COVID-19

Outside of the loss of human life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have greatly affected hospitals, health systems and the way providers deliver care. Healthcare executives are grappling with federal monetary assistance, growing burnout rates, workforce shortages and federal oversight of vaccines and testing. This channel is also designed to update clinicians on new research and guidelines regarding COVID patient treatment strategies and risk assessments.

RFK fires entire vaccine committee at CDC
The Department of Health and Human —under the direction of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—has released all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing a need to enact President Donald Trump's agenda of restoring science to a "gold standard."
Landmark COVID malpractice trial begins over death of 19-year-old with Down syndrome
The family of Grace Schara claims Ascension Health’s St. Elizabeth Hospital gave their unvaccinated daughter a cocktail of drugs that ultimately caused her death. The case has earned the attention of Children’s Health Defense, a controversial nonprofit formed by HHS Secretary Robery F. Kennedy Jr.
Hospitals spend $18.3B a year thwarting violence
The American Hospital Association released a new report quantifying the financial toll of violence in hospitals, including incidents that spill over into emergency rooms and care wards. The group is calling for stronger cooperation between healthcare facilities and law enforcement.
Death from heart disease more common in rural areas—what can cardiologists do?
Rishi Wadhera, MD, detailed new data that show how socioeconomic factors are driving cardiovascular death rates, especially in younger adults.
Study: 19% of home care providers discontinued telehealth post-pandemic, citing limited reimbursement
A lack of Medicare reimbursement is just one issue. In a national survey, home healthcare agencies report dropping telemedicine offerings because elderly patients tend to prefer in-person care.

RFK fires entire vaccine committee at CDC

The Department of Health and Human —under the direction of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—has released all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing a need to enact President Donald Trump's agenda of restoring science to a "gold standard."

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Landmark COVID malpractice trial begins over death of 19-year-old with Down syndrome

The family of Grace Schara claims Ascension Health’s St. Elizabeth Hospital gave their unvaccinated daughter a cocktail of drugs that ultimately caused her death. The case has earned the attention of Children’s Health Defense, a controversial nonprofit formed by HHS Secretary Robery F. Kennedy Jr.

Hospitals spend $18.3B a year thwarting violence

The American Hospital Association released a new report quantifying the financial toll of violence in hospitals, including incidents that spill over into emergency rooms and care wards. The group is calling for stronger cooperation between healthcare facilities and law enforcement.

Rishi Wadhera, MD, MPP, MPhil, associate director of the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Explains a report showing socioeconomic factors are driving increased cardiovascular death rates, especially in younger adults, and urges action to address these health disparities.

Death from heart disease more common in rural areas—what can cardiologists do?

Rishi Wadhera, MD, detailed new data that show how socioeconomic factors are driving cardiovascular death rates, especially in younger adults.

Study: 19% of home care providers discontinued telehealth post-pandemic, citing limited reimbursement

A lack of Medicare reimbursement is just one issue. In a national survey, home healthcare agencies report dropping telemedicine offerings because elderly patients tend to prefer in-person care.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

CDC drops COVID vaccine recommendation for children and pregnant women

The shift follows a paper published by the FDA in the New England Journal of Medicine last week, outlining a stricter framework for approving annual COVID-19 boosters and future vaccines.

FDA wants new heart damage warnings added to COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a very low risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, primarily in young adults. The long-term impact of this risk has been the subject of many studies and debates over the years. One side says that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and the other side says that even the smallest risk of heart damage is too high.

FDA outlines stricter ‘evidence-based approach’ to COVID vaccinations

The FDA is revising its approach to COVID-19 vaccine approvals, moving away from the previous trend of treating boosters like annual flu shots. Health researcher Vinay Prasad and Commissioner Martin Makary argue in the New England Journal of Medicine for more rigorous data requirements and additional clinical studies to justify future inoculations for those under 65.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AMA agrees to help after initial request for an independent cardiovascular board was denied

After their proposal for a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine was shot down earlier this year, cardiology groups have asked the AMA for some support. "We feel like it's time for us to blaze our own path," one specialist explained.

Cardiovascular Business

Eli Lilly to acquire gene-editing specialists focused on CVD for up to $1.3B

The company has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics for an upfront payment of approximately $1 billion. The total could increase significantly, however, if certain milestones are met. One of Verve's biggest gene therapies has already received the FDA's fast track designation.

Cardiovascular Business

AMA House of Delegates helps cardiology groups influence healthcare policies

American College of Cardiology Board of Governors Chair David E. Winchester, MD, MS, examines the many benefits of working with the American Medical Association House of Delegates to bring about significant change.