Beth Hoffman, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, teaches a class called Entertainment and Media Health. Her main focus is on educating the public about the importance of combating misinformation in the media. She believes that TV shows and movies can be powerful tools for reaching millions of people and spreading awareness about public health issues.
Hoffman’s expertise has attracted attention from USC and the Hollywood Health Society, who regularly seek her advice and research to ensure their content is accurate. One study she conducted with Hollywood, Health and Society showed that an Alzheimer’s disease storyline in “This is Us” motivated viewers to have conversations with family members about advanced care planning.
Some of Hoffman’s students have been inspired by her work and gone on to pursue careers in public health. She hopes to continue empowering her students with the skills they need to critically evaluate health information portrayed in the media. By working with Hollywood and students, Hoffman and the University of Pittsburgh are committed to promoting public health education through accurate representation in media.
