August 18th, 2026 – Thera Health Policy & Access is pleased to announce the release of Episode 5 of TheraTalks, the interview series dedicated to engaging healthcare leaders, policy experts, regulators, industry innovators, and thought leaders in meaningful conversations about the issues shaping the future of healthcare in Latin America and beyond.
This latest episode features a conversation between José Luis Cárdenas Tomažič, Founder & Managing Director of Thera Health Policy & Access, and Maribel Ramírez Coronel, one of Mexico’s most respected and influential investigative health journalists, with more than 25 years of experience covering health economics, healthcare policy, pharmaceutical regulation, public procurement, and the life sciences sector.
Throughout her distinguished career, Maribel has held leading editorial and reporting roles across some of Mexico’s most prominent media organizations, including El Economista, Expansión, and TV Azteca. She is the author of the widely followed column “Salud y Negocios”, Founder and CEO of Plenilunia, and co-host of the regional podcast “Salud en Serio”. Her work is widely recognized for connecting healthcare policy, economics, regulation, and innovation with the real-world impact experienced by patients and healthcare systems.
During the interview, José Luis and Maribel discuss the profound transformation that health journalism has undergone over the past two decades. The conversation highlights how healthcare issues, once considered a relatively niche area within mainstream media, have become central to public debate following the COVID-19 pandemic. As health challenges increasingly intersect with economics, politics, innovation, and social development, the role of specialized journalism has become more important than ever.
A central theme of the discussion is the growing importance of specialization in health journalism. Maribel shares how her background in economic journalism has enabled her to analyze healthcare issues through multiple lenses, helping audiences better understand the complex interactions between healthcare systems, public policy, budgets, regulation, innovation, and access to care. The conversation underscores that effective healthcare reporting requires not only scientific literacy but also a strong understanding of economics, public administration, and regulatory affairs.
The episode also explores the challenges created by information overload, misinformation, and the rapid expansion of digital content. José Luis and Maribel examine how the growth of social media, new content creators, and artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the information landscape. While access to information has expanded dramatically, distinguishing reliable, evidence-based information from inaccurate or misleading content has become increasingly difficult for both professionals and the general public.
Another important topic addressed during the interview is the responsibility of journalists to translate complex healthcare topics into accessible language. From regulatory reforms and pharmaceutical innovation to public health programs and healthcare financing, many of the issues that influence patient outcomes are highly technical. The conversation highlights the critical role that journalists play in helping citizens understand the implications of healthcare decisions and participate more effectively in public discussions.
The discussion further examines the future of specialized health journalism in Latin America. Maribel notes that while interest among younger journalists remains strong, economic and professional constraints often limit opportunities for specialization. The speakers emphasize the importance of strengthening educational pathways, promoting professional development programs, and creating incentives that encourage deeper expertise in healthcare reporting, particularly in areas such as regulation, health economics, and public policy.
Looking ahead, José Luis and Maribel reflect on how high-quality journalism contributes to stronger healthcare systems by fostering transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. They agree that rigorous reporting is essential not only for informing society, but also for supporting better public policies, more efficient use of healthcare resources, and improved health outcomes across the region.
“In an era characterized by information overload and increasing complexity, specialized health journalism plays a critical role in helping society understand the decisions that shape healthcare systems, patient access, and public health outcomes. Informed public debate depends on trusted voices capable of translating complex issues into meaningful insights,” said José Luis Cárdenas Tomažič.
Watch the full interview here:
Watch TheraTalks Episode 5
About the Guest
Maribel Ramírez Coronel is one of Mexico’s most recognized health and business journalists, with more than 25 years of experience covering healthcare policy, regulation, public procurement, health economics, and the pharmaceutical industry. She specializes in economic journalism and completed advanced studies at the University of Miami through a Reuters Foundation-sponsored program. Maribel is the author of the influential column “Salud y Negocios” at El Economista, Founder and CEO of Plenilunia, and co-host of the podcast “Salud en Serio”. Her work is widely respected for combining rigorous analysis, data-driven reporting, and a deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem across Latin America.
About Thera Health Policy & Access
Thera Health Policy & Access is a specialized consultancy and Think & Do Tank focused on health policy, market access, healthcare regulation, public affairs, strategic intelligence, and healthcare system transformation. Through evidence-based analysis, stakeholder engagement, and multidisciplinary expertise, Thera supports organizations in navigating complex healthcare environments and advancing sustainable solutions that improve patient access and health outcomes across Latin America.
