Each new technological convenience, such as smart phones, portable tablet computers and free wireless internet at every corner, makes the Internet more and more accessible to “e-patients,” or health care patients searching for online diagnoses, treatment options and other health care information.
These e-patients turn to online health resources to find information in preparation for, or even in place of, doctor visits. While these popular sites can instruct worried parents on how to treat a simple cold or tummy ache, they can also create unnecessary confusion and anxiety about unlikely diagnoses.
In fact, of the 61 percent of American adults looking online for health information, six in 10 of those e-patients say their most recent Internet search actually affected their decision on how to treat an illness or condition.
To help solve the potential problems posed by this wealth of online information, health organizations, hospitals and physicians should consider this old adage: “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Saxum, a multi-dimensional creative, public relations and marketing firm, recently announced the promotion of Houda Elyazgi to senior account executive, Lisa Janssen to media relations supervisor, Rachel Leonard to account executive and Anthony Triana to media relations specialist.
Elyazgi is responsible for managing accounts, conducting research, writing, developing campaign strategies and planning special events for clients as a senior account executive. She also coordinates Saxum’s Step Up program, which provides a $50,000 pro bono service grant to one Oklahoma nonprofit each year. Elyazgi graduated with distinctions from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in Arabic.
As media relations supervisor, Janssen oversees writing, communications and media outreach for Saxum accounts, focusing on strategic media placements that reach clients’ objectives. She also oversees the firm’s social media presence and conducts trainings for clients in traditional and social media. Janssen brings a multimedia and journalism background to Saxum, after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a minor in Spanish.
Leonard serves as an account executive at Saxum, focusing on account support and management, with a particular emphasis on Saxum’s health care clients. She also has experience using social media communications tools to effectively reach target audiences and garner media coverage for clients. Leonard graduated with academic distinction from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations
Triana leads the Saxum Intelligence Department, focusing on conducting research, writing and gathering information of interest to Saxum’s clients. As a media relations specialist, he also supports Saxum’s media efforts through strategic expert positioning of Saxum clients. Triana graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communication with an emphasis in public relations and a bachelor’s of business administration in finance.
About Saxum
Saxum provides integrated strategies in public relations and marketing for clients at the local, regional and national level. Saxum also provides creative services through its wholly-owned subsidiary Maxus Creative. With offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and a presence in Austin and Dallas, Saxum is ranked 13th of 135 independent public relations firms based on annual revenue growth by O’Dwyer’s PR Services Report and is a member of IPREX, one of the world’s largest international public relations networks. For more information, visit www.saxumpr.com.
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Finding employment can be a daunting process. Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma more than two years ago, I have been fortunate to have accepted three fantastic positions in the public relations industry, and I can tell you from experience that the key to landing your dream job is recognizing what makes you unique and promoting your individuality. Keep reading to learn the tricks I have up my sleeve.
Let’s start with a few seemingly obvious job interview tips, like making sure you don’t have leftovers stuck in your smile. It’s important that you dress to impress. I suggest wearing a suit; heels for women, ties for men. Women should avoid heavy make up, limit items of jewelry and avoid open-toed shoes and bare legs (wear hosiery if you choose to wear a skirt). Men should be clean-shaven and sport a tame head of hair.
When preparing for an interview, organize a comprehensive, professional-looking portfolio of relevant work, if applicable to the position. Be sure to take plenty professional hard copy resumes and references, even if you have already provided electronic copies.
Mentally preparing for the interview is essential, too. Know their business – future employers love when you can tell them what you know about their company. Know answers to tough questions like, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why are you a fit for our company?” You may also want to have a few questions of your own in your back pocket to give you a sense of the working environment, such as “What do you like best about your job?”
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Saxum Public Relations, a full-service public relations, public affairs and strategic marketing firm, today announced the hiring of Chad Backus as account supervisor and Rachel Leonard as junior account executive. Maxus Creative, Saxum’s wholly owned, in-house creative and conceptual firm, announced the hiring of Ruben Cabrera as a designer.
Chad Backus serves as account supervisor and brings more than 10 years of agency, corporate and nonprofit experience to Saxum. Prior to joining Saxum, he served as account supervisor at Michael A. Burns & Associates in Dallas, communications director for Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, communications specialist with AARP’s southwest regional office in Dallas and public relations specialist at MarCom Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations in Oklahoma City. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting with an emphasis in public relations.
Rachel Leonard serves as a junior account executive at Saxum. Leonard’s previous experience includes serving as an account executive at New Jersey-based Beckerman Public Relations and as an account coordinator for Stern + Associates in New Jersey. She served as an intern with Health For Friends in Norman, OU Medical Center, SouthCrest Hospital in Tulsa and KFOR-TV. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations.
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