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

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The 40-Year Path to a New Drug for a Rare Disease

Cerdelga, from University of Michigan, treats Gaucher without the need for biweekly two-hour intravenous medications. Discover more about Cerdelga capsules.
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Just 5% of Patients Account for a Third of ICU Time

University of Michigan study shows that persistent critically ill patients, 5% of all ICU patients, use 33% of of health care resources.
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Syrian Hospital Bombing Highlights Plight of Medical Teams in Conflict Zones

As violence has unfolded at hospitals in Aleppo, University of Michigan researchers call for an international stance against violations of medical neutrality.
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Taking an At-Home Genetics Test? You Might Still Want to See a Counselor

University of Michigan genetic counselor explains the new wave of at-home genetic tests and the importance of reviewing those tests results with a professional.
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Study Pinpoints Genetic Markers That Influence Addiction

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that rats with specific genetic markers were more likely to become addicted to cocaine than those without it.
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Taking the Fight Against Risky Opioid Use to the ER

A University of Michigan study has found a single half-hour session with a trained therapist during an ER visit was enough to reduce opioid painkiller abuse.
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Could a Brain ‘Growth Chart’ Spot Attention Problems Early On?

Medical Research at the University of Michigan suggests it might be possible to use growth charts for brain networks to identify signs of attention difficulties
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Sugar Shock: Insulin Costs Tripled in 10 Years

Research from the University of Michigan shows yearly spending on insulin has tripled. Insulin costs are raising faster than other blood sugar medications.
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For Veterans With PTSD, Mindfulness Training Shows Promise

A University of Michigan Medical School study suggests that mind-body techniques are effective for managing PTSD in veterans in as little as four months.
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How Research Brightens the Bipolar Disorder Outlook

Researchers at the University of Michigan published a study that could help many bipolar patients, and their care teams, stay the course on treatment.
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For Doctors Behaving Badly, Punishments Vary by State

The first nationwide academic study of physician disciplinary actions and malpractice claims rates shows a lack of standardization across the country.
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ECT’s Uncertain Future

The FDA may reclassify electroconvulsive therapy devices from class III to class II. The FDA is accepting public comments on the change until March 28.
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Ancient Viruses Lurk in Our DNA

Researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School made the medical discovery that ancient viruses that infected our ancestors still remain in our genes.
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A Drug Makes Stem Cells ‘Embryonic’ Again

University of Michigan Medical School scientists have developed a drug that could allow stem cells to become any type of cell in the body.
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A New Weapon for Fighting Children's Brain Tumors

New healthcare innovation from the University of Michigan Medical School could help children with brain cancer by limiting the creation of the ATRX protein.