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# The Reis Group, LLC: Where passion and health care communications thrive.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://thereisgroup.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Blogs
- [Media Training Evolves in the Era of AI and Trust Erosion](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/media-training-evolves-in-the-era-of-ai-and-trust-erosion/): For decades, the chief purpose of media-interview training was to avoid serious blunders while ensuring that you delivered strong, on-target messaging. But several trends have changed what organizational leaders really need from media training and have heightened the importance of this critical skill.
- [Increasing Awareness and Building Credibility: How AI Metrics are Redefining PR Success](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/increasing-awareness-and-building-credibility-how-ai-metrics-are-redefining-pr-success/): The mechanism is worth understanding: High-authority national coverage feeds both AI training data and the real-time retrieval that these systems rely on. When a client earns a placement in a top-tier outlet, AI tools become more likely to surface them in generated answers—which in turn can drive branded searches, as people who encounter the name in an AI response go looking for more. Earned media, in other words, increasingly seeds the very systems shaping what audiences discover next, going beyond increasing awareness.
- [Ten Years of Healthcare Communications: Milestones, Trends and Insights](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/ten-years-of-healthcare-communications-milestones-trends-and-insights/): In 2016, I launched The Reis Group from a freshly renovated office in Dupont Circle with a small team, a clear mission and a deep belief that healthcare communications has the power to change lives. A decade later, that belief has only gotten stronger.
- [Who Do People Trust Now? How Communicators Drive Real Behavior Change](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/who-do-people-trust-now-how-communicators-drive-real-behavior-change/): In today’s chaotic media landscape, health communicators struggle to reach audiences because of growing distrust in traditional media, especially on public health issues. With federal funding cuts at agencies like the NIH, HHS, and CDC, many now turn to non-traditional media generators like social media influencers for health advice. In this new news era, many health communicators are left asking, “Now what?”
- [The End of “News?” The Fragmented Media Landscape’s Impact on PR](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/the-end-of-news-the-fragmented-media-landscapes-impact-on-pr/): This declining, fragmented media landscape also has huge implications for the world of health care public relations because the firing of experienced reporters and editors limits our ability to reach broad audiences with quality information. Our jobs will require new, smarter strategies.
- [Words Matter: How Language and Behavior Change Intersect](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/words-matter-how-language-and-behavior-change-intersect/): Words have power. The power to motivate, engage and inspire. Or the power to discourage, alienate and demoralize. Words can either create behavior change—or prevent it.
- [Organizational Positioning in Turbulent Times](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/organizational-positioning-in-turbulent-times/): In 2025, any organization that is concerned about its public image and positioning cannot help but feel a dizzying sense of being whipsawed. We are living through times of radical swings in public positioning.
- [Losing Website Traffic to Google’s AI? Here are Four Ways to Adapt Your Online Strategy](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/losing-website-traffic-to-googles-ai-here-are-four-ways-to-adapt-your-online-strategy/): Google’s introduction of its AI Overview search feature last year has led to a sharp reduction in web traffic for many sites. Users now often find that the generative AI effectively answers their basic questions, so they no longer click on any other search results that would generate additional traffic.
- [Adapting Health Care Messaging for Today’s Altered Landscape](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/adapting-health-care-messaging-for-todays-altered-landscape/): When you’re in a new era, you need a new vocabulary. As our nation undergoes significant changes, it behooves organizations working in health and related fields to take stock of how national leaders are talking about topics relevant to their missions, consider how their health care messaging aligns or differs, and determine whether they might adapt some of their current vocabulary to communicate effectively.
- [The Wisdom Associated with Turning Nine](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/the-wisdom-associated-with-turning-nine/): As we mark the ninth anniversary of The Reis Group, I was inspired to look into the meaning of the number nine and some famous bits of wisdom attached to it. I learned that in numerology, nine is associated with completion, wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. It also represents the end of a cycle, encouraging reflection and letting go of the past to embrace transformation. The urgency of this point really hit home with me because the field of health care public relations is undergoing change unlike anything I have ever seen in my 30 years in the field.
- [Communicating Amidst the Chaos by Sharpening Your Message](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/communicating-amidst-the-chaos-by-sharpening-your-message/): The fields of science, medicine and public health are currently navigating a growing climate of skepticism and resistance. Chaotic changes at the federal level have left many organizations feeling unsure of their path forward. As a result, promotion for research, clinical trial findings, and advocacy work have slowed, and there isn’t a clear path forward. What is clear is that the ways in which we have communicated this work are no longer enough. How we convey our key messages in these vital fields must evolve.
- [Navigating the New Media Maze: PR Strategies for a Fragmented Media Landscape](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/navigating-the-new-media-maze-pr-strategies-for-a-fragmented-media-landscape/): The way people consume news has changed dramatically. Social media, podcasts and personalized newsletters have overtaken traditional outlets, creating an unpredictable and fragmented media landscape. Information now spreads faster than ever, and with that speed comes new risks from echo chambers that rapidly spread misinformation.
