Theresa Gaffney
@theresagaff.bsky.social
reporter, newsletter writer, & Guild member at STAT
theresa.gaffney@statnews.com
Signal: theresagaff.97
she / her
theresa.gaffney@statnews.com
Signal: theresagaff.97
she / her
Pinned
Theresa Gaffney
@theresagaff.bsky.social
· Dec 23
I wrote about gender-affirming surgery — what it means to the people that get it, its evolution as a professional specialty in the U.S., and how the incoming administration could put all of that at risk: www.statnews.com/2024/12/23/g...
New: On how every state with a gender-affirming care ban for minors has carved out an exception for procedures on intersex minors, including infants. “Such inconsistency is what can start undermining our faith in the system," one bioethicist told me. www.statnews.com/2025/11/14/i...
Advocates decry intersex exceptions in trans health bans
Restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors consistently allow exceptions for minors with intersex traits, a new study finds.
www.statnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:42 PM
New: On how every state with a gender-affirming care ban for minors has carved out an exception for procedures on intersex minors, including infants. “Such inconsistency is what can start undermining our faith in the system," one bioethicist told me. www.statnews.com/2025/11/14/i...
NEW: The FDA is reversing a decades-old warning on hormone therapy products for menopause. It's a move that many physicians agree with, though they may not all support exactly how the agency has done it: www.statnews.com/2025/11/10/f...
FDA reverses decades-old warning on hormone therapy products for menopause
The FDA is reversing a 2003 decision that put a stringent warning on hormone therapy products for menopausal women, saying that the treatments offer heart, brain, and bone health benefits.
www.statnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
NEW: The FDA is reversing a decades-old warning on hormone therapy products for menopause. It's a move that many physicians agree with, though they may not all support exactly how the agency has done it: www.statnews.com/2025/11/10/f...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
George Tidmarsh, the Food and Drug Administration’s top regulator of drugs, has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of using his regulatory authority to inflict financial harm on a former business associate, STAT has learned.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
FDA’s top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation
George Tidmarsh, the FDA's top drug regulator, has been placed on leave after being accused of abusing his regulatory authority, STAT has learned.
www.statnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 10:13 PM
George Tidmarsh, the Food and Drug Administration’s top regulator of drugs, has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of using his regulatory authority to inflict financial harm on a former business associate, STAT has learned.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
EXCLUSIVE: A slow-boiling feud between Vinay Prasad and his staff at the FDA is threatening the future of the center that regulates the nation’s vaccines, biological products, and blood supply. Read more here:
www.statnews.com/2025/10/31/v...
www.statnews.com/2025/10/31/v...
Under Vinay Prasad, employees at a key FDA center fear speaking out, look for the exits
Exclusive: Vinay Prasad has rattled FDA staff by expanding his power and pushing out senior leaders.
www.statnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:17 PM
EXCLUSIVE: A slow-boiling feud between Vinay Prasad and his staff at the FDA is threatening the future of the center that regulates the nation’s vaccines, biological products, and blood supply. Read more here:
www.statnews.com/2025/10/31/v...
www.statnews.com/2025/10/31/v...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
Goodbye, SAMHSA?
After the Trump administration's latest layoffs at the federal agency for mental health and addiction treatment, the agency is in shambles.
On the sacking of SAMHSA and what it means for the country's behavioral health, w/ @levfacher.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/s...
After the Trump administration's latest layoffs at the federal agency for mental health and addiction treatment, the agency is in shambles.
On the sacking of SAMHSA and what it means for the country's behavioral health, w/ @levfacher.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/s...
Trump cuts have decimated the federal addiction and mental health agency
The Trump administration has dismantled big chunks of the federal agency focused on mental health and addiction treatment, reducing its staff by more than half
www.statnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Goodbye, SAMHSA?
After the Trump administration's latest layoffs at the federal agency for mental health and addiction treatment, the agency is in shambles.
On the sacking of SAMHSA and what it means for the country's behavioral health, w/ @levfacher.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/s...
After the Trump administration's latest layoffs at the federal agency for mental health and addiction treatment, the agency is in shambles.
