Bob Davis
Lecturer, Reporter, USA Today

Phone: (703) 854-5915
Fax: (202) 994-5806
E-mail: bdavis@usatoday.com
Office: MPA 425

Expertise

Courses Taught

JOUR 131, Science and Medical Reporting

Selected Works

Background

Since 1992, Bob Davis has reported on a variety of topics as a writer for USA TODAY, although in 1997 his coverage turned to medicine and science. With nearly 10 years of experience as an emergency medic, Davis brings first-hand knowledge to his beats, which range from emergency medicine to the national blood supply. His in-depth stories and investigative reports delve into the emotional and ethical impact of such topics as medical errors and controversial experimental treatments.

While at USA TODAY, Davis has also covered safety issues in commercial aviation and was the lead writer on major air disasters including the ValuJet to TWA 800 crashes from 1995 to 1997. As crime and justice writer, Davis covered gun control and other crime issues including the federal standoff in Waco, Tex., the Susan Smith murder trial, and the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. He began as a breaking news writer for USA TODAY, where he reported national stories ranging from hurricanes to rampaging circus elephants.

From 1988 to 1992, Davis served as general assignment reporter for The Coloradoan in Fort Collins, Colo., where he covered health, cops and courts for the 30,000 daily circulation newspaper. While there, he won state and national awards for in-depth medical stories and coverage of the release of native Tom Sutherland, who had been held hostage in the Middle East. Prior to that he spent a year as a general assignment reporter for the Montrose Daily Press in Montrose, Colo. While attending Metropolitan State College in Denver, Davis served as editor of the student newspaper.

Davis was honored with the 2001 Kaiser Media Fellow for examining U.S. emergency medical systems and analyzing variations in survival rates. He has also been recognized with various Colorado press, medical trade and Gannett corporation awards.

Education

B.A., Journalism and History, Metropolitan State College, 1987