- [What Impact does AI Overview Have on Google Ads? Optimizing your Strategy for the New Search Experience](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/what-impact-does-ai-overview-have-on-google-ads/): Google is the world’s number one search engine, making it an effective channel for clients looking to reach their target audiences. But with the integration of generative AI into its search engine results through its new AI Overview tool, Google has started prioritizing its own AI results over other results – including ads. Google now uses that valuable real estate space that was reserved for ads for its own AI results. So what impact does AI Overview have on Google Ads?
- [Promoting Healthy Behaviors Through Health Education](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/promoting-healthy-behaviors-through-health-education/): The concept of promoting healthy behaviors seems simple: Provide knowledge about the topic and how it impacts health. Offer factual, science-based information on how to address the issue. The result: change behavior and spark action.
- [Building Team Culture and Retention in the Workplace](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/building-team-culture-and-retention-in-the-workplace/): To be an effective leader in this turbulent and ever-evolving environment, you need to know how to build productive, efficient and positive teams. I recently led a panel presentation on “Building Effective Teams” at the MarCom Summit 2024 in Arlington, VA.
- [Increasing Awareness with Gen Z: The Rising Influence of a Generation and How Best to Reach Them](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/increasing-awareness-with-gen-z-the-rising-influence-of-a-generation-and-how-best-to-reach-them/): Social media has become the powerhouse in the digital media space. We are entering an age in PR when broadcast, print and online news media are no longer the pillars of news consumption. In fact, 75% of the Gen Z, millennial and Gen X population use social media to find news, compared to only 44% of baby boomers, according to a recent Harris Poll study.
- [5 Ways to Adapt Your Media Strategy to the Changing Media Landscape](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/5-ways-to-adapt-your-media-strategy-to-the-changing-media-landscape/): Whenever I look back on my 50-year career in American journalism, I inevitably have two reactions: 1) Yikes! I’m getting old! and 2) the changes in the media landscape have been so incredibly dramatic that it sounds like I’m telling tales from another century (which it actually was when I started in 1973.)
- [Asking the Magic 8 Ball to Predict the Future of Health Care PR](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/asking-the-magic-8-ball-to-predict-the-future-of-health-care-pr/): As we mark our eighth year as The Reis Group, I am excited about all the new paths we are charting. I thought I would mark this eighth anniversary by seeking additional insights about the coming trends in health care PR by consulting with The Official Reis Group Magic 8 Ball. After all, I started my PR career in the toy industry, so why not resurrect the old game we played when I was actually an eight-year-old?
- [Crisis Communications: Knowing when to Rip Off the Band-Aid](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/crisis-communications-knowing-when-to-rip-off-the-band-aid/): A crisis communications plan is like insurance. If you postpone it until the crisis has arrived, it’s too late. With the right support, crisis planning can be a manageable job that will prepare you for both the likely and the completely unexpected scenarios that your organization could face.
- [Being a Conscious Leader in Today’s PR Landscape](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/being-a-conscious-leader-in-todays-pr-landscape/): As a GenZ-er early in my PR career, I am in the process of being transitioned into a role as an account manager. It’s a challenging and exciting prospect to begin to find my own voice and develop my own approach to management.
- [No Two Career Paths Are the Same](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/no-two-career-paths-are-the-same/): Everyone brings strengths to our team, yet we learn and grow in different ways. That is why it is important to remember that no two career paths are the same and our individual paths are what allow us to shine as a team. I strongly encourage all PR professionals at every age to find amazing mentors. They could transform your career growth trajectory. They certainly changed mine!
- [Sharon Reis inducted into National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/sharon-reis-inducted-into-national-capital-public-relations-hall-of-fame/): The National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame inducts role models who have created an enduring impact on PR from 30 or more years of distinguished accomplishments. Click here for more information about the honor.
- [Matchmaking: A TRG Approach to Getting Media Coverage](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/matchmaking-a-trg-approach-to-getting-media-coverage/): At The Reis Group, we've honed several techniques for matchmaking to secure impactful media coverage. Tactics include "newsjacking," creating finely targeted pitches and packaging together multiple elements to make it easy for reporters with limited resources to create compelling stories.
- [Managing and Mentoring the Next Generation of Health Care Public Relations Professionals](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/managing-and-mentoring-the-next-generation-of-health-care-public-relations-professionals/): But in my role as a Senior Vice President and account lead, I’ve come to understand that this hybrid world creates entirely new challenges about how we manage and mentor the next generation of professionals in health care public relations. Lately, I’ve been pondering these questions a lot, particularly since I’ve been working remotely myself for many years and have experienced first-hand how this alters relationships in the workplace.
- [Building the Hybrid Office of the Future—Today](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/building-the-hybrid-office-of-the-future-today/): How to maintain a vibrant culture, build a bond with team members and foster productivity in today’s new work environment.
- [5 Tips for Growing into Your New Role at Work](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/5-tips-for-growing-into-your-new-role-at-work/): Here are five tips for growing into your new role at work:
- [How to Conquer Zoom: Webinar Edition](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/how-to-conquer-zoom-webinar-edition/): A key service that we provide for our clients is conducting virtual media briefings through Zoom’s webinar feature. As a health care PR agency, it’s our job to think through the key logistics of the platform, set benchmarks for materials development, and become experts in the platform and all its features. Conducting a Zoom webinar incorporates many moving parts. It’s not rocket science, but there are some important things to know.
