Media Policy

The GW Heart & Vascular Institute is pleased to welcome media representatives to its educational programs.

The Institute has established the following policy for all media representatives attending programs:

Journalists interested in attending all or part of any George Washington University Heart & Vascular Institute program must send a written “request to attend” at least 48 hours before the program commences. Requests should be sent to Anne Banner, Media Relations at abanner@gwu.edu. Requests should include the journalist’s media credentials, including his or her affiliation publication(s), and contact information for his or her editor. The Institute will obtain approval from the program’s director and will send confirmation to the journalist as promptly as possible.

The Institute reserves the right to limit the number of representatives from each publication and to determine which journalists are “qualified” to attend programs.

“Qualified” means reporting from general-circulation newspapers or magazines, medical or healthcare trade publications, Web-based news sites, or broadcast outlets. Freelance writers will be welcomed, but they must provide a letter of assignment or at least one bylined article from a medium such as those listed herein.

“Qualified” also means representing the editorial staff, not the advertising or marketing department.

While attending the Institute’s educational programs, media representatives are required to wear their badges.

Journalists attending the Institute’s educational programs may not sell, market, or represent a company for the purpose of obtaining advertising or subscriptions from other attendees.

Journalists who are approved to attend a George Washington University Heart & Vascular Institute program are welcome to cover any sessions open to professional attendees, provided there is space available.

Journalists may not participate in any general floor discussion of any session.

Video reproduction of programs, excluding videotaped segments for news reports, is prohibited. Photography, if conducted in an unobtrusive manner, is allowed if permission is granted from the presenter before the presentation. All members of camera crews, including photographers accompanying a journalist, must be approved to attend the program, as described above.

Broadcast media may not break down equipment during a presentation. Breakdown must be done before or after a session. Special technical needs must be approved by George Washington University Heart & Vascular Institute staff.

The Institute is eager to assist journalists in their efforts to inform the public about cardiovascular disease. For assistance with stories, journalists are invited to contact Anne Banner (abanner@gwu.edu), who will help to arrange interviews with recognized experts in cardiovascular care.