OHSU in the news

Workplace Air May Up Your Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis

HealthCentral February 18, 2026
Health Central reports on a study showing that TNF inhibitor use during pregnancy is safe for women with rheumatoid arthritis. Julianna Desmarais, M.D., says, “We have medications that are safe to use and should be used on an individualized basis for the best outcomes for the mother and baby.”

Study Reveals Low Implementation of Anxiety and IPV Screenings

Life Technology February 18, 2026
Despite national guidelines recommending routine screening for anxiety and intimate partner violence in women and adolescent girls, a new study from OHSU finds these screenings are rarely implemented in primary care settings. Amy Cantor, M.D., says, “We found widespread support but limited uptake. Most clinicians didn’t know these are covered preventive services.”

The Human and Financial Costs of Delaying Vaccines

Contagion Live February 17, 2026
Contagion Live interviews Eric Hall, Ph.D., on a study he led that shows the cost of delaying universal birth dose for the hepatitis B vaccine. Hall says, “Many people in public health viewed the now previously recommended universal birth dose approach as a way to help ensure we're capturing all and protecting all the infants that need protection against potential risk of infection.”

Avel Gordly, first Black woman elected to Oregon Senate, dies at 79

Oregon Public Broadcasting February 17, 2026
Avel Gordly, Oregon’s first Black female senator, passed away Monday, Feb. 16. Gordly was known for her passion for learning and was instrumental in the creation of the OHSU Avel Gordly Center for Healing, which focuses on psychiatric services while providing Afro-centric culturally responsive and specific services.

OHSU Readies Vista Pavilion For Cancer Patients

KXL Radio February 17, 2026
Strategic Communications hosts Vista Pavilion media availability/tour with Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., and Brian Druker, M.D., before the April 7 opening. Druker says, “I can't tell you how many times we've had patients who need services here at OHSU, Knight Cancer Institute, who are in hospitals around the state waiting to be transferred and have to wait days to weeks to get here. With the opening of the Vista Pavilion, 128 new beds online, we're going to be able to bring those patients that need that critical care here immediately."

OHSU's $650M new cancer pavilion is set to open in April

Portland Business Journal February 17, 2026
Strategic Communications hosts Vista Pavilion media availability/tour with Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., and Brian Druker, M.D., before the April 7 opening. Druker says, “I can't tell you how many times we've had patients who need services here at OHSU, Knight Cancer Institute, who are in hospitals around the state waiting to be transferred and have to wait days to weeks to get here. With the opening of the Vista Pavilion, 128 new beds online, we're going to be able to bring those patients that need that critical care here immediately."

New Vista Pavilion for cancer patients at OHSU to open soon

KGW-TV February 17, 2026
Strategic Communications hosts Vista Pavilion media availability/tour with Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., and Brian Druker, M.D., before the April 7 opening. Druker says, “I can't tell you how many times we've had patients who need services here at OHSU, Knight Cancer Institute, who are in hospitals around the state waiting to be transferred and have to wait days to weeks to get here. With the opening of the Vista Pavilion, 128 new beds online, we're going to be able to bring those patients that need that critical care here immediately."

OHSU’s $650 million hospital addition to expand cancer care, free up beds

The Oregonian February 17, 2026
Strategic Communications hosts Vista Pavilion media availability/tour with Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., and Brian Druker, M.D., before the April 7 opening. Druker says, “I can't tell you how many times we've had patients who need services here at OHSU, Knight Cancer Institute, who are in hospitals around the state waiting to be transferred and have to wait days to weeks to get here. With the opening of the Vista Pavilion, 128 new beds online, we're going to be able to bring those patients that need that critical care here immediately."

OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute adds more than 100 beds

KATU-TV February 17, 2026
Strategic Communications hosts Vista Pavilion media availability/tour with Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., and Brian Druker, M.D., before the April 7 opening. Druker says, “I can't tell you how many times we've had patients who need services here at OHSU, Knight Cancer Institute, who are in hospitals around the state waiting to be transferred and have to wait days to weeks to get here. With the opening of the Vista Pavilion, 128 new beds online, we're going to be able to bring those patients that need that critical care here immediately."
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