The Gist Healthcare Podcast

Newly released emails from a scientific advisor to the Department of Health and Human Services, show he was pushing a herd immunity strategy for the coronavirus. Pfizer is negotiating a deal with the US government to provide more vaccine doses. And gene-editing technology known as CRISPR is showing promise as a potential cure for sickle-cell anemia.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Food and Drug Administration says Moderna’s vaccine candidate is 94 percent effective. Lawmakers revive a surprise billing fix as part of the year-end spending bill. And newly authorized at-home COVID testing kits could make testing much more convenient. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first COVID-19 vaccine doses are being given across the US. Today’s the last day for people to buy a plan on healthcare.gov. And a Wall Street Journal editorial about Jill Biden’s doctorate drew swift criticism as a sexist attack on her credentials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As COVID patients flood hospitals in several parts of the country, hospitals turn to healthcare staffing firms to find critical care nurses.  Buffy White, Group President of healthcare staffing firm Cross Country Healthcare discusses how volatile demand for healthcare workers, especially nurses has only exacerbated shortages.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An FDA advisory panel recommends the agency give emergency authorization to the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID vaccine. After a Series C funding round, Cityblock Health is now valued at more than $1 billion. And the Supreme Court upholds an Arkansas law regulating pharmacy middlemen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the country reaches a record of more than 106,000 COVID hospitalizations, some hospital leaders say they're close to reaching crisis standards of care. And one pharmaceutical company is working to bring back a drug for hemophilia patients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first covid shots are given in the United Kingdom. Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine offers some immunity after the first dose. And Sweden ends its COVID experiment and imposes restrictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first COVID-19 vaccinations are starting in the United Kingdom. President-elect Biden picked California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and infectious disease specialist Dr. Rochelle Walensky to lead two of the nation's top health agencies. Sanford Health halts merger discussions with Intermountain Healthcare.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Christopher Crow, CEO of Plano, TX-based Catalyst Health Network, an independent clinically integrated network, discusses how the pandemic-induced recession is accelerating employer and insurer interest in changing the way they pay for care.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To boost COVID vaccine participation three former presidents say they’ll get the immunization on camera. States and hospitals are pulling nursing students forward to help with COVID-19 care. And President-elect Biden asks Dr. Anthony Fauci to join his administration.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.