Dec 24, 2025

1. Subject: Breaking: FDA approves pill version of Wegovy

   Summary: The FDA has approved the first oral GLP-1 pill for obesity—Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy—potentially broadening access to this effective weight loss treatment for many Americans. Pricing details are not yet released.

2. Subject: Why so many patients ask for drips

   Summary: Cultural beliefs and misinformation fuel patients’ demand for IV drips, highlighting the need for ongoing health education and stronger trust in primary care. Plus, discussions on imposter syndrome in medicine, physician grief, health equity, doctor-patient relationships, and more.

3. Subject: The reality of festive feelings

   Summary: Facing the emotional ups and downs of the holiday season is normal. Happiful encourages self-compassion amid pressures and offers resources including therapist guidance, journaling prompts, and support services to help readers navigate the festive period with emotional nourishment.

4. Subject: How testosterone fell out of favor in medicine — and how it came back

   Summary: Testosterone therapy was initially shunned due to cancer worries but has reemerged in medical practice, partly inspired by unexpected scientific discoveries. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is dismantling AI safeguards in healthcare, sparking expert concern. Also covered: vaccine hesitancy and a touching profile of a brain cancer advocate.

5. Subject: 🔎 Docs’ Medicare angsts

   Summary: Medicare is introducing AI-driven pre-treatment reviews for certain outpatient services starting January 1 in select states, aiming to reduce unnecessary care but provoking doctor concerns about administrative burdens and care delays. Additionally, measles vaccine recommendations have slightly declined amid rising cases, and drugmakers are challenging Medicare drug price negotiations in court. Medicare seniors face risks of polypharmacy and potentially harmful prescriptions.

6. Subject: 🏥 YOUR 2026 Predictions for Healthcare

   Summary: Healthcare leaders share diverse 2026 predictions including ongoing consolidation of health systems and tech companies, consumer-driven care, cost containment efforts, shifts back to independent physician practice, innovation challenges, ACA subsidy impacts, staffing trends, emerging technologies like surgical robots, and drug price reform. Holiday period demands special focus on clinician safety and wellbeing.

7. Subject: 25% off STAT+ ends tonight

   Summary: Last chance to get 25% off your first year of STAT+ subscription—offering in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and health tech coverage for less than $6 a week. Use code DEC25 before midnight to claim this holiday discount.

Stay Well!