OPINION EDITORIAL “OP-ED” TEMPLATE
The following template is an example of how to write your own op-ed supporting public health
efforts. The template is divided into two sections: the first section provides guidance and notes
on the structure when crafting an op-ed while the second section provides an example of op-ed
written from the provider’s perspective. The example was originally written as an article in the
magazine of a county medical society in coordination with the development of a new county
initiative and published by CMA via our website. Op-eds can also be published through local
news outlets and other sources. Organizations, such as CMA, may have media contacts that can
help you find the appropriate audience for your op-ed. While the example op-ed provided is
specific to sugar-sweetened beverage, you can use this format as a general advocacy template
and insert your own personal experiences, local data, and initiatives. The most important
elements to remember are:
Present the problem and give it a human touch. Supporting data is important but it will
fall flat if you don’t demonstrate what it means for readers. Do you have an experience
with one of your patients that you can share? Providers have a powerful voice and can
contribute to personalizing advocacy issues for the readers that data alone may not be
able to do.
Offer a solution – what local programs or initiatives are you supporting? What can still
be done to help? Be sure to show why these solutions are effective.
Include a call to action – success is a community effort.
TITLE
DATE
AUTHOR, TITLE, CREDENTIALS
The first paragraph of your op-ed should set up the problem. Notice here, the
author starts with local data that drives home the message that obesity is a
problem in the local community.
The rest of the paragraph demonstrates the different ways that the problem can
affect the health of community members, regardless of age, gender and other
factors. This puts a human face on the problem – an important part of any op-ed.
The paragraph concludes with a sentence that hints at finding a solution: these
problems are largely preventable. This acts as a nice transition to the next
paragraph.