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
How to improve mental health safety on social media – not just for young people
With social media companies losing or settling court cases about their products' impact on young peoples' mental health, experts offer tips for reducing impacts for those who use the platforms.
Health Lab
Caregiving without a net: Poll shows who needs help most
1 in 3 people over 50 act as caregivers to adult family members or friends, but a sizable percentage don't feel like they have the support they need, or don't know about or use programs like adult day care or respite care that could help them.
Health Lab
Thoughts don’t kill people, but study suggests options for keeping guns from doing so
Firearm-related thoughts, and the potential for action to prevent people from acting on those thoughts impulsively, are the subject of a new nationally representative study.
News Release
New sculpture on U-M medical campus creates lasting COVID-19 tribute
COVID-19 tribute sculpture in University Hospital courtyard unveiled on sixth anniversary of announcement that first patient was being treated at U-M Health.
News Release
Milestones in the history of women in medicine and biomedical science at U-M
While their path was not smooth, faces and names from the past and present show the power of persistence
Health Lab
When an eating disorder becomes a medical emergency
Eating disorders are sometimes diagnosed only after causing physical issues leading to hospitalization. But many hospitals don’t have specialized ED care; a Michigan-created guide for clinicians and families can help.
News Release
Six U-M medical research teams picked for virtual science tournament
The March Madness of science, called STAT Madness, brings attention to scientific research at U-M and around the nation; six U-M-led teams have made it to this year's tournament run by a health news organization.
News Release
U-M Health again named among world’s best hospitals
The Newsweek Statista World's Best Hospitals ranking for 2026 puts U-M Health again in the top tier of hospitals globally and nationally
Health Lab
Pets can help older adults’ health and well being, but may strain budgets too
Having a dog, cat or other pet can help older adults stay active and maintain a sense of purpose, but pet-related costs may increasingly strain their budgets, a new poll suggests.
Health Lab
Life-destroying addiction can start at a corner store
In this story a patient, his doctor and other Michigan Medicine experts warn of dangers of 7-OH, which is touted as a derivative of kratom and is widely available, but packs far more opioid danger.
News Release
A long time coming: The saga of today’s University Hospital
The "Old Main" University Hospital that opened in 1925 was finally replaced in 1986 with the opening of a new adult hospital and outpatient center
News Release
Pioneers and pathbreakers: Black History milestones at Michigan Medicine
As part of the celebration and examination of U-M medical history, an overview of some of the key Black Americans who learned, taught, worked and led at the Medical School and beyond.
Health Lab
Why aren’t more older adults getting flu or COVID-19 shots?
Many older adults who didn’t get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines say they thought they didn’t need the shots, despite strong evidence that they reduce the risk of severe illness in this age group.
Health Lab
New guide aims to tame the chaos of UTI care
Urinary tract infection symptoms can be treated with antibiotics in some patients without further testing, but overuse of antibiotics can breed resistance and under-testing can overlook other issues. A new guide could help.
Health Lab
Missing Medicare data alters hospital penalties, study finds
The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program may inadvertently penalize hospitals that serve high percentages of Medicare Advantage enrollees, costing millions of dollars in financial.