- [TRG’s 7th Year: Learning the inner workings of our health care system—from a new perspective](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/trgs-7th-year-learning-the-inner-workings-of-our-health-care-system-from-a-new-perspective/): I have worked in health care public relations for more than 25 years and this June marks the seventh anniversary of TRG, the company I founded in 2016. Over these years, I have represented hospitals and health systems, medical societies, research institutes, and foundations spanning all sectors of the health care system. I’ve promoted scientific breakthroughs and rallied for patient advocacy organizations. I thought I understood the inner workings of the U.S. health care system, inside-out—until a close family member unexpectedly faced a diagnosis of advanced-stage cancer.
- [Nourishing your Social Media Campaigns](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/nourishing-your-social-media-campaigns/): Your organization has worked hard and just finished preparing new resources, and you are excited for your audience to begin using them. You’ve posted all the new material on your website, but when you check your traffic, you don’t see the spike in page visits that you were expecting. It turns out that most of your audience is unaware of the new content because you didn’t effectively promote it on social media.
- [Banishing the Wooden Lead: Three Ways to Make PR Writing More Engaging](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/banishing-the-wooden-lead-three-ways-to-make-pr-writing-more-engaging/): One of the worst sins when I was in journalism school was to write a “wooden lead.” The grizzled—or should I say seasoned—editors who taught newswriting and editing at the University of Oklahoma would scowl at empty words at the top of a news story, crossing out one, two or even three dull opening paragraphs, and say, “There’s the lead,” pointing to the original fourth graph.
- [Health care PR: What’s the landscape for 2023?](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/health-care-pr-whats-the-landscape-for-2023/): As the new year unfolds and the pandemic is no longer dominating our lives, we are excited to see what unexpected developments the future brings. Working in health care public relations, we are often charged with communicating complex health care messages in a rapidly changing—and sometimes volatile—environment. We must constantly adapt to these unpredictable dynamics to assist our clients who are trying to increase awareness for their issues and platforms, build credibility for their organizations and promote science that improves care.
- [Promoting Science: How to Get the Media to Cover Research](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/promoting-science-how-to-get-the-media-to-cover-research/): As a communications firm dedicated to health and medicine, promoting science is a major pillar of our work. Over years on The Reis Group team, I have worked to generate national media coverage for dozens of journal articles and scientific abstracts. My background includes a master’s degree in public health, which taught me the importance of a critical eye when reviewing any piece of research. Even studies from prestigious medical institutions conducted through the “gold standard” of randomized controlled trials may have significant limitations that could undercut the findings. As public relations professionals, we must be able to discern whether the research is both rock-solid and newsworthy, as well as important for our audience.
- [Executive Thought Leadership: An Important Investment for 2023](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/executive-thought-leadership-an-important-investment-for-2023/): All these situations are thought-leadership opportunities which can be capitalized on to build the reputation of your organization and its key executives. And, if any of these situations sound familiar, you may want to start thinking about making a bigger investment in building your organization’s thought-leadership platform.
- [Creating an Inclusive Workplace](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/creating-an-inclusive-workplace/): As the director of human resources, it’s my job to ensure that our workplace culture is open, inclusive, welcoming, and safe. As a boutique health care PR agency, every new hire brings new energy and perspectives to the team and influences the team dynamic. With several new hires joining this summer, I sought to beef up our training programs.
- [Good Project Management is an Art – Not a Science](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/good-project-management-is-an-art-not-a-science/): Deadlines, discipline and organization – these are the tenets of good project management that most can agree on. But as a vice president at a health care PR firm in Washington, DC, I’ve learned that good project management goes beyond these principles. It’s more than keeping diligent timelines. There is also an art to it. Project management is essentially about people; and I’ve found there are six key principles to doing it successfully: getting your team started as soon as possible, setting your team up for success, looking for barriers and roadblocks before they happen, maintaining open communication with your team, leaning into your team’s strengths, and always keeping the budget in mind along the way. Doing these six things helps us produce efficient, high-quality work that keeps our clients happy.
- [The Three Ps for a Successful Presentation](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/the-three-ps-for-a-successful-presentation/): In the world of health care public relations agencies, presentations take on many forms – sharing findings from environmental scans and landscape analyses, presenting patient education and awareness programs, and providing updates on thought leadership efforts to name a few. This can be a daunting task for those of us who aren’t natural public speakers, but it’s an essential skillset you can build and improve.
- [I’ve got too much on my plate! Lessons on Effective Time Management](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/ive-got-too-much-on-my-plate-lessons-on-effective-time-management/): Since starting here at The Reis Group a year ago, I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues. Not only have I absorbed media skills, but I’ve bolstered my time-management abilities as well. I would argue that this skill may be the most vital to our success. We all have competing priorities from a demanding set of clients, and without effective time management, we would not be the top-notch PR agency that we are.
- [Deploying an Unexpectedly Powerful Tool in Public Relations: Empathy](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/deploying-an-unexpectedly-powerful-tool-in-public-relations-empathy/): Public relations and communications professionals have many skills in our toolboxes that we develop and refine over our careers. One of the most important—and one of the least discussed—is the power of empathy. It could be called a skill sharpener because it can make every other tool we deploy more effective.
