This is my last posting for Second Opinion. After 13 years, I’ve decided to retire from the column. Writing it for MinnPost has been an incredibly rewarding experience, but I want to put more “space” into my days. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that we should not take our time with friends and family for granted.
[image_caption]Susan Perry[/image_caption]
I have lots of people to thank, but I’d like to start with those of you who’ve been regular readers of Second Opinion. Over the years, I’ve had thoughtful e-mail exchanges with many of you, and I’ve also read with interest all the comments that you posted at the end of my articles. Early on, I realized I would not be able to respond to every comment (I simply didn’t have the time), but I did read and learn from them. Many of the points you made helped to inform what I wrote the next time I covered the topic.
From the beginning, I wanted Second Opinion to be an evidence-based column, one that looked at what the actual scientific evidence had to say on issues related to consumer health. That focus on evidence became my lodestar each day as I chose the next topic to write about.
And just for the record: In all the years I’ve written the column, no editor — nor anyone else — ever told me what to leave in or leave out. I selected the topic of each column. I also decided how I would approach it. Admittedly, I didn’t always make the best decision (some of the research I wrote about didn’t hold up in future studies), but the responsibility lies fully with me.
I have worked with many wonderful, talented people at MinnPost, but I am especially indebted to Susan Albright, my exceptionally skilled and steady long-time editor, and to Corey Anderson, who managed (with a sense of humor) every morning to come up with photos and other images for articles that often didn’t lend themselves to any kind of visuals.
I want to particularly thank, however, Laurie and Joel Kramer, who had the vision and courage to launch a nonprofit online newspaper in 2007, right in the midst of the Great Recession. I am grateful for having been part of this remarkable adventure in journalism. It’s been quite a journey.
Thank you for all of the posts! I can’t believe it’s been that long. I’ve enjoyed and appreciated your work here so much. What a gift.
Susan thank you. It was refreshing to to health and science reported properly. Your column will be missed.
I always knew your focus was evidenced-based reporting. It reached the point that my physician was interested in this health column and learned a few points from it, too. Thank you for all your work. Congratulations on the decision to open space in your life to see what will emerge. I have no doubt you will fully enjoy full retirement!
It’s Lucky #13 for you but not so much for your readers. Once I took a writing class from you, which did not lead to a stellar writing career but did make me a fan of your Second Opinion columns. Congrats on your stepping away. Enjoy the next chapter, wherever it takes you.
I also will miss your column. Never miss it!
I wish you the best. Will really miss your column. One of my favorites not to miss. Good to keep your grandson happy. Enjoy all your times together.
Thank you, Susan, for years of bringing science and facts to the discussion. Its very important work.
Best of luck. I will be hanging up my mouse and keyboard before long, too.
Farewell, Susan. I’m going to miss your wise, calm and informative updates on health.
Thanks for all your writing – it’s been a pleasure reading your column over the years.
You will be missed. You provided some of the most useful health science reporting around, and I was constantly sharing it with family and friends (including my health science journalist daughter!).
I am not a long time reader of Minnpost but your column was probably the one I followed the most. I will miss it and wish you the best of luck.
Dear Ms. Perry, a thousand thanks. You gave us so much. I will miss your columns at MinnPost, one of only two with The Glean that I read absolutely every day. I have learned so much, especially about vitamins and snake oil, but also you taught us about Choosing Wisely, Science-Based Medicine, and HealthNewsReview. I even have a book here with an introduction by Susan Perry. Congratulations on your retirement.
Have enjoyed your writing Susan, many times thinking “I did not know that!”. Best of luck in your new adventures.
Enjoy your time with your grandson and other family. I have learned much over the years from your column. And, thank you, for a focus on mental health. You are one of the science writers in the Twin Cities that helped bring that topic out into the light of day.
Very insightful and readable columns. You will be missed.
Thank you for your good work, Susan Perry!
I will miss reading your column. Thanks for all your hard work bringing us evidence based medical information.