Rick
@rickv43.bsky.social
Good public policy enthusiast | Healthcare advocate
Reposted by Rick
THREAD.
My parents' cat Bridget vanished. As the weeks dragged on they became ever more worried, so to distract himself my dad began to paint Bridget's adventures, imagining her travelling through time and popping up at some of art & music's most important moments.
I've collected his work here...
My parents' cat Bridget vanished. As the weeks dragged on they became ever more worried, so to distract himself my dad began to paint Bridget's adventures, imagining her travelling through time and popping up at some of art & music's most important moments.
I've collected his work here...
December 20, 2025 at 9:21 AM
THREAD.
My parents' cat Bridget vanished. As the weeks dragged on they became ever more worried, so to distract himself my dad began to paint Bridget's adventures, imagining her travelling through time and popping up at some of art & music's most important moments.
I've collected his work here...
My parents' cat Bridget vanished. As the weeks dragged on they became ever more worried, so to distract himself my dad began to paint Bridget's adventures, imagining her travelling through time and popping up at some of art & music's most important moments.
I've collected his work here...
Good article in Stat on the impact of NIH cuts.
"The NIH system is imperfect, requires reform (by those who know the difference between a scalpel and an axe) — and has also yielded enormous successes. NIH-funded research contributed to more than 99% of FDA-approved drugs between 2010 and 2019."
"The NIH system is imperfect, requires reform (by those who know the difference between a scalpel and an axe) — and has also yielded enormous successes. NIH-funded research contributed to more than 99% of FDA-approved drugs between 2010 and 2019."
December 18, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Good article in Stat on the impact of NIH cuts.
"The NIH system is imperfect, requires reform (by those who know the difference between a scalpel and an axe) — and has also yielded enormous successes. NIH-funded research contributed to more than 99% of FDA-approved drugs between 2010 and 2019."
"The NIH system is imperfect, requires reform (by those who know the difference between a scalpel and an axe) — and has also yielded enormous successes. NIH-funded research contributed to more than 99% of FDA-approved drugs between 2010 and 2019."
Reposted by Rick
Having a hard time understanding how you could justify running this interview as it was. It seems to serve only to further confuse the reader about the truth.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
This vaccine adviser to RFK Jr. has some choice words for his critics
MIT business professor Retsef Levi teaches about how health care decisions are made, but isn’t a doctor.
www.politico.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Having a hard time understanding how you could justify running this interview as it was. It seems to serve only to further confuse the reader about the truth.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Rick
A tiny trial in New York has shown that personalized mRNA vaccines can provoke massive, lasting immune responses against pancreatic cancer, even as sweeping federal cuts now threaten the fragile labs required to produce them.
theintellectualistofficial.substack.com/p/a-breakthr...
theintellectualistofficial.substack.com/p/a-breakthr...
December 12, 2025 at 4:02 PM
A tiny trial in New York has shown that personalized mRNA vaccines can provoke massive, lasting immune responses against pancreatic cancer, even as sweeping federal cuts now threaten the fragile labs required to produce them.
theintellectualistofficial.substack.com/p/a-breakthr...
theintellectualistofficial.substack.com/p/a-breakthr...
Reposted by Rick
Health orgs asked Sec. Noem to exempt health care workers from the new $100K H-1B visa fee. They haven't received a response.
Learn about a rural hospital that may have to pay the fee after it received job apps from international, but no American workers.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Learn about a rural hospital that may have to pay the fee after it received job apps from international, but no American workers.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Rural Health Providers Could Be Collateral Damage From $100K Trump Visa Fee - KFF Health News
Dozens of health care organizations have asked the Trump administration to shield the doctors, nurses, and techs they need to fill shortages from the president’s new $100,000 visa fee for skilled fore...
kffhealthnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Health orgs asked Sec. Noem to exempt health care workers from the new $100K H-1B visa fee. They haven't received a response.
Learn about a rural hospital that may have to pay the fee after it received job apps from international, but no American workers.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Learn about a rural hospital that may have to pay the fee after it received job apps from international, but no American workers.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
A case study in how the HHS dysfunctional policies and the massive cuts to Medicaid are converging with equally dysfunctional immigration policy to damage rural healthcare
A rural North Dakota hospital has been trying to hire a lab tech since late summer. No U.S. citizens have applied. Hiring a foreign applicant will mean paying the Trump administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
Feds Promised ‘Radical Transparency' but Are Withholding Rural Health Fund Applications - KFF Health News
Proposals from states that have shared their applications to a new $50 billion rural health program include using drones to deliver medication, installing refrigerators to expand access to healthy produce, and bringing telehealth to libraries, day cares...
kffhealthnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A case study in how the HHS dysfunctional policies and the massive cuts to Medicaid are converging with equally dysfunctional immigration policy to damage rural healthcare
Reposted by Rick
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December 8, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Looking for a free way to support local journalism in DC?
Not yet subscribed to our newsletter? Sign up today!
We have a goal to reach 3,000 new readers by the end of the year, 451 to go to reach 1000: 51st.news/signup
Not yet subscribed to our newsletter? Sign up today!