- [Message Testing: The Foundation of a Successful Communications Strategy](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/message-testing-the-foundation-of-a-successful-communications-strategy/): When our clients ask our team to help them grow their membership or reach a new audience, we usually begin with message testing. It’s a critical part of the process for a solid communications strategy. Unfortunately, it is often skipped due to tight deadlines or limited budgets. But message testing can be as simple as reviewing a core message platform with a small sample of people, or as involved as hosting multiple focus groups with your target audience. However it’s done, it should help you understand how to effectively communicate with your core audience, identify any crucial flashpoints or key issues that your campaign may stumble upon, and help you get buy-in from leadership on the current or new messages that you plan to use.
- [Elephants vs Mosquitos: Which Approach to Media Outreach Gets Results](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/elephants-vs-mosquitos-which-approach-to-media-outreach-gets-results/): A popular theory of evolution serves as a good analogy for approaches to media pitching, whether we are promoting scientific research or increasing awareness of a health issue.
- [Innovative Cancer Communications Tools Keep Survivors Focused on Healthy Behaviors](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/innovative-cancer-communications-tools-keep-survivors-focused-on-healthy-behaviors/): “Cancer survivor.” It’s a title of honor that 17 million Americans are proud to wear. While the title is hard-won, for many survivors the sense of relief and gratitude drift away quickly, leaving in its place difficult challenges such as depression, substance use, and unhealthy diet and lifestyle. These disturbances have a real impact -- disrupting healing and putting survivors at risk of recurrence and secondary cancers.
- [There’s No “I” in Team, but “Client” Belongs in Great Teamwork](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/theres-no-i-in-team-but-client-belongs-in-great-teamwork/): One of the pleasures of working for a boutique health care public relations agency is the teamwork that is possible or, in my view, required, to do top-notch work for our clients. The Reis Group has small teams dedicated to each of our clients, but we readily reach outside assigned teams to tap the strengths and expertise of colleagues. For instance, I might grab a co-worker to brainstorm a subject line for a media pitch, and another colleague will ask me for feedback on a commentary or news release for another team. Or when there is an urgent deadline, we may pull a larger team together to get a job done.
- [Think Like a Thought Leader](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/think-like-a-thought-leader/): “Thought Leadership” has become the mantra for this type of work. At The Reis Group, we represent a wide variety of clients who are doing cutting-edge work in specialized areas such as integrative health, epidemiology, pediatric health, Alzheimer’s prevention, cost containment, and much more. We can effectively promote the value of our clients’ work—if we do it the right way.
- [Are You Prepared in Case of an Emergency?](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/are-you-prepared-in-case-of-an-emergency/): Does your organization have a plan in place to respond to an emerging issue like a negative media article, a major reorganization or a controversial legal matter? According to a recent PR News article, PR pros anticipate a rise in crisis communications as we enter the new decade and it’s important that your organization not be caught on its heels.
- [A Passion for Pie](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/a-passion-for-pie/): Next week, The Reis Group will temporarily trade PR for pastry-making when our staffers prepare their entries for the Great 2019 Pie-Off! This time-honored annual team tradition requires creativity and flair in the kitchen for us to master recipes that can stand out among a group of up to 10 pies, prepared by our highly competitive staff. On the flip side, our digestive fortitude also will be put to the test as we sacrifice our waistlines and taste each and every pie in search of this year’s winning entry.
- [Our Approach to Promoting Science at Annual Meetings](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/our-approach-to-promoting-science-at-annual-meetings/): At The Reis Group we are constantly innovating and evolving the ways we work with clients to promote important research coming out of scientific meetings. As publications cut their news staff in half, and the digital wave continues to transform the PR landscape, it’s important to stay ahead of the latest trends, while also recognizing when to stick to tried and true tactics.
- [Five Basic Tips for Writing Better News Releases](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/five-basic-tips-for-writing-better-news-releases/): The primary goal in much of our work is to get our clients’ stories out there to the general public in a way that explains and promotes their best efforts. I worked in the media for 40 years, including 33 years at The Washington Post, and over the course of my reporting and editing career I read (or at least glanced at the headlines of) many thousands of news releases to decide whether they were worth publishing in some form and whether there might actually be a substantial story worth assigning a reporter to tell our readers.
- [Interview with Sharon Reis, Bulldog Reporter](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/interview-with-sharon-reis-bulldog-reporter/): The Reis Group was a Silver Award winner in the “Best New Agency” category in Bulldog’s 2018 Stars of PR Awards. This interview also appeared in Agility PR Solutions. 
- [Patient Education Materials: A Little Planning and Research Can Go a Long Way](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/patient-education-materials-a-little-planning-and-research-can-go-a-long-way/): Developing patient education and awareness programs that are both engaging and effective is not always easy. It requires a lot of planning, and attention to detail. It also requires time to understand exactly who you want to reach, how you can best get their attention, and how you might be able to get them to change their behavior. There are various processes for developing patient education materials, depending on budget and time constraints, but there are some best practices that can help deliver a product that is well received.
- [A Day in the Life of Sharon Reis](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/day-in-the-life-of-sharon-reis/): Sharon Reis, our fearless leader, was recently featured on The Native Society. Take a glimpse into a day in her life, fueled in part by copious amounts of coffee!
