HCD/Mediacurves latest study of physician's perceptions regarding the H1N1 Virus indicates that most doctors (57%) believe the media is generally providing the right amount of coverage regarding this potential pandemic.

Breaking thru the media noise can be in issue for to real news. With the Gates/Crowley/Obama Beer Summit, Michael Jackson's doctor controvery and all the other fluff that cable news covers it is impressive that docs are positive regarding coverage of a level 6 pandemic.

How do doctors get their information about this health issue? Below is a list of the top 3 sources doctors rely on (from a group of 9) to get the latest on the Pandemic.

Government Agencies 76%
News Media 70%
Medical Associations 53%

Mass media beat out medical associations, colleagues, symposia and medical conferences. But what can a doctor learn from the news media about the situation?

It looks like ABC news may provide some substance. They announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Besser as senior health and medical editor. Formerly Acting Director of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention when the swine flu threat became to the public's awareness, Dr. Besser may have an interest and background which could advance doctor and consumer awareness of the risks related to this issue.

News experts....lawyers, doctors and moralists are still focused on the issues related to the death of Michael Jackson. If the majority of physicians rely on the news media for information related to a potential world wide pandemic it is good to see a media outlet beefing up their coverage.