At just 35 years old, Margaux de Frouville is at the head of the department dedicated to health issues for BFMTV. Pedagogue and rigorous, she has been deciphering for more than a year the health news linked to the coronavirus epidemic and regularly hosts dedicated special programs. She tells us how she lived this year rich in news, professional and personal side.
You have been following the health crisis for over a year. What is your most memorable memory?
Margaux de Frouville : In retrospect, I think that will remain the beginning, January 24, 2020. It was the end of a long day, with reporting at the Institut Pasteur, guest stalling, and interventions on set around this “mysterious virus Chinese”.
Shortly after 8 p.m., surprise, it was not one but two first cases detected in France, then a third in the evening. They were also the first official cases in Europe. At that time, the media frenzy was launched, but nothing let us think what awaited us…
Between health and political measures, constantly evolving scientific data… Is monitoring Covid-19 in real time exciting or exhausting?
Both, Captain! Fascinating obviously, because rethinking the evolution of knowledge, and even misunderstandings during this year would almost make me dizzy. I have notes typed on the computer to prepare my interventions on set in all directions, and when I come across a new element 2 months ago, it seems like a century to me. What fascinates me are the exchanges with scientists, the sharing of their knowledge.
The pace imposed by health news is intense. Do you still manage to keep time for yourself?
I’m trying. From Monday to Friday, it’s mission impossible, I’m in a long tunnel. On the other hand, I try to free myself on Friday afternoon to pick up my children from school. and relax on weekends.
You have two children. Do you tell them about your work, the coronavirus…?
Just yesterday my eldest son came into my room and asked me “Mom, when is the virus going?” I was not excpecting that at all. I answered him honestly, that I didn’t know, that we all hoped soon, and that vaccines could improve the situation. Otherwise, for my work, it’s quite concrete for them, because they can see me live at work!
The health crisis leaves less time to cover other medical topics. Isn’t that frustrating?
It is. When I was able to talk on set about the birth of the baby born after the first uterus transplant in France a few weeks ago, I felt like I was taking a breath of fresh air! And we have our column broadcast at the weekend with Dr. Alain Ducardonnet, my buddy, which allows us to discuss other subjects.
The uncertainty, the lack of prospects… What weighs you down the most in this unprecedented time?
I, like everyone else, have some slack… I miss dinners with friends. I miss restaurants. I miss screenings more than a week old!
And conversely, what positive things did this crisis bring to you?
A refocusing on the essentials. I have never ever needed so much to spend quality time with the ones I love.
