Perhaps one of the most fascinating projects Clough led was the public announcement of the first organ for transplant delivered by drone. “This laid the groundwork for a better, faster, cheaper way to deliver organs for transplant,” says Clough. “It wasn’t just a medical breakthrough; it was an incredible health communications opportunity—how do we explain the impact of this development in a way that the public, policymakers, and medical professionals can grasp and support?”
Recalling the night of the first test run, Clough describes the anticipation and excitement as the team gathered on the helipad at the University of Maryland Medical Center R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. “It was an absolutely clear night, and we were all standing there, looking toward the horizon. Suddenly, in the distance, we could see this small light growing larger as the drone approached. It was surreal—this small, carefully designed machine carrying an organ that could save a life. When it landed, we all held our breath as the doctor checked
Perhaps one of the most fascinating projects Clough led was the public announcement of the first organ for transplant delivered by drone. “This laid the groundwork for a better, faster, cheaper way to deliver organs for transplant,” says Clough. “It wasn’t just a medical breakthrough; it was an incredible health communications opportunity—how do we explain the impact of this development in a way that the public, policymakers, and medical professionals can grasp and support?”
the storage unit, ensuring the organ’s viability. It was a defining moment, proving that innovation in medical logistics could be faster, safer, and ultimately lifesaving. The energy that night was electric—we knew we were witnessing history.”
Now a consultant, Clough has turned her efforts to supporting the health of her local community.
Maternity Tours Provide Opportunity to Enhance Patient Education
In her role at Inova Health System, she leads maternity tours which educate the family and provide a great patient experience. "For many first-time parents, the hospital setting can be overwhelming, and the medical terminology can feel like a different language," Clough explains. "As a health education specialist, my job is to break that information down into plain language, easing fears and ensuring families feel comfortable and confident with the hospital setting when they come to have their baby.”
She emphasizes the importance of patient education in fostering a sense of confidence, alleviating anxieties, and improving overall health outcomes. By applying principles of health literacy, she helps parents understand the process when they arrive at the hospital and how to best communicate with their care team to make their birthing experience what they want it to be. "You can visibly see the shift in their comfort level as they ask questions and begin to relax. That transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work.”
Medical Reserve Corps Supports the County Health Department in Medical Emergencies
As a volunteer, Clough applies her health education/communications background to her county’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). MRCs were established nationwide after September 11, 2001 to create community-based volunteer corps to support local health departments in the event of medical emergencies, such as vaccine clinics and mass casualty events. As a non-medical volunteer, Clough participates in educational initiatives and communications campaigns that support community health.
Educating Parents About Important Pediatric Health issues
As a health journalist, she writes about pediatric health issues for a regional publishing group focused on educating parents about a wide variety of health issues that affect families and children. Recent articles have addressed the rise of pediatric mental health services in hospitals, orthopedics, and the role of Child Life Specialists in the pediatric hospital experience.
The Value of CHES® Certification in Health Communication
To complement her extensive experience in communication, Clough earned her Master’s degree in health communications and health promotion and sought CHES® certification to deepen her understanding and application of health education principles. “CHES® was a way to complement my communications expertise with a structured understanding of health education and promotion. It’s helped me be even more intentional and strategic in my work.”
She strongly believes that the field of health communication and social marketing should be more widely recognized within health education. “Health educators use these techniques every day, often without realizing it. The more we integrate health communication competencies into CHES® training and job roles, the stronger our impact, and our case for reimbursement of health education services.”
Clough also emphasizes the need for more recognition of CHES® certification in healthcare settings. “Many job postings ask for health education expertise but don’t require or even mention CHES®. Employers need to understand the value of hiring credentialed professionals who are trained in behavior change and health literacy. I think there is a real opportunity here for us to have an impact on patient education, patient experience, and health outcomes.”
Advice for Emerging Health Educators and Communicators
For those entering the field, Clough offers practical advice: “Work in different spaces early in your career—nonprofits, hospitals, communications agencies—because each experience will inform your work and help you determine where you want to focus.” She also stresses the importance of mastering both traditional and emerging communication strategies. “Be open to new and emerging technologies, but don’t discount what has worked in the past. The fundamentals—research, planning, execution, and evaluation—remain critical and emerging communications technologies may provide new ways of getting there.”
Listening is another key skill she highlights. “Listen to experienced professionals, new voices, your clients, and the communities you serve. Understanding what people truly need and want will make your health campaigns far more effective.”
Resources for CHES®/MCHES® Interested in Health Communication
For CHES® and MCHES® professionals looking to expand their expertise in health communication and social marketing, Clough recommends the following resources:
Parting Words
Clough’s career exemplifies how health communication can be a powerful driver of public health change. By combining communication expertise with health education principles, professionals can enhance their ability to influence behavior and improve health outcomes.
“Health education and social marketing are two sides of the same coin,” says Clough. “When done right, they have the power to truly change lives.”