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
Kara Gavin photo
hospital beds in different colors
Health Lab
What Can Hospitals Do to Prepare for COVID-19 Cases?
Hospital preparedness for COVID-19 cases caused by coronavirus has to happen now, including preparation for bed capacity increases and use of scarce resources.
 A blue and yellow graph explaining the concept of flattening the curve for coronavirus: how many people are sick at once, number of sick people if we don't stop the spread, how many very sick people hospitals can treat, number of sick people if we take steps to control the spread, how long the virus has been spreading
Health Lab
Flattening the Curve for COVID-19: What Does It Mean and How Can You Help?
History shows that taking strong steps now to slow the spread of coronavirus will help communities and individuals.
News Release
U-M science teams need public's help to advance to the Sweet 16 round of the STAT Madness tournament
Three Michigan Medicine-led projects have advanced to the second round of STAT News’ annual STAT Madness competition — a bracket-style tournament to find the best innovations in science and medicine
Health Lab
Hail to the Handwashers! A Musical Guide to Handwashing
There's an extra "song" after Hail to the Victors that you can delete. And I think you can delete 'properly' before "use hand sanitizer" . is thatenough?
News Release
Leaders and Best: Milestones in the history of women in medicine at U-M
As part of the celebration of Michigan Medicine’s history and heritage, and in honor of Women’s History Month, here are some other key highlights from the role of women in the institution:
 Umbrellas with holes and rain
Health Lab
ACA Helped Make Health Insurance Access More Equal, But Racial and Ethnic Gaps Remain
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped close the gap in un-insurance rates among people of color and white Americans, but disparities remain.
 Gavel with medical supplies
Health Lab
Confused About Michigan’s New Medicaid Work Requirement? Read This
Medicaid expansion work requirements in Michigan mean Healthy Michigan Plan members should pay attention to new rules.
News Release
Three shots at glory: U-M biomedical research picked for STAT Madness tournament
College basketball fans have March Madness. But for fans of medical research, there’s nothing like STAT Madness, an online tournament of science run by the STAT health news organization.
 2020 Vitamind
Health Lab
Carrots Plus Sticks: What Works to Reduce Low Value Care
Vitamin D testing is low value for most patients. A study in the United States and Canada shows the effects of payment vs. Choosing Wisely guidelines to reduce use.
 stethoscope drawing
Health Lab
Emergency Department Patients May Care Less About a Doctor’s Race and Gender Than Previously Thought
Black or white, man or woman, providers got similar satisfaction and confidence scores from simulated patients in new research with implications for quality reporting.
 balloons, ice cream, cake and tacos in white circles and connected by white lines
Health Lab
Can’t Resist Tempting Food? Scientists Explore Why
Animal-based neuroscience research on the parts of the brain involved in responding to food cues may inform understanding of human overeating and addiction
News Release
Pioneers and pathbreakers: Black History milestones at Michigan Medicine
For nearly 100 years after the Civil War, African-Americans who aspired to become doctors had few choices – but the University of Michigan was one of them.
 Exam room number 1 at doctor's office
Health Lab
“Leaky” Primary Care Means Higher ACO Costs
Accountable Care Organizations aim to save Medicare system money while improving care, but patients who go out of network for primary appointments may see higher costs.
 Money on table
Health Lab
1 in 5 Operations May Lead to “Surprise” Bills – Even When In-Network, Study Finds
Surprise billing for common operations may happen to 1 in 5 patients, even when the surgeon they chose for their surgery is in-network for their health insurance.
 Health insurance graphics paperwork
Health Lab
Middle-Aged Adults Worried About Health Insurance Costs Now, Uncertain for Future
Health insurance costs weigh heavily on many people in their 50s and early 60s, and even more are concerned about affording healthcare when they retire.
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