Monica Vela MD
@drmonicavela.bsky.social
Internist, medical educator, passionate about health equity.
Views are my own and not of any institution.
Views are my own and not of any institution.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
🎙️ new
@ascocancer.bsky.social #JCOOP podcast with Dr @michaelannica.bsky.social on #priorAuthorization
"I just think that there's a huge opportunity to do better here… I want to do better for our patients. I want to feel prouder of the healthcare system that I'm a part of." #fixPriorAuth
@ascocancer.bsky.social #JCOOP podcast with Dr @michaelannica.bsky.social on #priorAuthorization
"I just think that there's a huge opportunity to do better here… I want to do better for our patients. I want to feel prouder of the healthcare system that I'm a part of." #fixPriorAuth
Prior Authorization: How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going? | ASCO Publications
Dr. Chino discusses the past, present, and future of prior authorization in cancer care with Dr. Michael Anne Kyle, a health policy expert with a research focus on utilization management and patient b...
ascopubs.org
March 17, 2025 at 4:11 PM
🎙️ new
@ascocancer.bsky.social #JCOOP podcast with Dr @michaelannica.bsky.social on #priorAuthorization
"I just think that there's a huge opportunity to do better here… I want to do better for our patients. I want to feel prouder of the healthcare system that I'm a part of." #fixPriorAuth
@ascocancer.bsky.social #JCOOP podcast with Dr @michaelannica.bsky.social on #priorAuthorization
"I just think that there's a huge opportunity to do better here… I want to do better for our patients. I want to feel prouder of the healthcare system that I'm a part of." #fixPriorAuth
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
"Embrace diversity.
Unite—
Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed
By those who see you as prey.
Embrace diversity
Or be destroyed."
— Octavia E. Butler, 'Parable of the Sower'
Unite—
Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed
By those who see you as prey.
Embrace diversity
Or be destroyed."
— Octavia E. Butler, 'Parable of the Sower'
March 9, 2025 at 4:36 AM
"Embrace diversity.
Unite—
Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed
By those who see you as prey.
Embrace diversity
Or be destroyed."
— Octavia E. Butler, 'Parable of the Sower'
Unite—
Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed
By those who see you as prey.
Embrace diversity
Or be destroyed."
— Octavia E. Butler, 'Parable of the Sower'
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
“Here’s what will happen if [cuts to NIH funding] remain in place. Clinical research trials will shut down. Advances will cease. And people will die.” More in @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Trump's cuts will end lifesaving medical research – and people will die | Opinion
National Institutes of Health grants are essential for lifesaving medical research. A Trump administration policy now threatens that progress.
www.usatoday.com
March 3, 2025 at 2:43 PM
“Here’s what will happen if [cuts to NIH funding] remain in place. Clinical research trials will shut down. Advances will cease. And people will die.” More in @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
They say “stay in your lane.” Well, medicine is my lane.
Doctors need to start speaking out against the attack on evidence-based medicine. It’s always been hard enough competing with Dr. Google but if we lose the independence of the CDC, NIH and FDA, lives will be lost.
Doctors need to start speaking out against the attack on evidence-based medicine. It’s always been hard enough competing with Dr. Google but if we lose the independence of the CDC, NIH and FDA, lives will be lost.
February 23, 2025 at 10:55 PM
They say “stay in your lane.” Well, medicine is my lane.
Doctors need to start speaking out against the attack on evidence-based medicine. It’s always been hard enough competing with Dr. Google but if we lose the independence of the CDC, NIH and FDA, lives will be lost.
Doctors need to start speaking out against the attack on evidence-based medicine. It’s always been hard enough competing with Dr. Google but if we lose the independence of the CDC, NIH and FDA, lives will be lost.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
February 22, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Graduate admissions being put on hold because of the chaos...
I created a brief spreadsheet of reductions I've heard of so far. Any additions you know of (especially if you have the links/receipts) would be great: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Graduate Reductions Across Biomedical Sciences (2025)
docs.google.com
February 22, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Graduate admissions being put on hold because of the chaos...
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
The presidents of all universities should hold a press conference together at the National Press Club in Washington DC condemning the attacks on science and universities and outline the stakes for all Americans. 1/
February 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The presidents of all universities should hold a press conference together at the National Press Club in Washington DC condemning the attacks on science and universities and outline the stakes for all Americans. 1/
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Congrats to @maxkozlov.bsky.social and @avaskham.bsky.social for having this story first, and glad the NYT picked it up from them and is sending it out to a broader audience.
Trump Administration Stalls Scientific Research Despite Court Ruling. Story by Ben Mueller. Gift link: nyti.ms/435szDm
Trump Administration Stalls Scientific Research Despite Court Ruling (Gift Article)
Using an arcane law, officials have effectively delayed funding from the National Institutes of Health, leaving medical studies in jeopardy.
nyti.ms
February 22, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Congrats to @maxkozlov.bsky.social and @avaskham.bsky.social for having this story first, and glad the NYT picked it up from them and is sending it out to a broader audience.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
UPDATED with response from National Academies denying they are removing words not aligned with Trump EO and that such actions are part of normal review process - but authors of a protest letter disagree. NASEM also confirms removal of DEI action plan to comply w/ EO. www.statnews.com/2025/02/20/n...
