Karen Lutfey Spencer
@klutfey.bsky.social
Medical Sociology & Health Services Research. Professor at CU Denver. Substacking “I’m Not Gaslighting You!” https://open.substack.com/pub/spencerk
Pinned
The Medical Sociology section of ASA has a new account up & running so we can bring you live coverage of #ASA2025! Please follow and share! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Are you a sociologist exploring non-academic careers? Join our session via Zoom on Nov 7 (2-3pm EST⏰) to hear from Skye Miner (RAND), Sarah Diefendorf (Intermountain Healthcare), & Dan Simon (Colorado DPH)
📍Open to members of the ASA(@asanews.bsky.social) Sections: Medical Sociology & Mental Health.
📍Open to members of the ASA(@asanews.bsky.social) Sections: Medical Sociology & Mental Health.
October 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Are you a sociologist exploring non-academic careers? Join our session via Zoom on Nov 7 (2-3pm EST⏰) to hear from Skye Miner (RAND), Sarah Diefendorf (Intermountain Healthcare), & Dan Simon (Colorado DPH)
📍Open to members of the ASA(@asanews.bsky.social) Sections: Medical Sociology & Mental Health.
📍Open to members of the ASA(@asanews.bsky.social) Sections: Medical Sociology & Mental Health.
Come at 2pm to hear from editors of JHSB, SHI, and SSM talk about how to get published in medical sociology journals. Bring your questions! @jofhsb.bsky.social
Today is Workshop Day! Plus a late session on Social Determinants of Health. #MedSoc #ASAChicago #ReimaginingHealth
August 11, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Come at 2pm to hear from editors of JHSB, SHI, and SSM talk about how to get published in medical sociology journals. Bring your questions! @jofhsb.bsky.social
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
🎉Congratulations to the 2025 ASA Section on Medical Sociology Award Winners!🎉
We are proud to honor this year's outstanding scholars for their impactful research, service, and dedication to advancing the discipline! 🥳
#ASA2025 #MedSoc #ReimaginingHealth
We are proud to honor this year's outstanding scholars for their impactful research, service, and dedication to advancing the discipline! 🥳
#ASA2025 #MedSoc #ReimaginingHealth
August 10, 2025 at 6:50 PM
🎉Congratulations to the 2025 ASA Section on Medical Sociology Award Winners!🎉
We are proud to honor this year's outstanding scholars for their impactful research, service, and dedication to advancing the discipline! 🥳
#ASA2025 #MedSoc #ReimaginingHealth
We are proud to honor this year's outstanding scholars for their impactful research, service, and dedication to advancing the discipline! 🥳
#ASA2025 #MedSoc #ReimaginingHealth
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Happy Sunday 🎉 Here is our session schedule for the day. Use #MedSoc #ASAChicago or #ReimaginingHealth to show us your conference highlights!
August 10, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Happy Sunday 🎉 Here is our session schedule for the day. Use #MedSoc #ASAChicago or #ReimaginingHealth to show us your conference highlights!
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Hey, #medsoc "Mentor of the Month" friends, don't miss this exciting presentation from one of our lovely mentors, Dr. Courtney Boen (@courtneyboen.bsky.social)! If you ask me, catching this talk is a great way to start your Monday! 😄
#ASA2025 #ReimaginingHealth
#ASA2025 #ReimaginingHealth
Headed to Chicago for #ASA2025!
On Monday, I’ll present “Heterogeneous & Racialized Impacts of State Incarceration Policies on Birth Outcomes in the US” (w Elizabeth Bair, Hedy Lee, & Atheen Venkataramani) in the Policies, Politics, & Population Processes session at 8am (🥴).
On Monday, I’ll present “Heterogeneous & Racialized Impacts of State Incarceration Policies on Birth Outcomes in the US” (w Elizabeth Bair, Hedy Lee, & Atheen Venkataramani) in the Policies, Politics, & Population Processes session at 8am (🥴).
August 9, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Hey, #medsoc "Mentor of the Month" friends, don't miss this exciting presentation from one of our lovely mentors, Dr. Courtney Boen (@courtneyboen.bsky.social)! If you ask me, catching this talk is a great way to start your Monday! 😄
#ASA2025 #ReimaginingHealth
#ASA2025 #ReimaginingHealth
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
On Sunday, I have the pleasure of presiding over the session on Racialized Health Injustice (also at 8am 😅). Really looking forward to this one. Truly an amazing set of papers!
Hope to see you (w all the caffeine ☕️) there! #ASA2025
Hope to see you (w all the caffeine ☕️) there! #ASA2025
August 9, 2025 at 12:36 PM
On Sunday, I have the pleasure of presiding over the session on Racialized Health Injustice (also at 8am 😅). Really looking forward to this one. Truly an amazing set of papers!
