NIH cuts are getting the press, but VA research is getting slashed too. What do we lose when VA research goes away? Here's some greatest hits: The nicotine patch, invention of the cardiac pacemaker, first successful liver transplant, development of the CAT/CT scan prospect.org/health/2025-...

DOGE savings (WSJ): $2.6b TSLA subsidies (10 years): $15b Annual increase in deficit: $900b Cuts to Medicare: $880b

Call to Action: The Merit Systems Protection Board, an independent federal agency that safeguards federal employees in employment disputes, has paused the terminations of six probationary federal workers across various executive branch agencies and departments for 45 days.

try here www.mspb.gov/appeals/appe...

Finally looks like winter. Fresh snow and first tracks. Peaceful.

Once again - To those who accused me of lying about the anti-DEI language crackdowns at UT-Austin, I hope you have a terrible year. But more so, I hope you read this, learn what’s happening to us, and are able to stop it from coming to your university. www.texasobserver.org/censorship-u...

“Dessert Merchandising” at Cornell’s hotel school. While I was getting my PhD in organizational behavior. We made and sold fabulous desserts.

@salski.bsky.social These are two fun ones if you need a smile

I say I’m on here for #publichealth and #medsky, but it may really be for @wholesomememe.bsky.social , @dogrates.bsky.social, and anything else uplifting—please share your favorites!

At first I thought you were fencing—which seemed weirdly appropriate at a medical conference

There was an amazing movie about Matewan

Agree on health care. Let’s hope it is true in other spheres of life—we could use that right now

At the grocery store today I saw a pint of Ben & Jerry’s “Churn out the vote” and burst into tears.

We need to recognize that data alone won’t bring people along (and can sometimes backfire). We have to appeal to the heart/emotional side/pick your change model term so that people can feel the importance of public health, not just think it.

A wonderful book

Years ago I volunteered at a folk festival and told Nancy Griffith to move away from the stage because she was in an area reserved for wheelchairs. Had no idea she was the performer on next. She was super polite, apologized, and moved away—didn’t even mention who she was. Loved her music ever since!

Not enough room for all the hashtags… #MedSky #RealisticMedicine #ChoosingWisely #NHSCrisis #WaitingLists

Brilliant acronym! BRAN—questions for patients to ask before deciding to have surgery (benefits, risks, alternatives, what if I do nothing). Thanks, @trishaelliott.bsky.social for sharing this @BMJ piece by @scarlettmcnally.bsky.social #shareddecisionmaking #healthcaredelivery

And Stephen King

Does this count?

Is there a #HealthCareDeliverysky or equivalent group? Folks focused on #HealthOutcomes, #HealthCareWorkforce, and care innovation? #MedSky #publichealth #healthpolicy. @salski.bsky.social

My college freshman writing instructor brought in all her reject letters, including several from the New Yorker that gradually improved until she was published. Was a great lesson.