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
Health Lab
A Tiny Cry for Help from Inside the Liver Could Lead to Better Treatment
An enzyme’s newly discovered ability to spur the body to prevent or repair acute liver injury could be harnessed as a therapy or used as a biomarker.
News Release
New DNA “shredder” technique goes beyond CRISPR’s scissors
In the last six years, a tool called CRISPR-Cas9 has transformed genetic research, allowing scientists to snip and edit DNA strands at precise locations like a pair of tiny scissors.
News Release
The magic of flute: U-M Life Sciences Orchestra presents a free concert on April 14
Nearly 20 years ago, a young surgeon had an idea: What if the University of Michigan’s vast medical and science community had its own orchestra, to give give students and professionals a chance to express their musical talents and connect with one another and the community?
Health Lab
Poll: Pets Help Older Adults Cope with Health Issues
Two-thirds of all pet owners say that having an animal helps them stay physically active. But for some older adults, time commitment, cost and allergies stand in the way of pet ownership.
News Release
U-M team reaches final round in “March Madness” of science
Every year, basketball fans rally around their favorite college teams in the March Madness tournament. But medical science has its own version, and a University of Michigan reseach team has made it all the way to the finals.
Health Lab
Early Hearing Loss May Mean Higher Risk of Drug and Alcohol Issues
National study shows prescription opioid use disorder is twice as high among deaf and hard-of-hearing young and middle-aged adults, compared with hearing peers
Health Lab
Getting Leftover Surgery Opioids Out of Harm’s Way? It’s in the Bag
Randomized trial shows inexpensive supplies doubled safe disposal of opioid pain medicines by six weeks after surgery, but didn’t ensure it happened
News Release
Open the envelope, learn your future: Match Day suspense ends for U-M medical students
Today at noon, 157 University of Michigan medical students ripped open envelopes, and instantly knew where they’ll spend the next three to seven years of their lives.
News Release
U-M launches health study using Apple Watch
Consumers are increasingly turning to wearable devices to learn more about everything from their heart rate to sleep quality. Yet, the question remains: what can all of this data tell us about people’s overall health?
Health Lab
All Inpatients, All the Time: Hospital Medicine Grows as a Specialty
With their general medical training, and their special focus on the needs of hospitalized patients, hospitalist physicians play a key role in many hospitals.
Health Lab
Study: People with High-Deductible Plans Don’t Act Like Savvy Shoppers
Few people with HDHPs proactively ask about or search for lower-cost care. This suggests opportunity for insurers, employers and health care providers to help.
Health Lab
Many Older Adults, Especially Those with Health Issues, Feel Isolated
Survey of older adults finds physical & mental health issues, hearing problems, and poor diet, exercise and sleep habits are tied to loneliness
Health Lab
Medical ‘Shadow Records’ and ‘Black Box’ Tools Need More Light
Experts call for regulations to strike a balance between personal privacy rights and the potential for “big data” research to improve patient care and fuel innovation.
Health Lab
Dramatic ACA Effect Seen in Insurance for Adults with Diabetes
U-M researchers show more adults with diabetes covered after ACA provisions for pre-existing conditions and older adults began.
Health Lab
Think This Flu Season Is Bad? Flash Back 100 Years
The 1918-1919 flu pandemic killed millions. What can it teach us about preventing the spread of infections today?
