Rita Rubin

Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer for JAMA Medical News, and Kate Schweitzer, Associate Managing Editor, delve into pressing medical issues. They discuss the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance, spotlighting the UN's focus on global disparities in antibiotic access. The conversation shifts to the XEC COVID variant, its potential to dominate the winter wave, and the importance of vaccination. Together, they highlight critical strategies needed to combat these public health challenges.

Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer, dives into the sweeping cuts at the CDC and their alarming consequences for public health. She discusses the massive layoffs affecting essential health programs and the chaotic nature of the terminations. Rubin highlights how these funding reductions have already stalled critical state health initiatives, especially in Minnesota. The discussion also touches on broader changes within the Department of Health and Human Services and the future of medical research amidst significant restructuring.

Rita Rubin, the lead senior staff writer at JAMA, dives into the transformative impact of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 on bariatric surgery. She discusses the decline in surgical bookings as these medications gain traction. The conversation also covers safety concerns surrounding compounded GLP-1 drugs and the shifting perspectives on cancer classifications. Rubin raises thought-provoking questions about renaming certain cancers and how these changes can influence patient treatment choices, ultimately advocating for better patient awareness.

Rita Rubin, the lead senior staff writer for JAMA Medical News, dives into the latest findings on COVID-19 vaccines and their limitations in preventing transmission. She discusses the crucial need for mucosal immunity to effectively combat infections. The conversation also highlights the innovative 'Safer at Home' program, which allows patients to receive acute care virtually, reducing hospital stays and improving access to healthcare. A fascinating look at challenges in evaluating mucosal vaccines and the evolution of virtual care models adds depth to the discussion.

Sebastian Palmqvist, MD, PhD, and Wiesje van der Flier, PhD, are cochairs of the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, while Rita Rubin serves as Lead Senior Staff Writer for JAMA Medical News. They delve into exciting topics like a groundbreaking blood test for Alzheimer’s, the repurposing of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and potential risks from inhaling wildfire smoke. They also discuss the importance of blood-based biomarkers and advancements in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for responsible implementation in clinical settings.