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
With telehealth coverage on the brink, study shows it hasn’t driven up total visits
Telehealth coverage under Medicare hasn’t led to an increase in total visits since 2020, but different medical specialties, especially mental health, have different rates of use.
Health Lab
9 easy New Year’s resolutions for people over 50
Findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest 9 things that people over 50 can resolve to do in the new year.
Health Lab
Could AI help doctors spot risky drinking habits?
Alcohol use disorder and risky alcohol drinking habits are important for primary care providers to know about and address with patients; artificial intelligence could help.
Health Lab
Worried about health insurance for 2026? Read this
The cost of health insurance for people who need to buy ACA plans (also called Obamacare) is causing uncertainty for 2026. U-M experts advise on what to do.
Health Lab
Want to curb cannabis-related crashes? Don’t forget older adults
Cannabis use before driving can increase crash risks. A new study of people over 50 looks at who is most likely to use marijuana within two hours of driving.
Health Lab
How can nursing homes protect more patients from infections?
Nursing home infection prevention and control is the subject of a new national guideline that includes MDRO “superbug” precautions, PPE, antibiotic stewardship and more.
Health Lab
America doesn’t have enough hospital beds. This could help
The Michigan Medicine Capacity Command Center, known as M2C2, and operational changes have accelerated bed assignment, transfer acceptance and discharge while reducing length of stay for adult inpatients.
Health Lab
Medicaid work rules are coming; a top researcher recommends actions to take now
A University of Michigan Medicaid research leader spells out what doctors, clinics, health systems, researchers and community organizers should do – and what they need.
News Release
175 years of U-M medical history come alive in museum exhibit
A free museum exhibit explores the medical history of the University of Michigan from 1850 to today.
Health Lab
Most older drivers don't think about the road ahead, poll suggests
Most people over 65 drive at least weekly and are confident they can drive safely, but most aren’t aware they can plan ahead for a time when it’s no longer safe for them to drive.
Health Lab
AI and psychosis: What to know, what to do
Artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT that use large language models (LLMs) to allow people to engage in conversations may heighten the risk of psychosis in vulnerable people – including teens and young adults.
Health Lab
Colon cancer screening: New data point to ways to boost uptake and follow up
Noninvasive colon cancer screening options have increased; new research looks at patient and physician preferences and impact of full follow-up colonoscopy insurance coverage.
Health Lab
Palliative care and hospice poll reveal major gaps
Hospice and palliative care knowledge among older adults varies greatly, but once they hear a definition, most are interested in receiving such care if they qualified.
Health Lab
As Medicaid work requirements loom, study finds links between coverage, better health and higher employment
A study of Michigan Medicaid expansion enrollees shows connections between coverage, health and employment.
Health Lab
Disability after 50: Poll looks at self-identity and help with health care
People over 50 who have serious or significant health conditions may not identify as disabled, nor ask for or receive accommodations in health care that the ADA provides for.
