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


Health Lab
Rural patients face long drives for surgery, especially if they want to reach a high quality and affordable hospital.

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
Pre-operative tests in low-risk surgical patients dropped sharply, and safely, after a quality improvement effort aimed at reducing inappropriate care.

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
Hospital stays related to gun injuries dipped then rose sharply, and paralleled gun sales trends, with disparities by age, race and health insurance status.

Health Lab
Two University of Michigan studies show how past policy decisions have affected older Americans with modest or low incomes.
News Release
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.

News Release
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

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
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.

Health Lab
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.

News Release
Four of U-M's top health and medical researchers have been chosen for one of the nation's top honors.