On the sacking of SAMHSA and what it means for the country's behavioral health, w/ @levfacher.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/s...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
The NIH has insisted there are no banned words
But, an analysis by @jeremymberg.bsky.social found over 700 hundred grants changed their titles from '24 to '25
Some see it as a small price to pay to keep their grant, but others are worried about what comes next
www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/n...
But, an analysis by @jeremymberg.bsky.social found over 700 hundred grants changed their titles from '24 to '25
Some see it as a small price to pay to keep their grant, but others are worried about what comes next
www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/n...
Scientists had to change more than 700 grant titles to receive NIH funding. Health disparities researchers fear what’s next
The titles of more than 700 multi-year NIH grants have been changed this year, according to an analysis by Jeremy Berg, a former agency official
www.statnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The NIH has insisted there are no banned words
But, an analysis by @jeremymberg.bsky.social found over 700 hundred grants changed their titles from '24 to '25
Some see it as a small price to pay to keep their grant, but others are worried about what comes next
www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/n...
But, an analysis by @jeremymberg.bsky.social found over 700 hundred grants changed their titles from '24 to '25
Some see it as a small price to pay to keep their grant, but others are worried about what comes next
www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/n...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
We're (officially) launching STATus Report, a new video series from @statnews.com ! If you'd like to learn about "genericide," why Novo Nordisk sells the exact same drug under two trademarks, or see me do a "backside Fahrvergnügen" on rollerblades, check it out today's episode! youtu.be/XKjoo1aS2Bg
What do Ozempic and Rollerblades have in common?
YouTube video by STAT
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
We're (officially) launching STATus Report, a new video series from @statnews.com ! If you'd like to learn about "genericide," why Novo Nordisk sells the exact same drug under two trademarks, or see me do a "backside Fahrvergnügen" on rollerblades, check it out today's episode! youtu.be/XKjoo1aS2Bg
How did these nine companies win priority drug review vouchers? Lizzy has the answers: www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/h...
October 24, 2025 at 2:19 PM
How did these nine companies win priority drug review vouchers? Lizzy has the answers: www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/h...
During the #STATSummit today, AMA president Bobby Mukkamala defended the org’s restrained advocacy strategy with the Trump administration, while playing up the alignment between the admin and the AMA on issues like prior authorization. www.statnews.com/2025/10/16/a...
AMA president deflects criticism of organization’s restrained approach to the Trump administration
The American Medical Association president defended the physician group's restrained advocacy strategy toward the Trump administration
www.statnews.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
During the #STATSummit today, AMA president Bobby Mukkamala defended the org’s restrained advocacy strategy with the Trump administration, while playing up the alignment between the admin and the AMA on issues like prior authorization. www.statnews.com/2025/10/16/a...
“It’s not about putting on fancy outfits, it’s about being presentable … I know how much AMA fees are each year and I know they can afford that." Doctor Mike was fiery today at #STATSummit www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/d...
‘Doctor Mike,’ the popular YouTube creator, faults AMA communication strategies to counter misinformation
Mike Varshavski, a family physician and content creator who goes by Doctor Mike on YouTube, wishes the AMA would do more to counter misinformation.
www.statnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:33 PM
“It’s not about putting on fancy outfits, it’s about being presentable … I know how much AMA fees are each year and I know they can afford that." Doctor Mike was fiery today at #STATSummit www.statnews.com/2025/10/15/d...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
“What it really means is it is impossible to rapidly disseminate public health science for action,” former editor-in-chief Charlotte Kent told @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
Deep cuts made to CDC's flagship MMWR publication, a cornerstone of public health
CDC staff behind the agency’s flagship publication have been fired amid drastic cuts to the HHS promised by the White House due to the government shutdown, according to five people familiar with the s...
www.statnews.com
October 11, 2025 at 7:44 PM
“What it really means is it is impossible to rapidly disseminate public health science for action,” former editor-in-chief Charlotte Kent told @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
Supreme Court arguments on conversion therapy mostly went as expected today. But it's worth pointing out how the very idea of medical consensus came under attack multiple times from ADF and DOJ lawyers, as well as some conservative justices. Read my recap: www.statnews.com/2025/10/07/c...
