Public Relations Blog

 TCU Daily Skiff - \”In the Spotlight: Doug Newsome

Today I met a PR legend…Dr. Doug Newsome.  An accomplished professor at Texas Christian University (TCU); author and co-author of key public relations textbooks; and invited lecturer around the world, she has more accomplishments than I can begin to note.  “Well, when you lived as long as I have, you just naturally have a long vitae,” says Dr. Newsome.

Dr. Newsome was the guest speaker at the joint PRSA meeting (Greater Fort Worth and Dallas chapters) today discussing PR Ethic Battles.  She was delightful, insightful, and comical.  When I grow up, I hope to contribute even a fifth of the pearls she’s devoted to the public relations profession.

Excited to share the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) posted today the 2008 MarCom Award winners, including two awards for Atria and clients Dr. Michael Mack and Novadaq Technologies, Inc.

Atria receives a platinum award in the External Communication Program category for Novadaq’s “We SPY” campaign.   The Delta SKY magazine’s “The Bypass Less Taken” three-page feature article receives a bronze award.  Check it out: Assoc. of Mar. Com. Professionals

I must admit that last night was the first time I’ve heard the word “cronyism.”  Miriam-Webster defines the word as “partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications.”  The word was just another reminder to me why my friends and colleagues at PRSA are fighting for a “Clean & Fair Campaign 2008.”  Together, we’re giving a shout out to the McCain and Obama campaigns (which includes fellow PR professionals) to abide by the PRSA Code of Ethics and provide accurate, truthful and transparent information to the voters.  It sounds lofty, but I remain hopeful.  More on PRSA’s campaign: PRSA\’s Clean & Fair Campaign 2008

A special thanks to all the folks who came out to the 4th Annual Heart Day on the Square charity event to benefit the Chloe Duyck Memorial Fund.  Quick estimates are that we raised $50,000 for congenital heart disease research (heart defects).  More about her story: Chloe Duyck and Heart Day on the Square: Hope 4 Tiny Hearts.

I recently observed my first plastic reconstructive surgery thanks to Dr. Chrysopoulo PRMA and his team at The Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.  We were there to get some video of the procedure using Novadaq’s SPY(R) System during a breast reconstruction procedure, following a mastectomy.  SPY helps doctors identify the tissue with the most effective blood vessels so they can minimize the tissue harvested from the abdomen to the chest.  The procedure, known as the DIEP Flap, means the woman’s breasts are re-created with her own natural tissue, instead of using implants.

Why is using SPY beneficial in this surgery?  Because w/out SPY, doctors make an educated guess about the area to harvest and may take more tissue than necessary to allow for variances.  There’s also a risk that the tissue is not viable (not sufficient blood flow in the vessels) and the transplanted tissue dies.  Now, this woman must face another reconstructive procedure and increased risks of complications.  After watching the 10-hour, intricate surgery, I’m certain women need to know their options when faced with breast cancer and know that technology like SPY is available to improve the safety and quality of the procedure.  Ladies…get your mammograms.  Early detection is vital.

Thanks to everyone who supported me today in the American Heart Association’s annual heart walk, now called START (as in START walking).  This was my 12th year to be involved, helping to raise $$ and awareness about heart disease and stroke.  As many of you know, I lost my father to heart disease three years ago.  And, my grandmother suffered a major stroke six years ago, but thankfully she made a full recovery with prayer, some amazing doctors I’ve worked with for several years, and a powerful, effective drug known as TPA.  There are several risk factors of heart disease that are absolutely controllable - so know your risks and take a proactive approach for a healthy heart.  Learn more about how walking helps your heart: AHA Healthy Hearts

Beth Harbin, director of strategic PR at Southwest Airlines, spoke to 100+ PRSA Dallas professionals today about how Southwest responded to 9/11 and other crises, keeping its enviable reputation intact.  What an emotional topic on the anniversary of this tragic event.  Beth shared that responding to a terrorist attack was no where in their crisis plan.  She also reported that pre 9/11 her team received about 100 media calls a month and post 9/11 they receive around 400 per month.  While I hope none of our companies or clients have to deal with this level of crisis, I do hope we learn from Southwest how immediate, accurate and transparent communication saves the day…every day.

Well it’s here all ready…the first day of school.  As I walked my boys into their classes this morning, I was recalling some of the simple things we learned during our elementary days that apply not only to the PR profession, but all careers.  Thanks toRobert Fulghum, I don’t have to remember them all in my steadily overloaded brain.

Here are a few from Robert’s book that I try to live by at home and work…Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated, Share Everything, Play Fair, Don’t Hit People, Say You’re Sorry When You Hurt Somebody, and Clean Up Your Own Mess.  A favorite that I rarely enjoy…Take A Nap Every Afternoon.