National Academies is altering pending reports to appease Trump administration, some members say
Words such as “health equity” are being replacing with vaguer terms, and 100 members sent a letter of protest to NASEM leaders.
www.statnews.com
February 21, 2025 at 8:04 PM
UPDATED with response from National Academies denying they are removing words not aligned with Trump EO and that such actions are part of normal review process - but authors of a protest letter disagree. NASEM also confirms removal of DEI action plan to comply w/ EO. www.statnews.com/2025/02/20/n...
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
I will be very interested to see what organizations that have already scrubbed/removed DEI content (National Academies, American Society of Microbiology -- see my stories) will do if these orders are deemed to be illegal and violate constitutional rights. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Judge temporarily blocks key parts of Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI
The plaintiffs argued that the president’s edicts against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives exceeded his authority and violate their constitutional right to due process.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 22, 2025 at 1:02 AM
I will be very interested to see what organizations that have already scrubbed/removed DEI content (National Academies, American Society of Microbiology -- see my stories) will do if these orders are deemed to be illegal and violate constitutional rights. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Washington Post story on Judge Abelson
BLOCKING portions of TRUMP'S ORDERS TO CANCEL FEDERAL CONTRACTS CONCERNING DEI
and make government contractors certify that they do not engage in DEI practices that violate anti-discrimination laws.
[Gift link]
wapo.st/436OM44
BLOCKING portions of TRUMP'S ORDERS TO CANCEL FEDERAL CONTRACTS CONCERNING DEI
and make government contractors certify that they do not engage in DEI practices that violate anti-discrimination laws.
[Gift link]
wapo.st/436OM44
Judge temporarily blocks key parts of Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI
The plaintiffs argued that the president’s edicts against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives exceeded his authority and violate their constitutional right to due process.
wapo.st
February 22, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Washington Post story on Judge Abelson
BLOCKING portions of TRUMP'S ORDERS TO CANCEL FEDERAL CONTRACTS CONCERNING DEI
and make government contractors certify that they do not engage in DEI practices that violate anti-discrimination laws.
[Gift link]
wapo.st/436OM44
BLOCKING portions of TRUMP'S ORDERS TO CANCEL FEDERAL CONTRACTS CONCERNING DEI
and make government contractors certify that they do not engage in DEI practices that violate anti-discrimination laws.
[Gift link]
wapo.st/436OM44
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Just a reminder that the HPV vaccine literally PREVENTS CANCER and the series can be started as early as 9 years of age.
February 21, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Just a reminder that the HPV vaccine literally PREVENTS CANCER and the series can be started as early as 9 years of age.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
No more students will be offered admission to grad school at Pitt due to the instability of our federal government.
The University of Pittsburgh confirmed Friday that there would be no new Ph.D. offers of admission while Pitt works to understand how reduced federal aid could impact the institution.
The University of Pittsburgh pauses its Ph.D. admissions process amid research funding uncertainty
A spokesperson for the University told WESA Friday that the school has "temporarily paused additional Ph.D. offers of admission," while Pitt works to understand how proposed federal funding cuts could...
www.wesa.fm
February 21, 2025 at 11:06 PM
No more students will be offered admission to grad school at Pitt due to the instability of our federal government.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
DEI initiatives are still legal.
Universities need to stand their ground.
A Friday gift to your university's General Counsel Office - courtesy of an all star lineup of civil rights lawyers and scholars. You're going to want to read this.
Universities need to stand their ground.
A Friday gift to your university's General Counsel Office - courtesy of an all star lineup of civil rights lawyers and scholars. You're going to want to read this.
OGC Memo re Trump DEI and SFFA 2025 02 20.pdf | Powered by Box
app.box.com
February 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
DEI initiatives are still legal.
Universities need to stand their ground.
A Friday gift to your university's General Counsel Office - courtesy of an all star lineup of civil rights lawyers and scholars. You're going to want to read this.
Universities need to stand their ground.
A Friday gift to your university's General Counsel Office - courtesy of an all star lineup of civil rights lawyers and scholars. You're going to want to read this.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Bravo @plos.org!
US exec orders "stand in direct conflict with our core values, our mission, edit policies"
"PLOS will not compromise on issues of scientific rigor & editorial integrity... we seek diversity because more expert voices make for better science"
theplosblog.plos.org/2025/02/plos...
US exec orders "stand in direct conflict with our core values, our mission, edit policies"
"PLOS will not compromise on issues of scientific rigor & editorial integrity... we seek diversity because more expert voices make for better science"
theplosblog.plos.org/2025/02/plos...
PLOS statement on recent US Executive Orders and scientific integrity - The Official PLOS Blog
Since its founding over twenty five years ago PLOS has been dedicated to advancing open science, ensuring that knowledge is accessible to…
theplosblog.plos.org
February 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Bravo @plos.org!