- [Three Secrets to Successful Media Pitches](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/3-secrets-to-successful-media-pitches/): It’s easy to see why some communications professionals dread the task of pitching ideas to the media. Reporters can be brusk and impatient and often ignore emails, especially when they’re caught on deadline or being pressed to cover a story that’s clearly not in their wheelhouse. The PR pros who love pitching have a secret: they understand the journalist’s point of view.
- [Make News: Using Survey Data to Generate Media Attention](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/make-news-using-survey-data/): To pique the interest of reporters and generate media coverage, you must have information that is timely, relevant, and new. Commissioning a public opinion survey is a great way to generate media interest and increase awareness of a specific issue; however, it’s important to keep a few things in mind as you build your communications strategy.
- [How to Build Effective Coalitions That Advance Your Health Care Cause](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/build-effective-coalitions-advance-cause/): Coalitions are a great way to work together to achieve goals and they offer many benefits--when structured correctly. Sharing resources, bringing passionate, diverse voices together, creating a force behind an issue and sharing successes with a team can be professionally and personally rewarding.
- [Marking Our One-Year Anniversary](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/marking-one-year-anniversary/): I am both thrilled and humbled as The Reis Group marks its one-year anniversary of charting a new course in pursuit of the highest level of communications expertise in health, health care, science, and social issues. The energy of our team, our new office, our clients and their issues, our partners and their support, have made the past 12 months invigorating and incredibly successful. And our momentum is growing. We’ve added several new clients, we’re expanding our capabilities, and building our strengths.
- [How to Stay Informed and Ahead of the Political Game](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/stay-informed-ahead-political-game/): But as communicators, we can’t let this hold us back from doing what we do best. We must be prepared for anything that could impact our clients. And that’s why, even if we don’t work specifically in public affairs, it is important to stay on top of the swirl of news coming not only from the White House, but from the Hill as well. I’ve outlined here a few tactics that have been helpful for me in navigating the political landscape:
- [Long Live the MSM!](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/long-live-mainstream-media/): The conventional wisdom of the digital age long ago declared that nobody really pays attention anymore to the mainstream media…that mainstream media had become irrelevant…that the MSM was dead!
- [Introducing…You](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/introducing-you/): Introducing yourself in a meeting seems easy enough. Then why do so many people fail to make the most of it, and sometimes even leave a bad impression? Some people talk incessantly about all their experience and accomplishments in what ends up putting off rather than impressing their listeners. Others give only the bare minimum, stating their name and organization so quickly or meekly that if you don’t pay close attention, you just might miss it.
- [Four Tips for Successful Leaders](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/four-tips-for-successful-leaders/): Focus. Confidence. Integrity. Passion. These are key qualities of effective leaders, as outlined in a highly useful presentation at a recent Public Relations Society of America luncheon in Charlotte, N.C.
- [PR’s Role in Patient Engagement | O’Dwyer’s](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/prs-role-in-patient-engagement/): Patients and families often need guidance to make informed and confident decisions about their health and health care. Check out Sharon’s article in O’Dwyer’s October issue to learn how communications professionals play a critical role in encouraging and influencing conversations and in promoting shared decision-making. Some of the key takeaways include:
- [Write Like You Talk — and 5 Other Unorthodox Writing Tips](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/write-like-you-talk/): It’s not easy work, so that’s why they pay someone else to do it. To be successful, PR professionals can’t just go through the motions. With each project, we must tell stories in a compelling enough way to attract the attention of key audiences, particularly the news media.  Here are a few tips accumulated over my 40 years of writing for mass audiences:
- [Sharon Reis Named 2016 Finalist in the WWPR Annual Women of the Year Award](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/sharon-reis-named-2016-finalist-wwpr-annual-women-year-award/): Sharon Reis, principal of The Reis Group, has been named a finalist in Washington Women in Public Relations’ (WWPR) 27th annual Women of the Year award. The award celebrates the accomplishments of women who are raising the bar in public relations.
- [Make Vacation a Priority – for Your Health](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/make-vacation-a-priority-for-your-health/): Vacations are the perfect way to relax and recharge, and they provide us with many physical, mental and emotional benefits. Unfortunately, according to a report by the U.S. Travel Association, 55 percent of Americans did not use all their vacation time and gave up $61.4 billion in benefits in 2015. By not taking time off, you not only lose out financially, you’re also losing out on many health benefits. So, if you’re leaving vacation days on the table, here’s what you are missing:
- [Broadcast Prep: Getting Your Organization Ready](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/broadcast-ready/): Recently, our firm had the privilege of working with some high-profile scientific clients to film two ambitious documentaries and a substantial evening broadcast feature story. Doing so reminded me just how much preparation goes into these earned media story formats and how much time the client needs to allocate before the film crew, producers and reporter descend upon the organization.
- [Preparing Your Spokesperson for Media Interviews](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/prepare-consumer-spokespersons-media-interviews/): An important element to an impactful news story is the human element which is why more and more reporters are incorporating the experiences of a spokesperson to enhance their story. While a subject matter expert voice is important and helps to provide important information and create credibility, a consumer spokesperson’s first-hand experience can help a story connect with a wider audience. Engaging with a real person’s story allows readers, viewers or listeners to connect to the issue on a direct, personal level.
