As we pass the half way point for February, Covid-19 metrics in the U.S. are trending in the right direction. This week, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration dropped its recommendation that everyone wear masks in schools and many other indoor settings, given the continued drop in Covid-19 cases. Except for Hawaii, all other states have set a date to drop their mask mandates. Many public health and infectious disease experts caution that it is still too soon to declare the end of the pandemic.
This Weekend Reading Series begins with the Tribute to African American History, highlighting the work of renowned neurosurgeon, Keith L. Black, MD. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, he published his first scientific paper at age seventeen. In 1978, Keith was admitted to the University of Michigan Medical School’s accelerated program, allowing him to complete an undergraduate degree and medical school in only six years. Dr. Black has pioneered research on brain tumors while also working to introduce disadvantaged youth to careers as physicians and researchers. Be sure to check out On the Rise for the latest on the increase in organ transplants, fertility benefits, traffic deaths and more. Next, explore Thinking Differently, with new approaches to healthcare delivery, pain management, bereavement benefits and more. In Head First, you will find articles on traumatic head injury and the lasting impacts, an invisible epidemic and more! Finally, do not miss Chasing the Dream – and my personal favorite – Speedskating champ chooses sportsmanship over Olympic medal.
1. Tribute to African American History
- ASCO Post: Keith L. Black, MD
2. Heading Up
- Fierce Healthcare: AHIP study claims hospitals charge double for specialty drugs compared to pharmacies
- Becker’s Hospital Review: US sees record number of organ transplants in 2021
- Axios: Rising workplace benefit: Fertility services
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy: Medicare study puts spotlight on high-volume antibiotic prescribers
- WebMD: U.S. Traffic Deaths Surging During Pandemic
3. Thinking Differently
- NPR: Acute care at home brings the hospital to patients’ living rooms
- Wall Street Journal: Giving Workers More Time to Grieve in an Era of Loss
- New York Times: Considering Bone or Joint Surgery? You May Not Need It. For many common problems of the knee, hip, shoulder, spine and wrist, nonsurgical options may be just as good.
- HealthDay: A Non-Opioid Way to Pain Relief After Knee, Shoulder Surgeries
4. Head First
- HealthDay: Concussion’s Impact on Memory, Thinking May Linger More Than a Year
- University of MI Health: The U.S. is failing to care for traumatic brain injury survivors, experts say
- NPR: Everyday people fear they have CTE. A dubious market has sprung up to treat them
- WBUR (Boston NPR): An ‘invisible epidemic’: Survivors of domestic violence on living with traumatic brain injury
5. Chasing the Dream
- Associated Press: Speedskating champ chooses sportsmanship over Olympic medal
- 7News.com.au: Olympic champion Iivo Niskanenwaits to congratulate last-placed skier in show of respect
- NPR: Synchronized skaters missed out on Beijing, but their Olympic dreams live on for 2026
- Slate: Which Winter Olympics Sport Is the Slipperiest?
Enjoy the weekend!
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
