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UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims - UT Health San Antonio
Adding navigated TMS to psychotherapy can ‘greatly improve’ quality of life Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, April 7, 2026 – An advanced version of a procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells in treating depression was significantly effective for 85% of active military and veterans suffering from combat post-traumatic stress […]
Terry Crews' Wife, Rebecca, Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis, Had New Treatment: EXCLUSIVE
She's sharing her diagnosis publicly for the first time after undergoing an exciting new treatment procedure.
Commentary: When stars’ plastic surgery is played for your entertainment
Often when I’m scrolling through Instagram, hypnotized by the stream of videos, an actress’ face will cut through the noise. This isn’t a typical clip from a press junket or red carpet. Instead, it will feature side-by-side images of the star, one younger and one more recent. Then a content creator – perhaps a doctor or an aesthetician, sometimes wearing scrubs – will walk me through what cosmetic procedures they think the actress has had. (It’s much rarer that men get this kind of analysis.)
Scientists discover hidden gut signals that could detect cancer early
A new study reveals that gut bacteria and metabolites may hold the key to detecting serious digestive diseases earlier and more easily. Using AI, scientists found that biomarkers linked to one condition can often predict others, showing these diseases are more interconnected than previously thought. This cross-disease insight could lead to faster diagnoses without invasive procedures.
'He got screwed': Former UVA Health CEO files defamation suit against lawyers over patient harm allegations
The former head of UVA Health is pushing back against allegations made by more than 30 doctors that his practices, policies, and procedures caused harm to patients.
Democrats sue to block Trump's executive order targeting mail ballots
Democrats sued Wednesday to block President Donald Trump's latest executive order restricting mail voting, arguing that the U.S. Constitution empowers states and Congress, not the president, to determine who is eligible to vote by mail. The lawsuit marks the second round of battles over the president's power to control elections. Trump's opponents handily won the first round last year, blocking his initial executive order intended to reshape election procedures by convincing multiple federal judges that
LA Chargers help high school athletes learn lifesaving CPR
More than 250 high school student-athletes from across the Los Angeles Unified School District spent a day learning about heart health alongside Los Angeles Chargers players.Students learned hands-only CPR, met Chargers players Elijah Molden and RJ Mickens in UCLA Health Sports Performance Training, Powered by Exos, and enjoyed lunch on the patio at Huddle for Heart Health, held March 19 at The Bolt, the Chargers’ official practice facility in El Segundo. RJ Mickens, left, and Elijah Molden joined more than 250 LAUSD high school students at the Huddle for Heart Health event. (Photo courtesy of Joaquin Torre/Los Angeles Chargers) Along with learning CPR techniques, students practiced performance training on the LA Chargers practice field in El Segundo. (Photo courtesy of Joaquin Torre/Los Angeles Chargers) LA Chargers defensive back RJ Mickens visits with high school students at the Huddle for Heart Health event. (Photo courtesy of Joaquin Torre/Los Angeles Chargers) The event was presented by UCLA Health, the American Heart Association, the Los Angeles Chargers and LAUSD.Hands-only CPR is a lifesaving skill, said David Sato, MD, board president of the American Heart Association Los Angeles.“We save more lives when we work together,” said Dr. Sato. “This collaboration with UCLA Health and the Los Angeles Chargers to teach students how to perform hands-only CPR helps ensure more families in Los Angeles have someone ready to act in a cardiac emergency when seconds count.”Hands-only CPR is a lifesaving procedure for cardiac emergencies that doesn’t involve rescue breaths. It involves pressing hard and fast in the center of the chest of a teen or adult who has collapsed. Pressing can be done to the beat of the Bee Gee’s hit “Stayin' Alive, which, at 100 beats per minute, is the minimum rate at which to push during hands-only CPR, according to the American Heart Association. LA Chargers defensive back Elijah Molden, standing, helps high school students learn CPR skills. (Photo courtesy of Joaquin Torre/Los Angeles Chargers) Most cardiac arrests that don’t happen in the hospital happen at home, and hands-only CPR is as effective as CPR with breaths in the first minutes following a cardiac emergency.
Dolly Parton Talks Health Crisis, Reveals She ‘Got Worn Down’ While ‘Grieving’ the Loss of Carl Dean
Dolly Parton dropped out of the spotlight in September after announcing she was battling health issues and needed to have “a few procedures.” But the 80-year-old country legend finally reemerged in mi...