As Supreme Court weighs conversion therapy, conservative justices question medical authority
At the Supreme Court, a majority of justices seemed poised to rule against a Colorado law banning so-called conversion therapy.
www.statnews.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Supreme Court arguments on conversion therapy mostly went as expected today. But it's worth pointing out how the very idea of medical consensus came under attack multiple times from ADF and DOJ lawyers, as well as some conservative justices. Read my recap: www.statnews.com/2025/10/07/c...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
For 3 years, I've reported on 2 big telehealth trends: pharma partnerships and compounding. They've gone head-to-head as patients demand GLP-1s.
But they've been part of the same story for much longer. Here's how telehealth got hooked on drug-first thinking: www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/t...
But they've been part of the same story for much longer. Here's how telehealth got hooked on drug-first thinking: www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/t...
From erectile dysfunction to weight loss, how telehealth got hooked on drug-first thinking
Marketing of on-demand telehealth prescriptions has rapidly become a constant presence for American consumers
www.statnews.com
October 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM
For 3 years, I've reported on 2 big telehealth trends: pharma partnerships and compounding. They've gone head-to-head as patients demand GLP-1s.
But they've been part of the same story for much longer. Here's how telehealth got hooked on drug-first thinking: www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/t...
But they've been part of the same story for much longer. Here's how telehealth got hooked on drug-first thinking: www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/t...
The Supreme Court hears arguments on a conversion therapy law tomorrow. "What you have is competing visions of how states regulate medicine and whether regulation of medicine should be solely evidence-based or not,” one expert said. More here on the potential impact: www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/s...
How this week’s Supreme Court case on conversion therapy could impact the regulation of medicine
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a challenge to a Colorado law banning mental health practitioners from performing conversion therapy
www.statnews.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Supreme Court hears arguments on a conversion therapy law tomorrow. "What you have is competing visions of how states regulate medicine and whether regulation of medicine should be solely evidence-based or not,” one expert said. More here on the potential impact: www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/s...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
With last week's announcement on Tylenol, pregnancy & autism — & an FDA panel in July on SSRIs during pregnancy — I've been thinking about exclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials. Talked to some experts about how we got here, and what can change:
www.statnews.com/2025/10/02/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/10/02/c...
Fights over Tylenol, SSRIs highlight the enduring lack of pregnant women in drug trials
Shutting pregnant women out of clinical trials to protect them and their babies has had the opposite effect, experts say.
www.statnews.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:48 PM
With last week's announcement on Tylenol, pregnancy & autism — & an FDA panel in July on SSRIs during pregnancy — I've been thinking about exclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials. Talked to some experts about how we got here, and what can change:
www.statnews.com/2025/10/02/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/10/02/c...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
Mothers regularly shoulder the "blame" for having a child with autism. So when autistic moms watched Trump insist — despite little scientific evidence — that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism, it felt like a return to a dark era. #disability #autism
www.statnews.com/2025/09/25/a...
www.statnews.com/2025/09/25/a...
Autistic moms feel shamed and stigmatized by Trump’s Tylenol warning
Trump's remarks linking Tylenol to autism are a return to an era when mothers were blamed for children developing the disorder.
www.statnews.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Mothers regularly shoulder the "blame" for having a child with autism. So when autistic moms watched Trump insist — despite little scientific evidence — that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism, it felt like a return to a dark era. #disability #autism
www.statnews.com/2025/09/25/a...
www.statnews.com/2025/09/25/a...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
Parents may flock to a dietary supplement with the same key ingredient as leucovorin, which the FDA just approved for children with autism. But there are drawbacks.
www.statnews.com/2025/09/23/l...
www.statnews.com/2025/09/23/l...
FDA’s leucovorin approval could be a boon for supplement makers
Parents may flock to a dietary supplement with the same key ingredient as leucovorin, which the FDA just approved for children with autism. But there are drawbacks.
www.statnews.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Parents may flock to a dietary supplement with the same key ingredient as leucovorin, which the FDA just approved for children with autism. But there are drawbacks.
www.statnews.com/2025/09/23/l...
www.statnews.com/2025/09/23/l...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
Also check out this excellent q&a with Guyatt in STAT by @theresagaff.bsky.social
September 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Also check out this excellent q&a with Guyatt in STAT by @theresagaff.bsky.social
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
For years, medical professionals and transgender advocates have been saying the "Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine" was not following the principles of evidenced-based medicine.
