In a profile of surgeon-scientist Geolani Dy, M.D., she describes her transgender patients’ grateful reactions after undergoing surgery: “In terms of the impact it has on individual patients’ lives, it’s incredible how much relief my patients express after successfully complete their gender-affirming surgery, because they wait so long and experience so much discrimination, stigma and trauma to live their lives authentically."

OHSU physicians coin a new term for complex persistent benzodiazepine dependence. Christopher Blazes, M.D., says, “We now know that long-term benzodiazepine prescribing is rarely indicated, but we are still left with the problem of helping those who have been on these medications for years to safely get off them. The process of discontinuation can be very challenging and even dangerous.”

In a story about a new study revealing medication has little benefit in improving children’s academic performance, Joel Nigg, Ph.D., says, “If a clinician sees a child who’s on fire with problems and difficulties and can’t stay in school and so on, then it makes sense that they might start medication and get that behavior under control, and then work on the functional outcomes.”

KGW interviews Kathleen Carlson, Ph.D., regarding efforts to research and reduce gun violence. She says, “It’s not hopeless. There are myriad ways to evaluate this and get a handle on it.” KGW also interviews trauma surgeon and Army veteran Martin Schreiber, M.D., about the difference between the harm inflicted by automatic weapons versus conventional weapons. He says, “My message: We should not have assault rifles on the street.”

CSM reports on restricted access to abortion services for military service members stationed in U.S. states that may outlaw the procedure depending on a forthcoming Supreme Court ruling. Jeffrey Jensen, M.D., who served as a Navy physician in The Philippines where the procedure was banned, treated troops who developed infections after having back-alley procedures off base. He says, “These are women who are just trying to serve their country.”

Story critical of COVID-19 public health restrictions, including masking requirements in schools, quotes Leslie Bienen, D.V.M.

Recap of the 2022 American Association for Cancer Research media panel, featuring comments from AACR incoming president Lisa Coussens, Ph.D., regarding the future of cancer research.

In a story about the impacts that social media usage can have on teenagers, Kyle Johnson, M.D, says the pandemic accelerated a previously existing youth mental health crisis and that active engagement online, such as playing video games with friends, is better than passive engagement, such as watching videos.

A study by Jeanette Johnstone, Ph.D., found micronutrients can help some children with ADHD who aren’t taking medication.

The Seattle Times covers a disturbing increase in suicide attempts among young children, highlighted in a March OHSU study. Rebecca Marshall, M.D., says: “It was not surprising to me at all. And I don’t think it was surprising to any of my colleagues who work in children’s mental health, because it’s what we’re all seeing.”