'Men who have sex with men' originated during the HIV pandemic to focus on behavior rather than identity – but not everyone thinks the term helps

The term ‘MSM’ allows public health interventions to gloss over the social, political and cultural complexities of identity. But it’s not without its limitations.

JaNelle Ricks, Assistant Professor of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, The Ohio State University • conversation
Sept. 22, 2022 • ~7 min

Free preventive care under the ACA is under threat again – a ruling exempting PrEP from insurance coverage may extend nationwide and to other health services

Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in a case that coverage for HIV prevention medicine PrEP violated the religious freedom of the plaintiffs. It is unclear whether the order will extend nationwide.

Kristefer Stojanovski, Research Assistant Professor of Social, Behavioral and Population Sciences, Tulane University • conversation
Sept. 13, 2022 • ~8 min

Yes, Black patients do want to help with medical research – here are ways to overcome the barriers that keep clinical trials from recruiting diverse populations

Overcoming the access barriers and biases that underrepresented and underserved communities face could not only improve research participation but also improve care.

RaKetra Snipes, Physician Assistant in Gastroenterology, Morehouse School of Medicine • conversation
Sept. 8, 2022 • ~9 min

Over-the-counter hearing aids have been greenlighted by the FDA – your local pharmacist will soon be able to sell you the device you need

OTC hearing aids promise to increase the accessibility and affordability of the devices for millions of adults who live with untreated mild to moderate hearing loss.

Lucas Berenbrok, Associate Professor of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
Aug. 23, 2022 • ~8 min

Biopsies confirm a breast cancer diagnosis after an abnormal mammogram – but structural racism may lead to lengthy delays

Early detection of breast cancer is critical to improving chances of survival. But racial and ethnic minority patients systematically have delayed diagnoses that reduce the benefits of screening.

Christoph Lee, Professor of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
July 8, 2022 • ~7 min

How the 'test to treat' initiative aims to get ahead of the next wave of COVID-19

Earlier detection and treatment of COVID-19 by health care providers in pharmacies could help prevent surges in infection rates and severe illness.

Adrian V. Hernandez, Associate Professor of Comparative Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, University of Connecticut • conversation
April 5, 2022 • ~10 min

Transgender people of color face unique challenges as gender discrimination and racism intersect

Being both trans and a person of color comes with a unique set of challenges. Collectively working toward overcoming these barriers is one way this community fights for survival.

Roberto L. Abreu, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology, University of Florida • conversation
March 31, 2022 • ~10 min

Abortion pills are just as safe to prescribe based on a patient's medical history as after an in-person exam, new research finds

During the pandemic, health care providers began prescribing abortion pills safely based solely on a patient’s medical history. Continuing this practice could help remove barriers to abortion care.

Ushma Upadhyay, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
March 21, 2022 • ~7 min

Why pregnant people should get vaccinated for COVID-19 – a maternal care expert explains

A robust body of research finds that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy is safe and effective – and the best way to protect both mother and child from the risks of COVID-19.

Stacy Potts, Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
March 18, 2022 • ~9 min

The sex of your cells matters when it comes to heart disease

A one-size-fits-all approach may not be best for treating cardiovascular disease. Taking sex chromosomes into account could make for more effective and equitable care.

Brian Aguado, Assistant Professor, University of California San Diego • conversation
March 4, 2022 • ~7 min

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