Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Sep 4

2nd yr scholar Kaustav published an editorial about the landmark KP-VACCINATE study that rigorously tested nudges for flu shots. He highlights how AI can improve nudges and the importance of incorporating community engagement. 🔗 evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10....

Nudging the Needle — Strategies to Boost Influenza Vaccination Uptake

Seasonal influenza has been preliminarily estimated to have caused 610,000 to 1,300,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths in the United States during the most recent flu season.1 Vaccin...

evidence.nejm.org

Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Aug 5

Proud to see first-year scholar Emma spotlighting the vital role of Medicaid in advancing health equity. Investing in Medicaid means investing in healthier communities — it's the difference between surviving and thriving. #AdvocacyinAction

PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia @policylabchop.bsky.social · Jul 16

Families with children with complex health care needs are often surprised to learn that their private insurance may not cover needed services, such as physical therapy or home nursing.

Dr. Emma Gerstenzang highlights how secondary #Medicaid supports families of all income levels.

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jul 29

Introducing Michael, a champion of preventive medicine & health policy. Driven by a vision for research with real-world impact, he chose to stay at Penn to turn ideas into action. Michael’s a true change agent, and we can’t wait to see the lifelong bonds he forges with his cohort. #MeetTheScholars

Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jul 21

Honored to witness such vital work from our Yale colleague & proud Penn alum, @helenaaddiphd.bsky.social. Her powerful research sheds light on the trauma of incarceration & underscores the urgent need to support the mental health of formerly incarcerated Black men. Grateful for her leadership. 🖤

The Conversation U.S. @us.theconversation.com · Jul 20

"Even though I'm free, I ain't free." Formerly incarcerated Black men describe ongoing anxiety, hypervigilance, and feeling institutionalized years after release from prison. theconversation.com/i-just-could...
By @helenaaddiphd.bsky.social @yale.edu

‘I just couldn’t stop crying’: How prison affects Black men’s mental health long after they’ve been released

Over 2 dozen Philadelphia men shared their experiences with trauma and psychological distress as they worked to rebuild their lives after release.

theconversation.com

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jul 15

Say hello to Justinna. 👋 @justinnad.bsky.social‬ is a nurse scientist with a deep passion for exploring the intersection between the healthcare workforce and social determinants of health. We’re so excited to support her journey over the next few years. #ScholarHighlights #MeetTheScholars

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jul 8

As a kid, Emma knew exactly what she wanted to be—a doctor. Today, she’s channeling that lifelong passion into improving healthcare systems for children w/medical complexity. We’re lucky she chose to stay in Philly, and even luckier to be part of her path forward. #ScholarHighlights #MeetTheScholars

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jul 7

Our scholar, @joniqua.bsky.social published an article in @inquirer.com highlighting that extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a serious public health threat. She advocates for PA to consider utility shutoff protections during heat waves.

www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...

#AdvocacyinAction

The heat is on — and the emergency is inside our homes | Opinion

We must act quickly and strengthen state programs to better support Philadelphians experiencing severe heat and to prevent unnecessary deaths.

www.inquirer.com

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jul 1

Now let’s extend a warm welcome to Caroline! She once dreamed of becoming an art museum curator. While that path would’ve been pretty amazing, we’re grateful her journey led her to Penn NCSP! #ScholarHighlights #MeetTheScholars

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jun 25

We’re thrilled to kick off our “Meet the Scholars” series! 1st up: Katie @katietrainum.bsky.social who hopes to conduct research that shapes practice & policy, while teaching & mentoring the next generation of nurses. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes! #ScholarHighlights #MeetTheScholars

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jun 18

🚨 Calling all future healthcare change agents! 🚨 We are accepting applications — but not for long! This transformative 2-year interprofessional fellowship in health services research & leadership can equip you with tangible skills to drive equity & impact in healthcare. Don't miss out!

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Jun 12

The PennNCSP crew had a great time connecting with our amazing alumni at the @pennldi.bsky.social social during #AcademyHealth in Minneapolis! Nothing like good science, good company, and a shared mission to advance health equity. #AcademyHealth2025

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · May 22

Our internal medicine scholars + director had a blast at #SGIM25 in sunny Hollywood, FL—leading workshops, learning from brilliant minds, & connecting w/future fellows & old friends (shoutout to our @ncspyale.bsky.social crew!). A perfect mix of sunshine & scholarship! ☀️📚 @societygim.bsky.social

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · May 22

Check out this awesome article by our graduating scholar, Eleanor!

