Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: Deepfake Doctors Are Damaging Public Trust; Coffee To Prevent Dementia? Yes, Please.
Stat: Deepfake Doctors Pushing Snake Oil Are Undermining Patients’ Trust
On Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms, highly respected doctors are endorsing a wide variety of medical products — and racking up millions of views in the process. (John Whyte, 2/17)
The Washington Post: Coffee Can Help Prevent Dementia? It’s Not Too Good To Be True.
A new study seems almost too good to be true: Drinking coffee may help prevent dementia. (Leana S. Wen, 2/17)
The New York Times: I Know My Patients Use A.I. For Medical Advice. It's OK.
Data suggest that over a third of Americans use large language models for health advice. (Adam Rodman, 2/17)
Stat: How Congress And Health Advocates Saved The CDC Injury Center
Last May, the White House released a budget request for FY2026 that proposed eliminating the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Nine months later, President Trump signed into law an appropriations bill that fully funds it for the rest of the fiscal year. What happened in between is a roadmap for public health as it navigates an administration that continues to target its mission, work, and personnel. (Sharon Gilmartin, 2/16)
Stat: Who Gets Pain Relief During An IV Opioid Shortage?
When there is not enough pain medicine to go around, who gets it? The teenager in agony after a crushed leg, or the 80 year old down the hall dying an excruciating death from cancer? Medication shortages are now a routine feature of American health care. (Parker Crutchfield, Casey Chmura and Abram Brummett, 2/17)
