Content Contributors

Students, faculty and staff can contribute videos and more for social media and other recruitment materials.

Future students and trainees want to hear what the WashU Medicine experience is really like. As a content contributor, you can help share your authentic perspective. Your contributions may be featured on social media, at recruitment events, in admissions materials and across other WashU Medicine communications.

Interested in sharing your experiences? Contact Catherine Betz to learn more: cbetz@wustl.edu

Here’s how it works 

Bring your real energy
Content doesn’t need polish to make an impact — just authenticity. Get creative or stay simple, whatever feels right.

You are the expert
We’re here to support you as a sounding board for any ideas or questions.

We can edit 

Your perspective is what matters. Share all your footage and we’ll create the edit. If you prefer to edit, let us know.

Bring us fresh ideas
Have a non-video idea? Pitch it to us! We’d love to chat about it.

A few important notes

Protect patient privacy

Do not show or discuss patients or or any protected health information (PHI) or HIPAA identifiers. Avoid filming in clinical spaces. WashU Medicine and BJC have strongly suggested guidelines about filming in clinical spaces.

More to consider

  • Professionalism, always. Remember, you’ll be representing WashU Medicine in your content and approach.
  • Use what you have. Please plan to record with your own phone, camera or other equipment — we aren’t able to provide filming gear or production tools at this time.
  • Focus your message, but share it all. You’re welcome to send longer footage or multiple takes — our team will shape the final edit. If you prefer to edit your own piece, let us know and we can coordinate in advance.
  • Name your program. Prospective learners from many programs may see your content — audiology, MD, OT, PT, data science, genetic counseling, residency programs and more.
  • Use full organizational names on first mention. For instance, WashU Medicine. Avoid acronyms unless widely understood (PT, MCAT).
  • Practice, but don’t memorize. Aim for a conversational tone that feels clear and authentic, not rehearsed.
  • Share multiple perspectives. The more footage you send, the more flexibility we have to tell a full story. In addition to speaking on camera, capture b-roll (supporting footage) of your environment to give a sense of place. Send everything — we’ll edit. 
  • Get permission. Anyone featured must agree to be included. Non-WashU participants must sign a media release form (we can help). Do not include patients, patient information or minors.
Need inspiration? 

Being on camera can feel intimidating — but don’t let that stop you from sharing your authentic voice. Ideas to get you started could include:

Filming guidelines 
  • Film vertically if you intend this video to be used on social media.
  • Prep your phone. Clean the lens, silence notifications, check the charge and ensure video settings are correct (see Video Settings section for guidance). 
  • Choose good light and quiet areas. Natural indirect light works best. Minimize background noise by closing doors, windows and turning off fans. Save noisy spaces for b-roll instead of speaking parts. Outdoor locations will be challenging for capturing quality sound.
  • Check your sound. Do a quick test to make sure your voice is clear.
  • Frame yourself well. Hold the camera at arm’s length, use a tripod or ask someone to film for you. Look into the camera, not at yourself on screen.
  • Review before you send. Watch it back, film multiple takes if needed and share everything — we’ll handle the rest!
Video settings

Film in HD — preferably 1080p at 30fps. This resolution provides a good balance of quality and file size for most platforms. Recommended settings:

iPhone

  • Open Settings
  • Go to Camera > Record Video
  • Select 1080p at 30fps
  • Avoid higher frame rates like 60fps unless necessary (such as slow-motion video) — they increase file size and may not be needed

Android – Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

  • Open the Camera app
  • Tap the Settings icon
  • Go to rear video size
  • Select FHD 1920×1080 at 30fps
  • For front camera: Repeat steps for front video size

Android – Google Pixel (Pixel 5 and newer)

  • Open the Camera app
  • Toggle to video
  • Tap Settings (gear icon in bottom corner)
  • Set Resolution to 1080p (full HD) and fps to 30 
  • If recording in selfie mode, first flip the camera to front record, then tap Settings and set Resolution to 1080p at 30fps

Sharing your footage

Upload video files to your shared Box folder. You’ll then receive an email with instructions.

Filename: Include your last name, and make it descriptive – especially if uploading multiple files. 

No maximum number of files — the more you provide, the better. 

If you’re having trouble sharing via Box just let us know and we’ll find another way for you to share.