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
Health Lab
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.
Health Lab
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.
Health Lab
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.
Health Lab
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.
Health Lab
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.
Health Lab
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.
Health Lab
Fast & Sharp: Hospitals Get Relief Through Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid expansion brought a 50 percent drop in uninsured hospital stays in expansion states. Hospitals in non-expansion states are finding little relief.
Health Lab
Match Day explained: How med students take the next career step
Match day is the career defining moment when tens of thousands of graduating medical students find out what hospital and specialty program they will work in
Health Lab
Xistential Crisis: Genetic Clues for Fighting Disease in Girls and Women
Genetic researchers at the University of Michigan showed how a fragment of genetic material made from reading Xist backward, leads to the production of Xist RNA
Health Lab
Can a Website Keep Suicidal Thoughts Away?
The stress of the first year after medical school increases thoughts of suicide nearly 4x the normal rate. A tool may cut the rate of suicidal thoughts in half.
Medicine at Michigan
A Metamorphosis of Learning Space
The Taubman Health Sciences Library has reopened after a $55 million renovation, transforming it into a medical education hub for in-person, collaborative, active learning.