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Trans health care "skeptics" lost a key ally—now they're having a meltdown
The godfather of evidence-based medicine on rejecting anti-trans "misuse" of his work.
www.motherjones.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:11 PM
For years, medical professionals and transgender advocates have been saying the "Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine" was not following the principles of evidenced-based medicine.
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
What President Trump said today about vaccines could send shockwaves through the country for a very long time.
Story from @danielpayne.bsky.social @aniloza.bsky.social @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/t...
Story from @danielpayne.bsky.social @aniloza.bsky.social @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/t...
Trump, questioning vaccine safety, pushes major changes to how kids get shots
At a White House event, Trump linked vaccines to autism and urged major changes in how kids get their shots.
www.statnews.com
September 23, 2025 at 12:08 AM
What President Trump said today about vaccines could send shockwaves through the country for a very long time.
Story from @danielpayne.bsky.social @aniloza.bsky.social @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/t...
Story from @danielpayne.bsky.social @aniloza.bsky.social @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/t...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
Only 1 person in the whole study went from identifying as trans to not identifying as trans. The 1/5 number came from youth going between the binary and non-binary spectrum.
This headline and post are misleading on purpose to fit the economist's editorial bent on the political issue.
This headline and post are misleading on purpose to fit the economist's editorial bent on the political issue.
A recent study found that children who transitioned young retained stable gender identities over time. But the fact that nearly a fifth of those in the group did not ought to give advocates of irreversible medical interventions pause
How stable are the gender identities of younger children?
A study finds that one in five who switch gender change their mind
econ.st
September 22, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Only 1 person in the whole study went from identifying as trans to not identifying as trans. The 1/5 number came from youth going between the binary and non-binary spectrum.
This headline and post are misleading on purpose to fit the economist's editorial bent on the political issue.
This headline and post are misleading on purpose to fit the economist's editorial bent on the political issue.
Had a really interesting convo with the guy who coined the term "evidence based medicine," who has also worked on some systematic reviews of gender-affirming care. He says using the reviews as justification for banning care is an “egregious and unconscionable” misuse www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/e...
Author of reviews of gender affirming care decries ‘egregious misuse’ of the findings to justify bans
Gordon Guyatt, a co-author of systematic reviews of gender-affirming care, calls use of the findings to justify banning care "egregious."
www.statnews.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Had a really interesting convo with the guy who coined the term "evidence based medicine," who has also worked on some systematic reviews of gender-affirming care. He says using the reviews as justification for banning care is an “egregious and unconscionable” misuse www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/e...
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
I spoke with five families in the D.C. region about what it's like raising trans kids in Trump's backyard.
They shared fears about being personally targeted by the federal government and their joys in raising kids that are learning to express themselves authentically in a difficult world.
They shared fears about being personally targeted by the federal government and their joys in raising kids that are learning to express themselves authentically in a difficult world.
What it’s like raising trans kids in Trump’s backyard
Families in and around Washington, D.C., are navigating the White House’s crackdown on gender-affirming care and a growing assertion of federal power.
19thnews.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I spoke with five families in the D.C. region about what it's like raising trans kids in Trump's backyard.
They shared fears about being personally targeted by the federal government and their joys in raising kids that are learning to express themselves authentically in a difficult world.
They shared fears about being personally targeted by the federal government and their joys in raising kids that are learning to express themselves authentically in a difficult world.
Reposted by Theresa Gaffney
Important news from @tarabannow.bsky.social ahead of this week's ACIP meeting
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/a...
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/a...
Major health insurer group says members will continue to cover vaccines, a step that may ease anxiety over access
Amid concern about Americans’ access to vaccines, a major health insurance association said member plans will continue to cover all shots recommended by the ACIP.
www.statnews.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Important news from @tarabannow.bsky.social ahead of this week's ACIP meeting
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/a...
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/a...