Jan 31, 2026

1. Subject: Should older physicians face competency tests?

   From: newsletter@kevinmd.com

   Summary: A former hospital CEO advocates for regular competency tests for physicians over 65 to ensure patient safety and preserve dignity, alongside discussions on systemic issues like clinician burnout and the need for national nurse-to-patient ratios. Other highlighted articles touch on why early-career physicians leave their first jobs and fertility concerns related to endometriosis.

2. Subject: 🏥 Making Vibrant Cities in Healthcare

   From: hospitalogy@workweek.com

   Summary: Insightful discussion with Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott & White, on transforming legacy health systems from defensive “walled castles” to customer-centric “vibrant cities.” Emphasizes breaking down barriers, prioritizing customer relationships, integrating innovators, and leveraging AI to drive new service offerings and improve health system consumerism. Also covers strategic healthtech investment and innovations in personalized cancer care.

3. Subject: An intriguing new study on lifespans

   From: newsletter@statnews.com

   Summary: New research shows genetics account for about 55% of lifespan variation, higher than previous estimates, after accounting for environmental factors. Additional healthcare updates include Medicaid tech discounts to implement work requirements, ongoing efforts to lower US drug prices, concerns over direct-to-consumer telehealth conflicts, and NIH’s first strategic plan for disability health research.

4. Subject: 🇨🇳 China’s drug rise

   From: caitlin@axios.com

   Summary: China is rapidly advancing in cutting-edge pharmaceutical development, threatening the US’s historical leadership. The rise is marked by faster and cheaper early-stage clinical trials, increased licensing deals, and major investments by global companies. Experts warn the US must increase funding in research and education to remain competitive in biopharma innovation, as China now leads in pipeline growth and new therapies.

5. Subject: Next ticket release now available for STAT Breakthrough Summit West

   From: marketing@statnews.com

   Summary: Announcement of ticket availability for STAT Breakthrough Summit West 2026 in San Francisco with discounts up to $300. The summit theme, “Medicine’s new dawn,” will explore how data, AI, and emerging technologies are reshaping medicine, featuring leaders from health and biotech sectors discussing advances in drug discovery and medical innovation.

6. Subject: Why we enjoy things more when they’re hard to get

   From: briefing@nature.com

   Summary: Highlights genetic influence on longevity (~55%) from recent studies and explains a new brain mechanism involving acetylcholine that enhances dopamine release, increasing the enjoyment of hard-earned rewards. Also covers discoveries in biomarkers for anesthesia, AI speeding drug synthesis, debates on mandatory retirement ages for academics, and the link between sustainable diets and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Stay Well!