We have a goal to reach 3,000 new readers by the end of the year, 451 to go to reach 1000: 51st.news/signup
Reposted by Rick
American Acad Peds: Downgrading Hep B infant vaccination guidance isn’t science — it’s misinformation.
The Hep B birth dose has prevented 99% of infant infections since 1991.
Why mess with what protects babies?
Full AAP statement here: bit.ly/3Y9ZQJT #BlueSky #MedSky #NewsSky #NurseSky #SciSky
The Hep B birth dose has prevented 99% of infant infections since 1991.
Why mess with what protects babies?
Full AAP statement here: bit.ly/3Y9ZQJT #BlueSky #MedSky #NewsSky #NurseSky #SciSky
December 5, 2025 at 4:43 PM
What a discouraging decision If you watched the ACIP meeting you will have no confidence in that group doing honest analysis. This is not based on good evidence and is pandering to a minority of people that have an anti-vaccine agenda based on personal opinion and vibes not good public health policy
This regressive move will literally kill people. It's making kids' liver cancer great again. And it's a sign of more harm to come.
CDC panel recommends delaying birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine www.statnews.com/2025/12/05/c... via @statnews.com
CDC panel recommends delaying birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine www.statnews.com/2025/12/05/c... via @statnews.com
CDC panel recommends delaying birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's ACIP panel voted to recommend delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, ending a policy that has reined in the virus.
www.statnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
What a discouraging decision If you watched the ACIP meeting you will have no confidence in that group doing honest analysis. This is not based on good evidence and is pandering to a minority of people that have an anti-vaccine agenda based on personal opinion and vibes not good public health policy
Really discouraging
Gift article about the across-the-board *slowdown* in federal funding for science - on ALL the topics. But especially for up-and-coming scientists.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/... 🎁
www.nytimes.com/interactive/... 🎁
The U.S. Is Funding Fewer Grants in Every Area of Science and Medicine (Gift Article)
A quiet policy change means the government is making fewer bets on long-term science.
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Really discouraging
Reposted by Rick
FDA official Vinay Prasad proposes ‘impossible’ standards for vaccine testing that could curtail access to immunizations.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
My latest story for @cidrap.bsky.social.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
My latest story for @cidrap.bsky.social.
FDA official proposes ‘impossible’ standards for vaccine testing that could curtail access to immunizations
www.cidrap.umn.edu
December 1, 2025 at 11:36 PM
FDA official Vinay Prasad proposes ‘impossible’ standards for vaccine testing that could curtail access to immunizations.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
My latest story for @cidrap.bsky.social.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
My latest story for @cidrap.bsky.social.
Reposted by Rick
The termination of 383 #NIH funded clinical trials included studies of Covid 19 & HIV. More than 100 grants funded #Cancer research terminated. Some clinical trials sites were shut down. 74,000 participants affected. Short-sighted actions will lead to long term losses.
🧪 archive.today/61Flc
🧪 archive.today/61Flc
Trump slashed spending on clinical trials. The toll is starting to become clear.
Grants for 383 clinical trials were terminated and the funding disruptions affected more than 74,000 trial participants, according to new research.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The termination of 383 #NIH funded clinical trials included studies of Covid 19 & HIV. More than 100 grants funded #Cancer research terminated. Some clinical trials sites were shut down. 74,000 participants affected. Short-sighted actions will lead to long term losses.
🧪 archive.today/61Flc
🧪 archive.today/61Flc
Reposted by Rick
Just an absolutely gutting essay by Tatiana Schlossberg, a writer, mother of two young children, and cousin of RFK Jr who is dying of leukemia.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
November 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Just an absolutely gutting essay by Tatiana Schlossberg, a writer, mother of two young children, and cousin of RFK Jr who is dying of leukemia.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
Reposted by Rick
Federal requirements limit how long and how far Medicare Advantage members have to travel to see doctors. But when doctors and hospitals leave the plans, Medicare officials rarely check if enough remain.
@susanjaffe reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
@susanjaffe reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Complaints About Gaps in Medicare Advantage Networks Are Common. Federal Enforcement Is Rare. - KFF Health News
Health systems drop out of Medicare Advantage plans all the time. Yet government documents obtained by KFF Health News show that federal regulators rarely warn plans that their networks of health prov...
kffhealthnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Federal requirements limit how long and how far Medicare Advantage members have to travel to see doctors. But when doctors and hospitals leave the plans, Medicare officials rarely check if enough remain.
@susanjaffe reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
@susanjaffe reports ⤵️ kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Rick
The CDC website is peddling false information about autism.
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
CDC in turmoil after agency backpedals on debunking vaccines-autism link
The CDC’s website now says health authorities ignored evidence of a potential connection between vaccines and autism, despite dozens of studies showing no link.
wapo.st
November 20, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The CDC website is peddling false information about autism.
