Usha Lee McFarling, national science correspondent at STAT, has been selected to receive the 2024 Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting.
Amid an exceedingly competitive field of applicants, McFarling stood out for her commitment to exposing and explaining the racial disparities that plague the American healthcare system, along with her dedication to mentoring the next generation of journalists.
“Her authoritative work shows how racism, both intentional and the kind that reflects unthinking neglect, causes millions of Americans to live shorter and unhealthier lives,” wrote judge Steve Padilla, editor of the Los Angeles Times showcase feature Column One. “Aside from producing powerful stories, Usha serves as a role model who inspires young journalists, particularly those of color.”
McFarling was honored for work published in STAT, including a piece documenting how white researchers take credit for health equity research done by scholars of color—a story the American Psychological Association cited in its 2021 public apology for its role in promoting, perpetuating, and failing to challenge racism.
The Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting is awarded annually by the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing for a body of work published or broadcast within the last five years. McFarling will receive a $5,000 cash award and be recognized during a Nov. 10 awards ceremony at ScienceWriters2024, a joint meeting of CASW and the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) to be held in Raleigh, N.C.