US exec orders "stand in direct conflict with our core values, our mission, edit policies"
"PLOS will not compromise on issues of scientific rigor & editorial integrity... we seek diversity because more expert voices make for better science"
theplosblog.plos.org/2025/02/plos...
US exec orders "stand in direct conflict with our core values, our mission, edit policies"
"PLOS will not compromise on issues of scientific rigor & editorial integrity... we seek diversity because more expert voices make for better science"
theplosblog.plos.org/2025/02/plos...
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
In a new Editorial, JAMA editors, JAMA Network Editors in Chief, and JAMA editorial leadership address the recent executive orders that have impacted the scientific process and reaffirm their commitment to scientific and editorial integrity.
ja.ma/4b5LsIt
ja.ma/4b5LsIt
February 20, 2025 at 4:30 PM
In a new Editorial, JAMA editors, JAMA Network Editors in Chief, and JAMA editorial leadership address the recent executive orders that have impacted the scientific process and reaffirm their commitment to scientific and editorial integrity.
ja.ma/4b5LsIt
ja.ma/4b5LsIt
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
"The silence with which many of us and our institutions are meeting this moment must be challenged" Thank you @jama.com for stating this. The earlier (and some ongoing) silence from academic organizations & institutions prior to the NIH cuts was deafening and disheartening. #standupforscience
Reaffirming the JAMA Network Commitment to the Health of Patients and the Public
In the first month of the new administration responsible for leading the US, the executive branch has issued a flurry of orders, including ones associated with the dismissal or resignation of tens of ...
jamanetwork.com
February 20, 2025 at 7:01 PM
"The silence with which many of us and our institutions are meeting this moment must be challenged" Thank you @jama.com for stating this. The earlier (and some ongoing) silence from academic organizations & institutions prior to the NIH cuts was deafening and disheartening. #standupforscience
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
I’ve signed, as an International Fellow of the US Academy of Medicine.
SCOOP: The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, arguably the nation's most powerful scientific organization, is bending to political pressure and removing terms like "health equity" from pending reports. Members are not happy. Story by me: www.statnews.com/2025/02/20/n...
National Academies is altering pending reports to appease Trump administration, some members say
Words such as “health equity” are being replacing with vaguer terms, and 100 members sent a letter of protest to NASEM leaders.
www.statnews.com
February 21, 2025 at 7:46 AM
I’ve signed, as an International Fellow of the US Academy of Medicine.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
"the silencing of science and health-related communications through suppression or erasure of information, and the corresponding silence by many in the fields of biomedicine and public health, deserve special consideration."
"The free exchange of ideas is essential to scientific progress"
@jama.com
"The free exchange of ideas is essential to scientific progress"
@jama.com
Reaffirming the JAMA Network Commitment to the Health of Patients and the Public
In the first month of the new administration responsible for leading the US, the executive branch has issued a flurry of orders, including ones associated with the dismissal or resignation of tens of ...
jamanetwork.com
February 21, 2025 at 2:09 AM
"the silencing of science and health-related communications through suppression or erasure of information, and the corresponding silence by many in the fields of biomedicine and public health, deserve special consideration."
"The free exchange of ideas is essential to scientific progress"
@jama.com
"The free exchange of ideas is essential to scientific progress"
@jama.com
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Wondering why there are no study sections and Institute Council meetings? Well, such meetings need to be put on the Federal Register 15 days prior to the meeting. And the Federal Register has not allowed any entries since January 21. This is the reason no grants are being reviewed or approved.
a close up of a cartoon character covering his eyes with his hands
ALT: a close up of a cartoon character covering his eyes with his hands
media.tenor.com
February 20, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Wondering why there are no study sections and Institute Council meetings? Well, such meetings need to be put on the Federal Register 15 days prior to the meeting. And the Federal Register has not allowed any entries since January 21. This is the reason no grants are being reviewed or approved.
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
Don't let this outrageous power grab get lost in the blizzard of other bullshit being spewed by the First Felon's White House. It's plainly illegal and unconstitutional, but with the Robert Court, who knows?
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
Trump signs order to claim power over independent agencies
The action is likely to face court challenges and test a once-fringe legal theory.
www.politico.com
February 19, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Don't let this outrageous power grab get lost in the blizzard of other bullshit being spewed by the First Felon's White House. It's plainly illegal and unconstitutional, but with the Robert Court, who knows?
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
Reposted by Monica Vela MD
We know who the villains are in this coup. But so many heroes are showing up to oppose them, and many of them are federal employees, including judges. I give you supreme boss-hero champion Judge Ana Reyes, telling Team Trump they don't know shit and schooling them in the facts about gender and sex.
More from Judge Reyes
February 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM
We know who the villains are in this coup. But so many heroes are showing up to oppose them, and many of them are federal employees, including judges. I give you supreme boss-hero champion Judge Ana Reyes, telling Team Trump they don't know shit and schooling them in the facts about gender and sex.