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
Reposted by Rick
Reposted by Rick
More than 73,000 people were in Clinical Trials Affected by Research Grant Terminations at the National Institutes of Health jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Clinical Trials Affected by Research Grant Terminations at the National Institutes of Health
This cross-sectional study summarizes the number of trials with terminated grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and calculates the proportion of affected trials among those with previou...
jamanetwork.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:00 PM
More than 73,000 people were in Clinical Trials Affected by Research Grant Terminations at the National Institutes of Health jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Rick
It’s useful for people of my generation to be reminded that this wasn’t that long ago. Ruby Bridges isn’t just still alive—she’s only 71, not ancient!
65 years ago on Nov. 14, little Ruby Bridges was escorted into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Norman Rockwell, renowned for blissful depictions of Americana, did this remarkable painting for Look magazine. Printed as a double page, over-size spread, it's his masterpiece.
November 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
It’s useful for people of my generation to be reminded that this wasn’t that long ago. Ruby Bridges isn’t just still alive—she’s only 71, not ancient!
Reposted by Rick
my takeaway from this letter is that glenn youngkin, rector sheridan and their flunkies on the board are deeply dishonest people who are engaged, with the trump administration, in a mob-style shakedown against the university of virginia
Former UVA president Jim Ryan, who resigned over the summer due to pressure from the Trump Administration, just shared this 12-page letter with the Faculty Senate, detailing his experience with the Board of Visitors and DOJ.
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
It's a surreal--and troubling--read.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
November 14, 2025 at 2:47 PM
my takeaway from this letter is that glenn youngkin, rector sheridan and their flunkies on the board are deeply dishonest people who are engaged, with the trump administration, in a mob-style shakedown against the university of virginia
Reposted by Rick
Having worked with thousands of public servants this year, I can *confidently* say these folks are THE BEST we have in America. Trump and his administration betrayed them.
I had the opportunity to review the work experience and skills of numerous people who were laid off or fired from public health jobs by Donald Trump.
I want every taxpayer to know that the US has lost an immeasurable number of the smartest, most experienced, and hardworking people on the planet.
I want every taxpayer to know that the US has lost an immeasurable number of the smartest, most experienced, and hardworking people on the planet.
November 12, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Having worked with thousands of public servants this year, I can *confidently* say these folks are THE BEST we have in America. Trump and his administration betrayed them.
Turns our the inadequate rural hospital fund meant to mitigate the loss of funding from the Medicaid cuts is even more inadequate
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/rural-h...
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/rural-h...
Only a Fraction of Republicans’ Much-Touted $50 Billion Rural Health Fund Can Help Struggling Hospitals Pay Their Bills
As President Donald Trump’s deadline for a massive budget bill drew near...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Turns our the inadequate rural hospital fund meant to mitigate the loss of funding from the Medicaid cuts is even more inadequate
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/rural-h...
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/rural-h...
Reposted by Rick
Public health depends on citizens accepting scientifically-grounded guidance. When official institutions produce politically-determined science and independent verification infrastructure is eliminated, the capacity for evidence-based health policy collapses, writes Renée DiResta.
How Political Power is Capturing Knowledge Systems and Manufacturing Structural Ignorance | TechPolicy.Press
We're witnessing the simultaneous capture of knowledge-producing institutions and the elimination of independent verification mechanisms, writes Renée DiResta.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Public health depends on citizens accepting scientifically-grounded guidance. When official institutions produce politically-determined science and independent verification infrastructure is eliminated, the capacity for evidence-based health policy collapses, writes Renée DiResta.
Reposted by Rick
seems to me that those democrats inclined not to fight perceive themselves as living through a somewhat ordinary cycle of presidential overreach and backlash and not something much more significant and dangerous
November 10, 2025 at 12:50 PM
seems to me that those democrats inclined not to fight perceive themselves as living through a somewhat ordinary cycle of presidential overreach and backlash and not something much more significant and dangerous
Reposted by Rick
Great article from @radiofreetom.bsky.social at the @theatlantic.com describing how deep resentment in Americans is fueling the democracy’s collapse: apple.news/AiDE-5b3sTNS...
The article ignores that this resentment isn’t totally unfounded. Our democracy has long been teetering just above broken.
The article ignores that this resentment isn’t totally unfounded. Our democracy has long been teetering just above broken.
A Confederacy of Toddlers — The Atlantic
The Trump administration is a regime of troubled children.
apple.news
November 9, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Great article from @radiofreetom.bsky.social at the @theatlantic.com describing how deep resentment in Americans is fueling the democracy’s collapse: apple.news/AiDE-5b3sTNS...
The article ignores that this resentment isn’t totally unfounded. Our democracy has long been teetering just above broken.
The article ignores that this resentment isn’t totally unfounded. Our democracy has long been teetering just above broken.
Reposted by Rick
You have to read between the lines here to imagine what President Trump is proposing. But, it sounds like it may be a plan for health accounts that could be used for insurance that doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, which could create a death spiral in ACA plans that do.
November 8, 2025 at 6:14 PM
You have to read between the lines here to imagine what President Trump is proposing. But, it sounds like it may be a plan for health accounts that could be used for insurance that doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, which could create a death spiral in ACA plans that do.