Sue Rochman

Award-winning independent writer and editor who breathes life into medical research, health policy, and statistics, with the goal of improving health care access, reducing disparities, and making complex concepts accessible to people seeking  medical care.

SKILLS

• Exceptional research and writing abilities.
• Shaping and improving  health communications by writing key messages, fact sheets, and opinion pieces.
• Identifying untold stories.
• Managing relationships with co-workers, clients, consultants, and freelancers.

EXPERIENCE

Independent Health Care Journalist, San Francisco

2000 – Present

• Contributing Editor, Cancer Today Magazine: Develop, assign, and edit articles for 10-page international news section of quarterly magazine published by the American Association for Cancer Research; follow and track trends in medical and policy arenas.

• News Reporter and Editor, American Heart Association

• Medical Reference Writer, WebMD

• Contributing Writer, HealthNewsReview.org

• News Writer, Journal of the National Cancer Institute

• Bylines: The Advocate, MAMM, HIV Plus

Nonprofit Communications

2000 – Present

• Health Education Writer, Cancer Support Community: Write web content, learning guides, and video scripts using best practices for improving health literacy.

• Medical Writer, Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research: Co-creator bilingual breast cancer education video series.

• Medical Writer & Consultant, BreastCancerTrials.org: Create and edit monthly e-publication Metastatic Trial Talk; write content for clinical trials matching service.

• Legislative Report Writer, Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program

• Additional Clients: The Women’s Foundation of California, Zero Breast Cancer, GroundSpark (formerly Women’s Educational Media), California Breast Cancer Research Program

Communications Director, Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, San Francisco

1998-2000

Created and implemented strategic communications plans; wrote compelling pitches and press releases; built relationships with reporters nationwide. 

AWARDS

Award for Excellence in Health Care Journalism, Association of Health Care Journalists, 2018 and 2007 

Excellence in Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, 2011

GLBT  Historical Society, “Sue Rochman Papers,” Asked to donate research and notes on HIV/AIDS and prison populations.

PRESENTATIONS

“Covering Health in a Multicultural Society: LGBTQ Voices,” Association of Health Care Journalists.

“Cancer as a Chronic Condition,” Association of Health Care Journalists.

EDUCATION

Syracuse University — Master of Arts

Journalism, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

University of California, San Diego — Bachelor of Arts

Women’s Studies

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee,

San Francisco Day School

Volunteer Educator, Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, San Francisco

Executive Director, Sexual Assault Victims Advocate Resource, Auburn, NY

Education Director, Syracuse University R.A.P.E. (Rape, Advocacy, Prevention, and Education) Center, NY

Education Coordinator, Ithaca Rape Crisis, NY

Graduate Studies, Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 

Healthworker, Feminist Women’s Health Center, San Diego