In the fast-paced world of health journalism, the most remarkable stories often emerge from unexpected places, revealing profound human experiences that challenge our understanding of medicine, science, and personal resilience.

At STAT, our team of dedicated reporters spent 2025 not just chronicling groundbreaking developments, but also deeply appreciating the nuanced storytelling of their colleagues. This annual tradition of highlighting extraordinary reporting offers a unique window into the narratives that moved, challenged, and inspired our journalists.

Rachel Aviv's deeply introspective piece about a woman whose psychosis transformed following lymphoma treatment particularly captivated Eric Boodman, a general assignment reporter. The story prompted fundamental questions about human identity, challenging readers to reconsider the intricate relationship between physical health and personal consciousness.

Michael Lewis's long-form journalism also drew significant admiration from Helen Branswell, the infectious disease correspondent. Despite acknowledging the seemingly insurmountable gap between his legendary storytelling and her own reporting style, Branswell was profoundly moved by Lewis's account of an FDA employee, Heather Stone, who made a transformative difference in a young patient's life.

The ongoing conversation about vaccination emerged as another critical theme, with O. Rose Broderick highlighting Jessica Steier's meticulous examination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial vaccine rhetoric. Steier's work, complemented by striking graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo, methodically dismantled the scientific claims of vaccine critics like David and Mark Geier, providing readers with critical tools for understanding misinformation.

Chelsea Cirruzzo's selection focused on a nuanced exploration of assisted suicide, praising a piece that delved into the complex emotional and ethical landscape surrounding non-terminal patients' end-of-life choices. The article's power lay in its ability to provoke genuine reflection and internal conflict among readers.

Perhaps most poignantly, Isabella Cueto celebrated Anissa Durham's extraordinary series on organ transplantation and racial disparities. Durham's reporting went beyond surface-level analysis, addressing systemic barriers, historical mistrust, and practical challenges facing Black Americans in the transplant system. By combining personal narratives, explanatory guides, and comprehensive research, the series exemplified public service journalism at its most impactful.

As 2025 draws to a close, these stories remind us that exceptional journalism is more than reporting facts—it's about illuminating human experiences, challenging preconceptions, and fostering deeper understanding across complex medical and social landscapes.