Kelly Ripa Reveals She Underwent a Cosmetic Procedure on Her Butt
'Desperate times call for desperate measures.'
Digital heart twins can guide a lifesaving procedure
The "digital twins" helped doctors spot good targets for heart ablation in 10 patients. Months later, all of them are free of sustained faulty rhythms.
Memorial fund honors patient whose life was saved by Vanderbilt Health neurosurgeons
Charlotte Davis underwent groundbreaking brain mapping surgery at Vanderbilt Health in 1995 to treat a deep-seated brain tumor. The procedure preserved areas controlling speech and movement. She lived 30 more years after her surgery.
FMOL Health physicians lead collaborative, innovative approaches to care across the Gulf South
While many people associate doctors primarily with exam rooms, procedures or hospital visits, physicians today play a much broader role in modern healthcare. At FMOL Health, doctors are not only
'The best of both worlds': New prostate cancer treatment arrives in Pittsburgh
When George Dorkhom found out that his prostate cancer had advanced, he researched his best option for treatment. He was drawn to a new ultrasound procedure...
‘Families not Politics’ coalition launches to oppose Colorado ballot measures targeting transgender minors
Advocacy organizations in Colorado have launched a campaign opposing two November ballot measures that would regulate transgender minors’ participation in school sports and access to certain medical procedures, setting the stage for a statewide debate over youth policy and parental decision‑making. Dubbed “Families Not Politics,” the coalition was established to “defend the freedoms, privacy, and […]
Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program sets new record
The Vanderbilt Transplant Center is now the second largest lung transplant center in the United States by volume, with 149 lung transplants in 2025, the most ever in one year at Vanderbilt Health. The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program leads the nation in organ preservation and regeneration and is among the best in long-term outcomes, demonstrating the success of the interdisciplinary team in caring for these complex patients. Several features make the program unique in the United States, said Konrad Hoetzenecker, MD, PhD, professor of Thoracic Surgery and surgical director of the Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program. Vanderbilt serves as a “second opinion center” and accepts most complex candidates that are turned down by other centers due to increased perioperative risk. This includes patients over 70 years old, patients requiring combined procedures with their transplant, multiorgan transplantations and sensitized patients (individuals who have pre-formed anti-HLA antibodies who are at higher risk for complications). The expertise and excellent outcomes have attracted patients far beyond the borders of Tennessee; almost half of Vanderbilt Health’s lung transplant recipients come from out of state. “Another unique feature is our minimally invasive transplant program,” Hoetzenecker said. “By using distinct surgical instruments and techniques, the incisions can be kept as small as 7 to 8 centimeters, which results in better healing, less pain and faster recovery. “This minimally invasive approach is embedded in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, a multimodal, evidence-based perioperative care pathway designed to reduce surgical stress, minimize complications and speed up recovery. Our unique ERAS protocol, by a dedicated interdisciplinary approach, aims to improve recovery after lung transplant and reduce ICU and hospital stay.” The lung transplant program recently celebrated a milestone — 1,000 lung transplants since the program began in 1990. “This significant achievement reflects the concerted effort of a multidisciplinary collaboration by the Departments of Thoracic Surgery, Medicine, Anesthesiology and Critical Care,” said David Erasmus, MD, associate professor of Medicine and medical director of Vanderbilt Lung Transplant. Lung transplants have been attempted since the 1960s, but they were largely unsuccessful until the 1980s, when surgical techniques were refined and new antirejection drugs proved effective. Patient outcomes steadily improved from the 1990s to the present. Vanderbilt’s fourth lung transplant recipient in 1990, Pam Everett, is the longest-living, single-lung transplant known in the world, recently celebrating 35 years since her transplant. The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant surgical team is led by Hoetzenecker and Caitlin Demarest, MD, PhD, the surgical director and associate surgical director of the Vanderbilt Lung Transplant program. Erasmus is the medical director of Vanderbilt Lung Transplant along with Anil Trindade, MD, associate medical director and associate professor of Medicine.
AAP faces pressure over trans youth care, guiding docs to keep parents in the dark about child's sexual health
A parental rights group accused the AAP of hiding minors' sexual health info from parents and pushing transgender procedures over parental concerns.
