have been rigorously trained for their on-air roles, he explains, and they will not only share their expertise but also interview guests, take phone calls from listeners, and respond to incoming emails.

      “I’ve been an internist at NYU for 20 years,” says Siegel, “but I never realized the range of expertise we have here until now. Our doctors will take new medical research and findings and translate them into easy-to-understand information. It will come straight from the horse’s mouth, but of course we will not attempt to treat, only to offer general advice.”

      Examples of the kind of patient-oriented topics to be covered are “How to know if you’re at risk for a heart attack,” “What really goes on inside an emergency room,” “How parents can cope with children suffering from ADHD,” “Navigating the health care system,” and “Things you should consider before reaching for Viagra.” Topics will also extend beyond medicine to such areas as nutrition, fitness and exercise, psychology, and integrative medicine. While each program will be advertiser-sponsored, products or services will not be related to content.