The Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health is proud to announce the 2025-26 Global Health Media Fellow: Michal Ruprecht, a medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine currently completing his third year.

Ruprecht, the son of immigrants, is also a global health researcher whose work explores interventions rooted in equity and inclusion to drive positive change in underserved communities, from Afghan refugees to those impacted by the Flint Water Crisis. 

Ruprecht brings considerable experience in journalism as well as a deep curiosity about how global health reporting can positively or negatively impact public attitudes, misperceptions, and approaches to global health. He hopes to use the fellowship to explore responsible and effective storytelling strategies.

“While often overlooked by the mainstream media, stories from the Global South highlight innovative and resilient models of healthcare and community-led solutions to public health challenges,” he said. “In my reporting, I aim to amplify the stories of individuals leading these initiatives and share their triumphs, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they have to offer.”

Ruprecht edits and fact-checks content for ABC News as a member of the Medical Unit. He also contributes to MedPage Today and serves on its Editorial Advisory Board. He previously interned at ABC News, MedPage Today and the American Public Health Association. At ABC News, he led coverage of maternal mortality among Black women, childhood bereavement, and gun violence. While at MedPage, he covered Stanford’s incoming class of surgery residents and the attention they received for being nearly all women. He is also the past recipient of several other reporting fellowships.

Ruprecht is the 15th recipient of the Global Health Media Fellowship, which is designed to create a generation of physician-storytellers who can shine a light on under-reported global health challenges and build health literacy among populations not traditionally served by mainstream media. 

“I hope to use storytelling as a tool to advocate for some of the most vulnerable communities, including children, who are usually left out of the scientific discourse,” he said. “Because misinformation affects not only individuals but entire communities, I will address it using the skills I gain through this fellowship and foster sincere communication that bridges the gap between science and the communities it serves.”

Ruprecht begins his fellowship in September 2025. Learn more about the Global Health Media Fellowship here.