IMPACT December 2024
Focus Feature: Dr. Javed Sheikh named 2024 Physician Researcher of the Year by the Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Javed Sheikh, MD, chief of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, said it was during his fellowship that he really discovered a passion for clinical research. Read more about Dr. Sheikh in this Q&A.
R&E News and Features
Kaiser Permanente’s vaccine side-effect monitor bolsters safety
New study shows that Kaiser Permanente’s vaccine side-effect monitor improved vaccine safety monitoring by linking participants’ smartphone-based reports to their electronic health records.
Study finds air pollution may increase risk of preterm birth
Exposure to a specific kind of air pollution, fine particulate matter, during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
Younger adults respond to colorectal cancer screening outreach
Updated national colorectal cancer screening guidelines that recommend screening begin at age 45 — rather than 50 — can benefit younger adults, a new study found.
Opioid use among breast cancer survivors can increase risk of falls
Breast cancer survivors commonly continue to use opioid pain killers after their cancer treatment is complete. A new study shows that this can increase their risk of falls and bone fractures, lung problems, and cardiovascular conditions.
No link between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac-related death
Research conducted at Kaiser Permanente has provided reassurance to the public and lawmakers by refuting claims that COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of cardiac-related death.
People with heart failure may benefit from testing for coronary artery disease
Study explores factors that might influence whether people with new-onset heart failure get tested for coronary artery disease. Results suggest that physician perceptions of the risks and benefits of testing, patient preferences, and socioeconomic challenges may all come into play.
In the News
Scientists identify potential link between wildfire smoke exposure and dementia diagnoses
The HillNovember 25, 2024Improving multiple sclerosis care for Black patients
MedPage Today (log-in required)November 20, 2024Fecal immunochemical testing may be efficient for colorectal cancer screening in younger patients
Physician’s WeeklyNovember 15, 2024Fine particulate matter exposure during pregnancy linked to increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth
Medscape (log-in required)November 15, 2024RSV vaccine 90% effective in high-risk adults, real-world study shows
MedPage Today (log-in required)October 30, 2024FIT completion yields similar results in younger and older adults
Medscape (log-in required)October 29, 2024Depression was rising among young people in Southern California. COVID made it worse
Los Angeles TimesOctober 1, 2024
Five questions...
for Dr. Kristi Reynolds
Chronic disease epidemiologist and director of our Division of Epidemiologic Research, Dr. Kristi Reynolds has conducted a vast array of published research. Among all those studies, what is she most proud of? Read this Q&A to find out.