Science and Operational Prep Work Top Wednesday’s Schedule
Science preparation and procedure reviews topped the schedule aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday. The seven Expedition 74 crew members conducted a variety of tasks to ready for upcoming experiments and to conduct cargo operations.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx Brings Novel Minimally Invasive Vascular Surgery Procedures to the Bronx - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx today announced it has begun offering two types of minimally invasive surgical procedures that were
Prior authorization can delay needed health care. A new 'Gold Card' targets that bottleneck.
Getting approval for a medical procedure scan or medicine has become a frustrating hurdle in health care as insurers try to ensure that every test is appropriate...
Brooks Nader, 29, Reveals She Had Liposuction ‘Years Ago’ and Regrets It: ‘I Just Didn’t Need It’ (Exclusive)
The model and reality star tells PEOPLE that she experienced unwanted side effects from the procedure
Week Wraps with Health Research and Spacewalk Closeout Procedures
Health research and final spacewalk closeouts wrapped up the week for the Expedition 74 crew members aboard the International Space Station as they gear up to
Judge rules US government overreached with transgender health care declaration
Judge Mustafa Kasubhai’s ruling was centered on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. not going through the proper administrative procedures when issuing the declaration in December.
Interventional radiology breakthrough in portal vein thrombosis treatment
A UCLA Health interventional radiologist has successfully performed the first pediatric percutaneous spleno-renal shunt procedure to treat severe portal hypertension in a 6-year-old patient. This minimally invasive procedure aims to relieve complications associated with portal vein thrombosis, showing promising long-term outcomes.
California’s proposed billionaire tax gains majority support in new poll, with a partisan split on voter ID
A new poll shows California voters are sharply divided over two brewing ballot measures: a one-time tax on billionaires and new rules and procedures to verify voter citizenship.
Judge blocks US government from cutting vaccine recommendations for children
The judge said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.
Judge blocks RFK Jr. from scaling back childhood vaccine recommendations
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child, and said U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.
First UCSF Health patient to move from total artificial heart to transplant
Milestone procedure gives young father with advanced heart failure a new heart and new future with his family.
How to Solve One of the Most Expensive Problems in Employer Healthcare
A small share of employees drives a disproportionate share of employer health-care spending: They are patients whose complex conditions go undiagnosed as they cycle through a fragmented care system. A diagnostic-focused “center of excellence” model—such as the Mayo Clinic Complex Care Program—offers a different approach: coordinated, multidisciplinary evaluations that identify the right diagnosis quickly. Evidence from employer claims shows that earlier, accurate diagnoses can improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary procedures, and lower costs by shifting care from repeated testing toward targeted treatment.
Cosmetic surgery investigation prompts push for tighter safety standards
A national plastic surgeons group urged people seeking liposuctions, Brazilian butt lifts or other cosmetic procedures to "do their homework."
Spacewalk Preps and Health Checks Using Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence
Spacewalk preparations are underway aboard the International Space Station as two astronauts check their spacesuits and review procedures. The Expedition 74 crew also experimented with augmented reality and artificial intelligence to conduct health checks in space. Meanwhile, a U.S. cargo spacecraft nears it departure this week.
Making a 'digital twin' of yourself could revolutionize future surgeries, making medical procedures much more personal
Live Science spoke with Dr. John Pandolfino, a researcher who designed a "digital twin" to help guide surgery.
After F.B.I. Seized Ballots in Georgia, Other States Brace for Trouble
President Trump thinks Republicans should “take over” election procedures in parts of the United States. But where? Here are some possibilities.
Japan’s Cargo Spacecraft Nears Departure as Crew Works Spacewalk Preps, Science
Mission managers have given the go for a Japanese cargo spacecraft to depart the International Space Station at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the Expedition 74 crew is reviewing upcoming spacewalk procedures, packing a second cargo spacecraft for its departure, studying artificial intelligence tools, and conducting Earth observations.
How 10-minute procedures and routine scans become five-figure medical bills
Health care prices are on the rise, and patients are flummoxed that even insurance companies aren’t doing more to control costs.
