People ask me why I blog. I sometimes ask myself that very question (always after beating myself up for not writing more often). The reality is, I blog for several reasons. Number one: More people are getting information from the Internet and social media. Second, it's a simple and inexpensive way to communicate and reach broader audiences than ever before. Third, it offers interactivity – a way for readers to respond and create a dynamic conversation. It is, after all, called social media. And finally, the traditional news media, especially local TV news and newspapers, sadly don't have the resources to cover healthcare the way they used to. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE newspapers, and unlike some national figures I can actually tell you which I read daily. But NJN is the only news channel that I receive that really covers New Jersey news.

So to answer that initial question: I blog to share information and perspective on the important healthcare issues that affect us all. We're also on Twitter, and I invite you to follow us at "NJhospitals." Of course, there are numerous additional opportunities in the social media space – Facebook, You Tube, Linked In and many others. If you've gotten this far, you're clearly a reader of blogs. So I'd really like to hear your opinion: How do you like to receive healthcare information online, and where should we go next? The possibilities are truly limitless.