Poor communication deepens inequities in health care, a trio of OHSU staff write in a viewpoint published by JAMA Internal Medicine. Cliff Coleman, M.D., says, “Even when doctors are trained in health literacy and clear communication, it can be a struggle to put those lessons into practice during a hectic day in the clinic or hospital. We need creative incentives like graduation and accreditation requirements, as well as the strong support of senior leaders, to make clear, effective communications a reality in health care.”

OHSU treats the second patient in a clinical trial evaluating a new cell therapy as a potential treatment for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Preliminary observations from the trial indicate it reduces seizure frequency by more than 90%.

Alyssa Colwill, M.D., shares her concerns about the future of abortion care: “I'm very concerned about having a future generation that knows how to provide safe abortion care -- because abortion will never go away; becoming illegal only makes it less safe. There are going to be patients that are going to use unsafe methods because there's no other alternative. And providers are going to be placed in scenarios that are heartbreaking, and are devastating to watch.”

HB 2904 requires the Oregon National Primate Center to report additional details annually.

In The Tennessee Lookout, Alyssa Colwill, M.D., says the reversal of abortion protections is affecting medical students and residents: “I do think it is largely impacting residents’ decisions about where they are applying and what that means for their career trajectory.”

Multnomah County Circuit Court rules must pay PETA ~$400K.

Todd Korthuis, M.D., is leading a new American Heart Association-funded project to improve rural screening for methamphetamine-associated heart failure by training peer recovery support specialists who use telemedicine to support rural residents with substance use disorder.

Allison Lindauer Ph.D., shares recommendations for effective communication with people living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia: “It’s all about recognizing that people with dementia are adults. They’re dignified human beings. They’ve had a whole life before this. They deserve our respect."

OHSU providers reflect on the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision re: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, ending 50 years of federal abortion protections in the United States. Alison Edelman, M.D., says “Looking at the data we have available from the past year, it’s devastating to think about the many individuals who have not been able to receive the care they so desperately want and need.”

OHSU providers reflect on the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision re: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, ending 50 years of federal abortion protections in the United States. Alison Edelman, M.D., says “Looking at the data we have available from the past year, it’s devastating to think about the many individuals who have not been able to receive the care they so desperately want and need.”