Global webinar on core public health capacities to conduct ship inspections and issue ship sanitation certificates
Ships cross borders every day, connecting countries and serving as a backbone of the global economy. However, outbreaks onboard can disrupt maritime traffic, leading to significant economic and operational negative consequences. Without strong public health capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to public health risks on board ships, maritime travel can also become a pathway for the spread of infectious diseases. To support countries in strengthening these capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a two-day webinar on 11–12 February, bringing together more than 700 ship inspectors, port health officers, and public health authorities, primarily from the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions. The webinar came at a pivotal time. With the amended International Health Regulations entering into force on 19 September 2025, the need to focus on public health preparedness has never been greater. Strengthening public health capacities at borders, including onboard conveyances, is a cornerstone of global health security and central to the amended IHR.“The high level of attendance and active participation throughout the two days of the webinar highlighted the growing demand for technical guidance and capacity-building support in ship inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates”, said Dr Ninglan Wang, Head of the Borders, Mass Gatherings and Health Protection Measures (BMM) Unit at the Health Emergency Preparedness Department at WHO headquarters. “The dynamic interactions among experts and countries underscored the value of continued cross-border collaboration in the maritime sector and knowledge exchange in this area”. Conducting regular public health inspections on board ships for the issuance of ship sanitation certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the IHR requirements is crucial for ensuring that ships meet specific health standards, thereby minimizing the risk of the international spread of diseases via maritime traffic. These certificates, mandated by the IHR, require ports to have trained personnel who can identify and control public health risks on board vessels and apply recommended control measures. This standardized global procedure not only ensures compliance with the IHR but also promotes consistency in health practices across ports worldwide. SSCs are the globally-recognized tool used to prevent and control known public health risks on ships, providing a common way to register and communicate public health events and measures taken on board between all stakeholders involved in this process, including public health authorities in ports and ship operators. Only SSCs issued by ports authorized by national authorities to issue such certificates are considered valid. As per the IHR, all States Parties are required to send to WHO their list of authorized ports (available here) and to keep it updated. However, many Member States continue to face practical challenges, such as limited resources, high staff turnover, and competing priorities. These realities underscore the value of platforms such as this webinar, which foster collective learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical solutions to help countries build and sustain the capacities required under the IHR.Over the two days, participants engaged in presentations and discussions covering a wide range of technical and operational topics, such as the overarching international legal framework governing ship sanitation; considerations for pre-inspection planning; risk assessment factors by type of vessel; the completion and issuance of SSCs and evidence report forms; or practical insights on the inspection of various technical areas, such as food safety, medical facilities, water systems, or vector control, among others. In addition, public health authorities from the Netherlands, Morocco, and Tanzania shared case studies to showcase their practical application of these IHR requirements in their respective countries. Given its success, WHO plans to replicate similar sessions in the future to reach additional time zones and regions and cover other pressing border health-related topics, ensuring that Member States can continue benefiting from these opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
Penn State Health becomes sole owner of Lancaster County outpatient surgery center
Penn State Health has become the sole owner of a Lancaster County outpatient surgical center practice that completed more than 4,200 procedures last year.
Vanderbilt Health celebrates milestone for novel histotripsy procedure
Vanderbilt Health recently performed its 100th histotripsy, a noninvasive procedure in which highly focused ultrasound waves are directed at liver tumors to destroy cancer without ever making an incision.
Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization? : Life Kit
Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive care. This episode, health care reporter Sarah Boden shares tips on making the prior authorization process as smooth as possible — so you can save yourself frustration and get medical support sooner.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Super Bowl private jets: Flexjet CEO explains how it prepares
The Super Bowl will see private jets charged event fees in the tens of thousands, and special procedures to deal with high traffic.
Serbia: Reform denounced as a political takeover of justice
In a rushed, opaque procedure, Serbia's ruling majority has pushed through legal amendments that critics say undermine judicial independence and are designed to neutralize the prosecutors investigating organized crime.
Testing the system: regional simulation exercises advance global health security
These exercises – South-East Asia Regional Practice of All-Hazard IHR Event Communications (SAPHIRE), Joint Assessment and Detection of Events (JADE) in the European Region, and IHR Exercise Crystal in the Western Pacific Region – bring together National Focal points (NFPs), who play a critical role under the IHR in safeguarding global health security. These annual exercises stress-test IHR event communication procedures and contingency plans, demonstrating a sustained commitment by countries to strengthening preparedness and learning.
An Update to End-of-Round Procedures at Pokémon TCG Championship Events
End-of-Round procedures are changing as part of the latest rulebook update.
