Barbara Box calls health care recession-proof. And when she speaks to WVU journalism students next week (Oct. 28- Nov. 1), she hopes to help them understand that there will always be interest in and demand for new medical therapies that treat diseases better, safer and at lower costs. And there will always be a demand for people who can relay information about these medical innovations.

“We have an aging population that will place increasing demands on the healthcare system,”said Box, executive vice president and worldwide director of health care for Chicago-based Golin/Harris International.

Box will be spending the week at the WVU Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism working hands-on with public relations students. The School has placed an emphasis on bringing working professionals into classrooms to train students in real-world business practices.

Box said she hopes to help students understand the variety of jobs that exist within health care public relations and the higher pay opportunities that come with developing a specialty.

“I’d love to be able to give students a glimpse into all the terrific, exciting work going on in the industry. I’d also like to assure them that the education they get at WVU will prepare them well to enter the job market once they graduate,”Box said.

Box has a combination of health care and consumer public relations experience and an expertise in strategic positioning, Federal Drug Administration approvals/product launches and physician and patient education. In her role at Golin/Harris, she oversees all the health care accounts, including Bayer.

“We are honored to have a nationally-recognized public relations expert like

Barbara Box share her knowledge, skill and passion for the craft with our students. Her experience, talent and insight are unmatched,” SOJ Dean Christine Martin said.