- [Charting a New Course](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/welcome-aboard/): My entire team and I are charting a new course and launching a new public relations agency that fosters creativity and growth while balancing fun and flexibility. We come to work every day driven by our passion for working on meaningful issues and making a difference.

## Pages
- [Communications That Drive Results](https://thereisgroup.com/communications-that-drive-results/): The Reis Group was built for one purpose: shaping the conversations that move healthcare forward. We use the power of strategic and thoughtful communications campaigns to change people, policies and perspectives.
- [Our Culture](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-culture/): It is our thinking, knowledge, energy, and creativity that endear us to clients and set us apart from other healthcare communications firms.
- [Thank you](https://thereisgroup.com/subscribe-to-issue-briefs/thank-you/): Issue Brief
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- [Links](https://thereisgroup.com/links/): Download our Issue Brief! #OurTake: Increasing Awareness and Building Credibility: How AI Metrics are Redefining PR Success #OurTake: Ten Years of Healthcare Communications: Milestones, Trends and Insights Connect With Us on LinkedIn Follow Us on X Connect With Us on Facebook Give Back to Your Community: House of Ruth
- [Message Testing](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/message-testing/): In communications programs, the goal is not simply to be understood – it is also to persuade, to change the hearts and minds and actions of individuals and organizations with power to impact change. Therefore, we must understand our target audience: their situation and environment, what motivates them, what resonates with them emotionally and what evidence they require. We must understand their emotional “drivers” (what motivates them to care) and their rational “drivers” (what motivates them to think differently). Affecting these two touch points is the first, and most necessary, step in motivating them to take the action we desire.
- [Environmental Scans PR Services](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/environmental-scans/): At The Reis Group, our unique approach to environmental scanning in public relations goes beyond the basics. Our clients gain unexpected insights from our environmental scans, which identify factors inside and outside the organization that impact success. 
- [Earned Media PR Services](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/earned-media/): Our earned media PR services include:
- [Executive Visibility and Thought Leadership PR Services](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/thought-leadership-2/): Unleash the power of your ideas with our executive visibility and thought leadership services. We capitalize on your issue expertise to expand your reach to a broader audience. We engage leaders to best represent their organization’s mission, vision, and values to magnify your voice and position your organization, shape healthcare policy, and feature your issue expertise.
- [Social and Digital](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/social-and-digital/): Our research-based approach to social and digital strategy reinforces our clients’ key messages, grows their audiences and social presences, and positions their brands for success through digital channels. As technology advances, we also continue to expand the services we offer. 
- [Science Marketing Services](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/science-promotion-2/): We're experts in science marketing and the promotion of scientific research. Our goal is to help clients bridge the gap between complex, scientific topics and the audiences who want to understand them. We have extensive expertise in shaping highly technical, scientific messages and finding the right dissemination channels to increase awareness of new research and build organizations’ credibility.
- [Positioning and Messaging](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/positioning-issues-and-brands/): Strengthen your brand’s positioning and messaging in today’s dynamic environment through our PR services. To bolster your organization’s reputation, you need to be proactive, understand shifting trends, and anticipate challenges before they happen. That’s where TRG comes in, not just as consultants, but as an integral part of your team. With our experience and thorough research processes, we’ll position your organization for success and enhance your messaging to connect with your intended audiences.
- [Issues Management PR Services](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/issues-management-3/): Dealing with a PR crisis? Managing complex reputation challenges? Our experienced issues management PR team helps associations, foundations, corporations and other nonprofits. We can navigate crises, bolster reputations and influence stakeholders through issues management strategy. 
- [Public and Patient Education](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/public-patient-education/): Our healthcare public relations agency specializes in a wide range of public and patient education PR campaigns, including:
- [Advocacy Relations](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/advocacy-relations-2/): Our thoughtful approach to advocacy relations delivers impactful results for each client’s specific needs and ensures their voices are heard on legislative, regulatory and public policy issues. We employ sophisticated strategies to effectively influence policymakers, opinion leaders, advocates and constituents. 
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- [Patient Engagement](https://thereisgroup.com/patient-engagement/): The Reis Group is a public relations agency focused on health, health care and science marketing services. We are passionate about our clients' issues and believe in the power of communications to transform lives.
- [Mental Health](https://thereisgroup.com/mental-health/): The Reis Group is a public relations agency focused on health, health care and science marketing services. We are passionate about our clients' issues and believe in the power of communications to transform lives.
- [REPUTATION. MEDIA. SCIENCE.](https://thereisgroup.com/reputation-media-science/): The Reis Group is a public relations agency focused on health, health care and science marketing services. We are passionate about our clients' issues and believe in the power of communications to transform lives.
- [Excellent Healthcare PR Firm Located in Washington, D.C.](https://thereisgroup.com/about/excellent-healthcare-pr-firm-located-washington-d-c/): We are a full service healthcare public relations agency focused on working with clients to increase awareness of issues, organizations and individuals, promote healthy behaviors, and strengthen reputations.
- [Thank you!](https://thereisgroup.com/contact/thank-you/): Thank you for contacting us!