Hope to see you (w all the caffeine ☕️) there! #ASA2025
Hope to see you (w all the caffeine ☕️) there! #ASA2025
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Come by my session tomorrow morning at #ASA2025 in @asamedsoc.bsky.social on what I call 'clinical outcomes governance' with some very cool looking papers!
August 9, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Come by my session tomorrow morning at #ASA2025 in @asamedsoc.bsky.social on what I call 'clinical outcomes governance' with some very cool looking papers!
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
You won't want to miss our reception tonight sponsored by the Sociology of Health and Illness Foundation ✨ This location is .8 miles from the Hyatt Regency. Anyone who would like to arrange to share a ride or walk over together should meet up in the Hyatt lobby at 6pm, departing 6:15 at the latest.
August 9, 2025 at 7:13 PM
You won't want to miss our reception tonight sponsored by the Sociology of Health and Illness Foundation ✨ This location is .8 miles from the Hyatt Regency. Anyone who would like to arrange to share a ride or walk over together should meet up in the Hyatt lobby at 6pm, departing 6:15 at the latest.
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Good morning, ASA Medical Sociology Section! Here is the daily schedule of sessions, including the section awards ceremony and a reception you don't want to miss! Don't forget to use #MedSoc #ASAChicago or #ReimaginingHealth to show us your conference highlights!
August 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Good morning, ASA Medical Sociology Section! Here is the daily schedule of sessions, including the section awards ceremony and a reception you don't want to miss! Don't forget to use #MedSoc #ASAChicago or #ReimaginingHealth to show us your conference highlights!
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Afternoon Schedule:
2-3:30 Roundtables
East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Grand Ballroom A
4:30-5:30
Awards Ceremony and Reeder Address
West Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Regency D
6:30PM-8:30
Reception: Hawksmoor, 500 North LaSalle Drive
2-3:30 Roundtables
East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Grand Ballroom A
4:30-5:30
Awards Ceremony and Reeder Address
West Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Regency D
6:30PM-8:30
Reception: Hawksmoor, 500 North LaSalle Drive
August 9, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Afternoon Schedule:
2-3:30 Roundtables
East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Grand Ballroom A
4:30-5:30
Awards Ceremony and Reeder Address
West Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Regency D
6:30PM-8:30
Reception: Hawksmoor, 500 North LaSalle Drive
2-3:30 Roundtables
East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Grand Ballroom A
4:30-5:30
Awards Ceremony and Reeder Address
West Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Floor: Ballroom Level/Gold, Regency D
6:30PM-8:30
Reception: Hawksmoor, 500 North LaSalle Drive
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
This social media committee LOVES celebrating the section members who make Medical Sociology the wonderful section it is! This #ASA2025, we will be sharing highlights, updates, and photos from the Annual Meeting 🥰 Keep an eye out for our account on upcoming sessions, reminders, and good news!
August 8, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This social media committee LOVES celebrating the section members who make Medical Sociology the wonderful section it is! This #ASA2025, we will be sharing highlights, updates, and photos from the Annual Meeting 🥰 Keep an eye out for our account on upcoming sessions, reminders, and good news!
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
👋🏽 Gentle reminder: Join us tomorrow for the Welcome Reception hosted by the ASA sections on Medical Sociology and Mental Health, along with our wonderful sponsor, the Sociology of Health & Illness!
📆 Saturday, August 9
🕡 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 #ASA2025 in Chicago (Check the agenda for location details!)
📆 Saturday, August 9
🕡 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 #ASA2025 in Chicago (Check the agenda for location details!)
August 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
👋🏽 Gentle reminder: Join us tomorrow for the Welcome Reception hosted by the ASA sections on Medical Sociology and Mental Health, along with our wonderful sponsor, the Sociology of Health & Illness!
📆 Saturday, August 9
🕡 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 #ASA2025 in Chicago (Check the agenda for location details!)
📆 Saturday, August 9
🕡 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 #ASA2025 in Chicago (Check the agenda for location details!)
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
Have something you'd like featured on our Bluesky profile? Fill out our Google Form to share your session highlights, photos, or announcements with us, and we'll post them on our account!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#MedSoc #ASAChicago #ReimaginingHealth
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#MedSoc #ASAChicago #ReimaginingHealth
August 8, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Have something you'd like featured on our Bluesky profile? Fill out our Google Form to share your session highlights, photos, or announcements with us, and we'll post them on our account!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#MedSoc #ASAChicago #ReimaginingHealth
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#MedSoc #ASAChicago #ReimaginingHealth
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
The Medical Sociology section of ASA has a new account up & running so we can bring you live coverage of #ASA2025! Please follow and share! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
August 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The Medical Sociology section of ASA has a new account up & running so we can bring you live coverage of #ASA2025! Please follow and share! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
The Medical Sociology section of ASA has a new account up & running so we can bring you live coverage of #ASA2025! Please follow and share! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
August 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The Medical Sociology section of ASA has a new account up & running so we can bring you live coverage of #ASA2025! Please follow and share! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
As the Chair of the Medical Sociology section of ASA, I’m excited for next week’s meeting in Chicago —follow our new account for live coverage! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
July 31, 2025 at 8:33 PM
As the Chair of the Medical Sociology section of ASA, I’m excited for next week’s meeting in Chicago —follow our new account for live coverage! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
After sending a misleading & partisan press release to millions, Social Security issued a new release on service "improvements" under the new Commissioner, whom it lavishes w/praise.