Eleanor Turi, PhD, MSHP, RN @eleanorturi.bsky.social · May 21

Our mixed methods study on strategies to scale up low barrier wound care for people who use drugs is now published in Harm Reduction Journal. Grateful to our community partners and participants for their insight. Open access: link.springer.com/article/10.1... #harmreduction #woundcare #xylazine

Scaling up low barrier wound care for people who use drugs: a mixed methods study - Harm Reduction Journal

Background People who use drugs (PWUD) have long required wound care—a need that has become more urgent with the rise of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer in the street opioid supply associated with ne...

link.springer.com

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · May 13

Last week, our scholars teamed up with
@ncspyale.bsky.social for our 2025 Policy Trip to Washington DC! They met with policymakers, journalists, legal advocates, and healthcare experts to discuss evidence-based healthcare policy. We are proud of our scholars for turning their research into action!

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · May 1

Alumnus Ashish Thakrar and colleagues asked, "what happens when hospitals search patients w/substance use disorders?" Most searches found no illicit substances & were linked to higher odds of patients leaving AMA, raising questions about stigma and trust in care.
🔗 jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

Hospital Security Searches Among Patients With Substance-Related Encounters

This cohort study evaluates the clinical context and outcomes of room searches among patients with substance-related hospital encounters.

jamanetwork.com

Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Apr 29

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) can help prevent firearm-related harm — but what’s a clinician’s ethical role?
This powerful piece written by 2nd yr @vivekashok.bsky.social lays out a clear, compassionate path forward. Definitely a must-read! jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

Extreme Risk Protection Orders—Ethics for Clinicians

This Viewpoint discusses clinicians as legal petitioners of extreme risk protection orders to promote the safety and well-being of patients and communities.

jamanetwork.com

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Apr 22

Proud moment! Our 1st yr fellow, Joseph Kern, gave an oral presentation at the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR) Annual Meeting in NYC earlier this month. He’s doing powerful work to understand how we can prevent violence in vulnerable communities. 👏 #ScholarHighlights

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Apr 8

#AlumniSpotlight Check out deputy director of The Parity Center Austin Kilaru's (c/o 2020) work to push the envelope on equity-seeking policy change: penntoday.upenn.edu/news/chibe-p...

Catalyzing reform in health care payment | Penn Today

Penn’s Parity Center engages an interdisciplinary team of experts to collaborate with health insurers, health systems, physician practices and policymakers. Deputy director Austin S. Kilaru describes ...

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/chibe-parity-center-catalyzing-reform-health-care-payment?utm_content=Faculty&utm_source=Penn+Today+-+Newsletters&utm_campaign=7fcfa347eb-8%2F2%2F24:+‘Slow+Burn’+(Test+A)&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-a88f34f16b-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Apr 7

This Thursday April 10, alumna Alice Abernathy will be speaking at the Penn OBGYN Health Equity Showcase as part of Penn Medicine's Health Equity Week! Learn more here: www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-pe...

[Virtual] Penn OBGYN Health Equity Showcase, Grand Rounds

OBGYN Grand Rounds

www.eventbrite.com

Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Apr 1

Exciting to see Drs. Perry (NCSP 1st yr) and Abernathy (NCSP alum) on Capitol Hill for the ACOG Congressional Leadership Conference! They met w/ policymakers to advocate for Medicaid support and improved access to rural obstetric care—critical issues in ensuring equitable maternal health care.

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Reposted by Penn NCSP

NCSP at Yale @ncspyale.bsky.social · Mar 26

The Yale & Penn NCSP Scholars and NYU Population Health Scholars had an inspiring day in NYC, engaging in policy discussions and connecting with healthcare leaders. Grateful for the insights and opportunities—excited to apply these lessons! @ncsp-penn.bsky.social #HealthPolicy #YaleNCSP #PennNCSP

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Mar 18

Current scholar Joniqua teamed up w/incoming scholar Desire’ at this month’s AAP Advocacy Conference to sharpen their advocacy skills w/other pediatricians & meet PA congressional reps on Capitol Hill, stressing the urgent need to fund Medicaid. Inspiring to see this duo in action! #AdvocacyInAction

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Mar 13

Excited to share Madeline’s article State Reproductive Rights Policies & Unintended Pregnancy in The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Findings link stricter state policies to higher unintended pregnancy—state culture & sociopolitical environments matter.
🔗 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

State reproductive rights policies and unintended pregnancy

Objective States’ reproductive health policies may have consequences for the rate of unintended pregnancy. This study analyzed the association of states’ reproductive rights policies with the likeli...

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Mar 6

Throwback to an inspiring moment! 🌟 @vivekashok.bsky.social shared his career journey at the Penn/CHOP MedPeds noon conference. From research to advocacy, he continues to drive change at the intersection of medicine and policy. Grateful for his insights and dedication to a healthier future.

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Penn NCSP @ncsp-penn.bsky.social · Feb 28

Our 1st yr scholar Joseph Kern was asked to deliver an oral presentation this month in Las Vegas at the Academic Surgical Congress #ASC2025. Joe is a general surgery resident who is interested in understanding the economic and policy factors impacting victims of violent injuries. #ScholarHighlights

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