BIO - Marlene M. von Friederichs-Fitzwater, Ph.D. APR

After 25 years of professional experience in journalism and public relations (general reporter with the Los Angeles Times; publicist at Walt Disney Studios; owner of First Edition Publishing Company; etc.) I began my university teaching career in 1983 at the University of Southern Colorado while completing my doctorate at the University of Utah. I was appointed to a faculty position at CSUS in 1985 and promoted to professor in 1993. My current areas of research interest include family communication and health communication. I was given an adjunct clinical appointment at UCD, School of Medicine, Family Practice, in 1985. As associate clinical professor, I teach history-taking, interviewing and communication skills to first medical students. In 2003, I was given a second adjunct appointment as assistant professor in Hematology/Oncology at UCD, where I will develop a cancer communication research program.  I co-founded the Health Communication Research Institute, Inc. in 1989 as a 501, c, 3 non-profit research and educational center for the study of health communication.  The Institute provides research internships and fellowships as well as involving students and faculty in grants and contracts. I am a member of the World Health Organization and the UCD Primary Care Research Center. I was named a Fellow in the American Academy on Physician and Patient in 1995.

My philosophy of education is based on empowering students through the use of a learner-centered model (and a patient-centered model in healthcare) to achieve their learning and development goals. Using a problem-based learning format, my style of teaching incorporates facilitating and coaching while allowing students to discover their own capabilities to solve problems, gain knowledge, and enhance skills. Goals for my classes include: dialogue, critical thinking, discovery and integration (linking coursework, life experiences, visions for the future and lifestyle).

Favorite Things to Do: listen to music, read, travel, write and teach, watch baseball (especially the Yankees)

The Health Communication Research Institute, Inc.
3550 Watt Ave., Suite #140
 Sacramento, CA 95821-2667