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- [Terms & Privacy](https://thereisgroup.com/terms/): This is the official Terms of Use (“Terms of Use”) for thereisgroup.com (the “Site”), an Internet Web site made available by The Reis Group, LLC (“we”, “us,” or “our”) to provide information, and/or services relating to The Reis Group, LLC ’s mission, approach, and initiatives. The contents of the Site include, without limitation, all information, content, data, materials, services, software applications and tools, design elements, text, images, photographs, illustrations, audio and video material, artwork, graphics contained therein or otherwise made available to you in connection therewith (collectively the “Material”) and, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, or we explicitly say so in writing, the term “Site” includes all of the Material. These Terms of Use constitute a legally binding agreement between you and The Reis Group, LLC regarding your use of and access to the Site.
- [Site Map](https://thereisgroup.com/site-map/): BlogsMedia Training Evolves in the Era of AI and Trust ErosionIncreasing Awareness and Building Credibility: How AI Metrics are Redefining PR SuccessTen Years of Healthcare Communications: Milestones, Trends and InsightsThe End of “News?” The Fragmented Media Landscape’s Impact on PRWho Do People Trust Now? How Communicators Drive Real Behavior ChangeWords Matter: How Language and Behavior Change IntersectOrganizational Positioning in Turbulent TimesLosing Website Traffic to Google’s AI? Here are Four Ways to Adapt Your Online StrategyAdapting Health Care Messaging for Today’s Altered LandscapeThe Wisdom Associated with Turning NineCommunicating Amidst the Chaos by Sharpening Your MessageNavigating the New Media Maze: PR Strategies for a Fragmented Media LandscapeWhat Impact does AI Overview Have on Google Ads? Optimizing your Strategy for the New Search ExperienceBuilding Team Culture and Retention in the WorkplacePromoting Healthy Behaviors Through Health EducationIncreasing Awareness with Gen Z: The Rising Influence of a Generation and How Best to Reach Them5 Ways to Adapt Your Media Strategy to the Changing Media LandscapeAsking the Magic 8 Ball to Predict the Future of Health Care PRCrisis Communications: Knowing when to Rip Off the Band-AidInterview with Sharon Reis, Bulldog ReporterBeing a Conscious Leader in Today’s PR LandscapeNo Two Career Paths Are the SameSharon Reis inducted into National Capital Public Relations Hall of FameMatchmaking: A TRG Approach to Getting Media CoverageBuilding the Hybrid Office of the Future—TodayManaging and Mentoring the Next Generation of Health Care Public Relations Professionals5 Tips for Growing into Your New Role at WorkHow to Conquer Zoom: Webinar EditionTRG’s 7th Year: Learning the inner workings of our health care system—from a new perspectiveNourishing your Social Media CampaignsBanishing the Wooden Lead: Three Ways to Make PR Writing More EngagingHealth care PR: What’s the landscape for 2023?Promoting Science: How to Get the Media to Cover ResearchExecutive Thought Leadership: An Important Investment for 2023Creating an Inclusive WorkplaceGood Project Management is an Art – Not a ScienceThe Three Ps for a Successful PresentationI’ve got too much on my plate! Lessons on Effective Time ManagementDeploying an Unexpectedly Powerful Tool in Public Relations: EmpathyMessage Testing: The Foundation of a Successful Communications StrategyElephants vs Mosquitos: Which Approach to Media Outreach Gets ResultsInnovative Cancer Communications Tools Keep Survivors Focused on Healthy BehaviorsThere’s No “I” in Team, but “Client” Belongs in Great TeamworkThink Like a Thought LeaderAre You Prepared in Case of an Emergency?A Passion for PieOur Approach to Promoting Science at Annual MeetingsFive Basic Tips for Writing Better News ReleasesPatient Education Materials: A Little Planning and Research Can Go a Long WayA Day in the Life of Sharon ReisThree Secrets to Successful Media PitchesMake News: Using Survey Data to Generate Media AttentionHow to Build Effective Coalitions That Advance Your Health Care CauseMarking Our One-Year AnniversaryHow to Stay Informed and Ahead of the Political GameLong Live the MSM!Introducing...YouFour Tips for Successful LeadersPR’s Role in Patient Engagement | O'Dwyer'sWrite Like You Talk — and 5 Other Unorthodox Writing TipsSharon Reis Named 2016 Finalist in the WWPR Annual Women of the Year AwardMake Vacation a Priority – for Your HealthBroadcast Prep: Getting Your Organization ReadyPreparing Your Spokesperson for Media InterviewsCharting a New CoursePagesCommunications That Drive ResultsSubscribe to Issue BriefsThank youLinksNewsletterDisclaimerPrivacy Statement (US)Opt-out preferencesThank you for subscribing!Patient EngagementMental HealthREPUTATION. MEDIA. SCIENCE.Terms & PrivacySite MapContactThank you!Our TakePR ServicesMessage TestingEnvironmental Scans PR ServicesExecutive Visibility and Thought Leadership PR ServicesSocial and DigitalScience Marketing ServicesPositioning and MessagingIssues Management PR ServicesPublic and Patient EducationAdvocacy RelationsEarned Media PR ServicesOur AwardsOur CultureExcellent Healthcare PR Firm Located in Washington, D.C.Our TeamOur FounderCareersSpotlighting vital issues, organizations and individuals.Team MembersGrace Jordan, MPHEdita Music, MSEmily Kuhl, PhDJennie Greene, MSChristine Vaughan, MPAHeather JamesonPeter PerlTiana WareSharon Reis, MALauren MusiolKathleen Petty, MPHChristine Stencel, MABeth CasteelAlyssa Slovin
- [Our Team](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/): We offer clients a team of talented, experienced public relations professionals who provide original thinking, a depth of knowledge, and proven successes in health, healthcare, and science marketing services. Our goal is to provide every client with the skills and capabilities of a specialized agency, along with the commitment and dedication of a small business.
