Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager

Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag

Kara Gavin photo
graphic drawing of hospital with road in front of it with red car driving
Health Lab
Long drives, high costs stand between rural adults and safe surgery
Rural patients face long drives for surgery, especially if they want to reach a high quality and affordable hospital.
older woman taking care of plants at a job
Health Lab
Working later in life linked to positive health impacts
People over 50 who work say having a job aids their mental and physical health, but disabilities, caregiving and other issues act as barriers to working for many, including those who aren’t working but aren’t yet retired.
blood test bottles above arm with white bandaid
Health Lab
How can we cut wasteful pre-surgery testing?
Pre-operative tests in low-risk surgical patients dropped sharply, and safely, after a quality improvement effort aimed at reducing inappropriate care.
2025 blocks with stethoscope
Health Lab
Top 10 things to know about your health costs right now
From Medicare prescription costs and medical debt rules to actions that the Supreme Court, Congress and President Trump could take, a guide to health policies that affect many people.
white sneaker feet in dark blue and light blue scrubs rushing a hospital bed into medical area
Health Lab
Firearm hospitalizations dropped before the pandemic, then shot up
Hospital stays related to gun injuries dipped then rose sharply, and paralleled gun sales trends, with disparities by age, race and health insurance status.
paperwork with white and blue and red and says medicare john smith hospital part a medical part b 09-01 09-0
Health Lab
How did health insurance coverage changes affect older adults?
Two University of Michigan studies show how past policy decisions have affected older Americans with modest or low incomes.
News Release
Eight U-M researchers win PECASE awards
Three U-M medical researchers, and five others from the U-M faculty, have received one of the nation's top honors for scientists and engineers, as announced by the White House.
Photo of first medical building
News Release
“An example worthy of imitation”: U-M Medical School marks 175th anniversary
A yearlong celebration of the 175th anniversary of the opening of the U-M Medical School will highlight and examine aspects of the history of U-M’s entire academic medical center
hand holding older hand over blanket
Health Lab
What experts wish more people knew about hospice and other end-of-life care
Hospice, palliative care, end-of-life decisions, long-term care insurance and durable power of attorney are all things people with serious health issues should think about.
friends talking outside older walking smiling
Health Lab
Older adults’ health may get a little help from their friends 
Close friendships include help with health-related advice or support for people over 50, but those with major mental or physical health issues have fewer close friends.
out the window woman staring
Health Lab
1 in 3 older adults still experience loneliness and isolation
Rates of loneliness and social isolation in older people have declined from pandemic highs, but are still a problem especially for those with mental or physical health issues or disabilities.
family of four sitting on couch in living room looking at an ipad laughing
Health Lab
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways – but the reverse may be true too
A poll shows the many ways (childcare, nutrition, major expenses) that grandparents help their grandchildren, but also suggests a link to older adults’ sense of isolation and their mental health.
woman touching back leaning forward in pain at desk light powder blue button down
Health Lab
Does virtual care mean low-value care? Study says no
The rise of telehealth has come with concerns that it could encourage use of low-value care that’s not needed. But a study suggests this hasn't happened.
blurred front door exit with people walking through in blue see through doors
Health Lab
Medicare has a revolving door, study suggests
Medicare Advantage vs traditional Medicare is an annual Open Enrollment decision, and a new study looks at how many older adults revolve between the two.
NAM GIF
News Release
Four U-M faculty elected to National Academy of Medicine
Four of U-M's top health and medical researchers have been chosen for one of the nation's top honors.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3