Missouri leans on disputed mental health claims in defense of strict abortion laws
Two women who had abortions in Missouri testified about the regret they felt after the procedure as part of the state's argument for informed consent laws.
Baptist Health unveils new training facility; hopes to prepare nurses, doctors for state’s growing healthcare demands
Baptist Health has unveiled its newest state of the art medical training facility, built to not only train new healthcare professionals, but also give veteran healthcare professionals hands-on training with newer medical technology and procedures.
Florida football icon coach Steve Spurrier addresses health rumors in social media post
In a social media post, former Florida football coach Steve Spurrier confirmed he underwent a procedure to treat his arthritis at Duke Medical Center.
Former White House advisor on the real reason your health care costs are going up: Medicare's doctor pay gap
For years, Medicare has paid more for services and procedures provided in a hospital than in a physician practice.
Judge disqualifies federal prosecutor in investigation into Letitia James
The judge said the DOJ did not follow statutory procedure.
Electronic filing for business tax returns starts next week
The IRS said it will begin accepting business tax returns electronically next week. No date has been announced yet for individual tax returns.
Health Care Providers Are Dropping a Common Anesthesia Drug That’s Also a Climate Super Pollutant
Limiting use of desflurane helps hospitals reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; the European Union now prohibits its use during most procedures.
Elon Musk says Neuralink will ramp up production of brain-chip implants in 2026
Elon Musk said that Neuralink implants will move to an "almost entirely automated surgical procedure in 2026."
UConn Health Minute: Innovative Stroke Therapy
He had played his cello at Carnegie Hall but a stroke left Peter Skaar paralyzed and barely able to hold his bow. Now thanks to an innovative procedure at U ...
Ohio Hills Health Center Receives Grant To Expand Dental Services in Belmont County
Ohio Hills Health Centers recently received a grant through the Delta Dental Foundation to purchase dental equipment to expand the scope of services which will include extractions and endodontic procedures such as root canals. “OHHC is extremely grateful to the Delta Dental Foundation for this funding which allows us to purchase additional dental equipment to […]
Doctor, 56, Says It Was Finally the 'Right Time' for Plastic Surgery After Health Journey Had Her Body 'Aging in Reverse' (Exclusive)
Dr. Jennifer Ashton turned to her friend Dr. Oren Tepper for an upper blepharoplasty and fat transfer. Here, they both detail the procedure to PEOPLE.
NYC unveils new tool to help New Yorkers compare health care prices, estimate out-of-pocket costs
The new website allows people to search for common procedures with or without insurance to see total prices at specific hospitals and facilities, and estimate their out-of-pocket costs.
State-County Mental Health Talks Blow Past Deadlines
“Let’s be real. If all we are doing is restoring somebody—which, to be blunt, is forced medication and flash cards on basic court procedures like ‘Who is a judge?’ ‘What does your lawyer do?’—it is not treatment.”
Higher utilization hammers Highmark Health's Q3 results
The post-pandemic spike in the use of health care services was supposed to be a blip. Patients were rescheduling medical procedures they’d put off...
Seven RWJBarnabas Health Facilities Earn National Recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity
This year, yet another RWJBarnabas Health maternity hospital has been added to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care - marking seven added to the ranks of High Performing.
Small Business Amicus Brief Questions Tax Foreclosure Procedures
NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Michael Pung v. Isabella County at the U.S. Supreme Court concerning tax debt, just compensation, and property rights.
How science can phase out animal testing
New technologies could replace many procedures though some will still be needed
Jalen Carter injury: Eagles DL out vs. Chargers after procedure on both shoulders
Jalen Carter hopes to be back, but it will not be against the Chargers after a procedure on both shoulders
Eagles defensive star week-to-week after procedure on shoulders
Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter had a procedure on his shoulders this week and is week-to-week.
TriHealth and UnitedHealthcare negotiations could disrupt health insurance
Thousands of people in Cincinnati face potential disruptions in their health insurance or may need to switch providers due to ongoing negotiations between TriHealth and UnitedHealthcare, with critical procedures and birthing plans hanging in the balance.
A pharmacist says she'd only recommend one science-backed tweakment for radiant skin
Tweakements are non-surgical cosmetic procedures like injectables and lasers — and they're extremely popular.