- [Our Founder](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-founder/): As a newly minted PR professional working in corporate America, I was very eager to show my worth. As a junior person on a team, I was frustrated at getting only minor, thankless tasks that didn’t let me prove my true value. When I complained to a senior colleague about a particular project, with a touch of self-pity in my voice, he looked me straight up and gave me advice that changed the course of my career: “Sharon,” he said, “you can either look at this as a ‘dump job,’ or as a really important opportunity. Whatever it is, give it your best. Make it shine. And success will follow.”
- [Contact](https://thereisgroup.com/contact/): 38.90744635,-77.04397632285844
- [Careers](https://thereisgroup.com/about/careers/): We are always on the lookout for stellar public relations and communications professionals who like to work smart and think creatively. Current Openings There are no current job openings. Apply Online
- [Our Take](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/)
- [PR Services](https://thereisgroup.com/our-work/): We are passionate about our clients’ issues and believe in the power of communications to transform lives.
- [Our Awards](https://thereisgroup.com/about/): The Reis Group has earned industry recognition for our campaigns, our team and our agency. We have a strong reputation for our depth of knowledge and grasp of the multifaceted healthcare environment and for our ability to accurately communicate complex information. Ragan PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards, PR or Marketing on a Shoestring Budget, ASHP, 2025 Winner Ragan PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards, Public Affairs Campaign, ASHP, 2025 Finalist Tiana Ware named PR Week Outstanding Young Professional, 2024 Finalist Sharon Reis inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter, 2023 PR Week Best Places to Work, 2023 Winner Kathleen Petty named WWPR Emerging Leader, 2022 Finalist PR Week Best Places to Work, 2022 Winner PR Week Outstanding Boutique Agency of the Year, 2022 Finalist PR Daily’s Top Boutique Agency, 2022 Beth Casteel named Media Relations Professional of the Year, Bulldog Awards, 2021 Kathleen Petty named in PR News' PR People of the Year, 2020 PRovoke Media's Best Agencies To Work For, 2020 Platinum PR Awards, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Video Campaign, 2019 Finalist Thoth Award, PRSA National Capital Chapter, Media Event, 2019 Thoth Award, PRSA National Capital Chapter, New PR Agency of the Year, 2018 PR News’ Top Places to Work, 2018 Bulldog Awards - 2018 Stars of PR Silver Best New Agency North America New PR Agencies of the Year Finalist, 2017 Recognized by PRSA National Capital Chapter for Thoth Award of Excellence, Banner Alzheimer's Institute, 2017 Sharon Reis honored as Woman of the Year, 2016 Finalist Recognized for integrated media relations campaign Sharon Reis honored as Top Woman in PR Lauded for excellence with a national report on digital eye strain with The Vision Council Honored for national patient safety program launch Recognized for excellence in clinical trials registry recruitment with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Awarded for public education campaign on vision health
- [Spotlighting vital issues, organizations and individuals.](https://thereisgroup.com/): Clients hire our award-winning team for our depth of knowledge and grasp of the multifaceted healthcare environment. We know it from the inside, the science, the policy, the players, and the pressure. We accurately communicate complex information into clear, compelling narratives that move audiences to action.

## Team Members
- [Grace Jordan, MPH](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/grace-jordan-mph/)
- [Edita Music, MS](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/edita-music-ms/)
- [Emily Kuhl, PhD](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/emily-kuhl-phd/)
- [Jennie Greene, MS](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/jennie-greene-ms/)
- [Christine Vaughan, MPA](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/christine-vaughan/)
- [Heather Jameson](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/heather-jameson/)
- [Peter Perl](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/peter-perl/)
- [Tiana Ware](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/tiana-ware/)
- [Sharon Reis, MA](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/sharon-reis/)
- [Lauren Musiol](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/lauren-musiol/)
- [Kathleen Petty, MPH](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/kathleen-petty/)
- [Christine Stencel, MA](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/christine-stencel/)
- [Beth Casteel](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/beth-casteel/)
- [Alyssa Slovin](https://thereisgroup.com/about/our-team/alyssa-slovin/)

## Issue Briefs

## Categories
- [Bolstering Reputations](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/bolstering-reputations/)
- [Building the Team and Culture](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/building-the-team-and-culture/)
- [From the Field](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/)
- [Increasing Awareness](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/increasing-awareness/)
- [Promoting Healthy Behaviors](https://thereisgroup.com/our-take/promoting-healthy-behaviors/)

## Tags