Dennis Thompson is a senior health reporter at HealthDay, where he’s covered critical public health issues since 2015. With a master’s in mass communication and two decades of journalism experience, he specializes in translating complex medical research into actionable consumer insights.
We’ve followed Dennis Thompson’s work for over two decades, witnessing his evolution from a regional newspaper reporter to a trusted authority in health journalism. His career, marked by rigorous analysis and accessible storytelling, has made complex medical topics relatable to millions of readers.
Thompson began his journey at Gannett newspapers, covering breaking news and community issues. His transition to health reporting emerged organically, driven by a fascination with how medical advancements intersect with everyday lives. At HealthDay since 2015, he’s become a leading voice in:
This groundbreaking analysis revealed how shifting social norms impact older adults’ relationships. Thompson combined Census Bureau data with interviews from sociologists and divorce mediators to show the ripple effects on retirement planning and healthcare systems. His nuanced approach balanced statistical trends with human stories, making it one of HealthDay’s most shared articles of 2025.
Thompson’s investigative piece tracked the success of state-level harm reduction programs. By analyzing CDC mortality data and interviewing first responders, he demonstrated how naloxone distribution and methadone clinics reduced polysubstance fatalities. Public health officials cited this work when advocating for increased funding in rural areas.
In this Medical Xpress exclusive, Thompson exposed a growing off-label use trend. Through interviews with endocrinologists and analysis of insurance claims data, he highlighted both the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1 agonists in non-obese patients. The article sparked national conversations about FDA oversight and diabetic care protocols.
Thompson consistently covers novel approaches to chronic health issues. His recent piece on mobile methadone clinics exemplifies this interest. Pitches should highlight:
"Programs that combine clinical care with community support"
With mental health constituting 40% of his recent bylines, Thompson seeks stories about scalable solutions. His analysis of telehealth CBT programs shows particular interest in:
While Thompson occasionally covers wellness trends, his work prioritizes clinical research over self-help approaches. A rejected pitch about yoga for stress relief demonstrates his preference for:
"Peer-reviewed studies with clear outcome measures"
Though individual accolades aren’t publicly listed, Thompson’s contributions to HealthDay’s award-winning team speak volumes. The outlet has received:
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Health, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