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Social Security stops reporting call wait times and other metrics
The changes are the latest sign of the agency’s struggle with website crashes, overloaded servers and long lines at field offices amid Trump cutbacks.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:48 PM
After sending a misleading & partisan press release to millions, Social Security issued a new release on service "improvements" under the new Commissioner, whom it lavishes w/praise.
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
This is where we are, America. One of my old colleagues at the University of Arizona Cancer Center has set up a GoFundMe to help fund breast cancer research in the wake of massive cuts to NIH grants.
With financial support in limbo, this UA cancer lab started crowdfunding
As federal funding changes hit universities, key research initiatives are scrambling to find cash. The Schroeder Lab at UA is one of them.
www.azcentral.com
July 7, 2025 at 10:34 PM
This is where we are, America. One of my old colleagues at the University of Arizona Cancer Center has set up a GoFundMe to help fund breast cancer research in the wake of massive cuts to NIH grants.
I’m happy to share my new (100% free) Substack newsletter, “I’m Not Gaslighting You!”
open.substack.com/pub/spencerk
I’ll be writing about health, illness, healthcare, why our systems gaslight us, and how you can resist.
open.substack.com/pub/spencerk
I’ll be writing about health, illness, healthcare, why our systems gaslight us, and how you can resist.
May 24, 2025 at 2:49 PM
I’m happy to share my new (100% free) Substack newsletter, “I’m Not Gaslighting You!”
open.substack.com/pub/spencerk
I’ll be writing about health, illness, healthcare, why our systems gaslight us, and how you can resist.
open.substack.com/pub/spencerk
I’ll be writing about health, illness, healthcare, why our systems gaslight us, and how you can resist.
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
New meaning to the word unqualified and incompetent.
HASSAN: What is habeas corpus?
NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country
HASSAN: That's incorrect
NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country
HASSAN: That's incorrect
May 20, 2025 at 2:22 PM
New meaning to the word unqualified and incompetent.
Happy to be talking with Cosmopolitan magazine about medical gaslighting—why it happens and how we can resist. It’s unfortunate we still need these conversations about healthcare inequality, but it’s so necessary.
www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitne...
www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitne...
Everything You Need to Know About Medical Gaslighting Before Your Next Doctor’s Appointment
If you’ve ever gone to the doctor with a concern and felt like they were downplaying your symptoms, you’ve probably experienced medical gaslighting.
www.cosmopolitan.com
May 12, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Happy to be talking with Cosmopolitan magazine about medical gaslighting—why it happens and how we can resist. It’s unfortunate we still need these conversations about healthcare inequality, but it’s so necessary.
www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitne...
www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitne...
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
“The results revealed that researchers who received renewals without a funding gap were less likely to switch research topics and investigate a wide array of subjects than were those in the control group, and they produced papers featuring newer or more unconventional combinations of ideas”
Innovation takes time
US scientists who received renewals from the NIH over the past four decades produced more novel research than those who didn’t
https://go.nature.com/44s6cc5
US scientists who received renewals from the NIH over the past four decades produced more novel research than those who didn’t
https://go.nature.com/44s6cc5
Renewal of NIH grants linked to more innovative results, study finds
Nature - Survey of hundreds of scientists’ work suggests that cutting off funding disrupts focus and reduces the novelty of research.
go.nature.com
May 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
“The results revealed that researchers who received renewals without a funding gap were less likely to switch research topics and investigate a wide array of subjects than were those in the control group, and they produced papers featuring newer or more unconventional combinations of ideas”
Reposted by Karen Lutfey Spencer
As we point out in Science, the Trump proposal to convert NIH program officer jobs into political appointments (Schedule F) will mean, that instead of actual scientific experts, people like "Big Balls" will choose how to direct NIH funds. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
May 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
As we point out in Science, the Trump proposal to convert NIH program officer jobs into political appointments (Schedule F) will mean, that instead of actual scientific experts, people like "Big Balls" will choose how to direct NIH funds. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
This year I’m the Chair of the ASA Medical Sociology section, and we want everyone to feel welcome—hope to see you in Chicago in August! @asamedsoc.bsky.social
Find your place at ASA! From sociology grad students & recent grads to sociologists working everywhere—there’s a place for all! When you join or renew your membership by 11:59 pm ET May 15, you’ll be eligible to win a free year of membership + Section! https://bit.ly/Spring25Drive
May 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
This year I’m the Chair of the ASA Medical Sociology section, and we want everyone to feel welcome—hope to see you in Chicago in August! @asamedsoc.bsky.social