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
Study Shows How Pneumonia-Causing Superbug Invades
A new discovery about a common and potentially deadly bacterium could one day pave the way for new, needed antibiotics.
Health Lab
6 Things You Need to Know About Pneumonia
Suddenly in the spotlight, this common lung infection has a lot of causes but can also be prevented in many cases. Learn more to protect yourself.
Health Lab
Protein’s Pleasures and Perils: Study Reveals Clues to Appetite and Aging
University of Michigan study suggests that the serotonin pathway in fruit flies impacts protein consumption and life spans. Learn more about serotonin function.
Health Lab
New Medicare Payment Model May Cause a Bundle of Problems for Some Hospitals
U-M study recommends the use of risk adjustment for Medicare programs that bundle payments for hip and knee replacements. Learn more about the CJR model.
Health Lab
Why Does Dying Cost More for People of Color?
U-M study finds Medicare pays thousands more for the end of life care of black and Hispanic people than for whites. Here's more on the cost of end of life care.
Health Lab
Gut Bacteria Leads to Obesity? Not So Fast
Despite recent headlines linking weight problems to microbiome disruptions, a new review finds no clear connection.
Health Lab
Despite Lack of Evidence, 10 States Allow Medical Marijuana for Alzheimer’s
University of Michigan researchers question the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Learn more about Alzheimer's and Marijuana.
Health Lab
1 in 4 First-Year Residents May Meet Criteria for Clinical Depression
In a University of Michigan study 25% of first-year residents may meet criteria for clinical depression. Learn how researchers and educators are trying to help.
Health Lab
To Improve Response During Outbreaks, Tap the Hive Mind
A new framework called IAR from RAND helps agencies and organizations track and share activities, problems and successful responses to public health emergencies.
Health Lab
Microcephaly Research in Non-Zika Cases Provides Clues
New Studies on Microcephaly may help explain what happens in the developing brains of babies in the womb, causing them to be born with small brains and heads.
Health Lab
Hospitals Sending the Most Heart Patients to ICUs Report Worst Results
A study suggests patients being treated for heart attacks in heavily relied on ICUs may fair worse than in other hospital areas. Read more on ICU utilization.
Health Lab
How ‘Love’ and a Landmark Paper Improved Health Care
University of Michigan researchers reflect on Donabedian's paper "Evaluating the Quality of Medical Care." Learn about its lasting impact on health care.
Health Lab
The ImPAT Approach: Treating Pain Without Opioids
A University of Michigan study shows that ImPAT care in combination with addiction treatment reported a decrease both in overall pain levels and alcohol intake.
Health Lab
Finding Beauty Through a Microscope
The University of Michigan BioArtography initiative creates images of colorful cells from underneath a microscope. See these images and how to purchase your own.
Health Lab
Discovery of Gut Bacteria in Critically Ill Lungs May Change ICU Care
University of Michigan researchers discover gut bacteria in critically ill lungs. Learn how this may influence illnesses such as sepsis and acute lung failure.
