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Good morning, and welcome to STAT Summit! There are many thrilling events planned today, not to mention some impressive attire on display. Who do you think is the most stylish STAT reporter at the Summit? Feel free to send your suggestions to [emailprotected].
CDC’s workforce has dropped by 33% since Trump’s presidency began, according to the union
The representative union for CDC workers reported on Tuesday that the agency’s workforce in Atlanta has diminished by 33% since the onset of the Trump administration. This figure accounts for layoffs resulting from three rounds of reduction-in-force notices, dismissals related to probationary periods or non-renewal of term contracts, and some employees who opted for early retirement via the “Fork in the Road” program.
Over 1,300 layoff notices were dispatched Friday evening; however, approximately 700 individuals were informed the following day that they were not actually losing their jobs due to a “coding error.” Yolanda Jacobs, president of local 2883 of the American Federation of Government Employees, dismissed this rationale, labeling the layoffs as “a politically motivated stunt” during a press briefing.
According to union figures, roughly 3,000 individuals, or 23% of the CDC’s total staff, have been fully separated from the agency this year. Additionally, 1,300 employees who received RIF notifications in April (700) and last weekend (600) are currently on paid administrative leave, unable to perform their duties. Those laid off last Friday will face termination on December 8. — Helen Branswell
The team behind CDC’s primary health survey has been dismantled
As Helen reported, more than half of the dismissals imposed on the CDC last week have been rescinded. However, one crucial group has not been spared: the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), responsible for directing a vital annual health and nutrition survey. The office has seen the loss of around 100 staff members due to the latest layoffs, with all eight employees in the planning branch eliminated following the initial round of cuts last spring.
This loss jeopardizes the availability of data regarding health services, hospitalizations, ER visits, clinic appointments, and early disease indicators. “While some segments of NCHS may remain, a vehicle cannot function without its tire or steering wheel,” stated Denys Lau, a former director within NCHS who monitored national health care services and utilization. Discover more from STAT’s Liz Cooney, who engaged with experts over the weekend to keep us informed on the ongoing developments.
Highlights of day one at the STAT Summit
Today is the day! We have a full schedule ahead — here’s what to expect:
- At just 6 months old, KJ Muldoon was given a personalized gene-editing treatment designed to correct his unique genetic mutation. Researchers have shared optimistic and cautious assessments of the case. This morning, STAT’s Jason Mast will guide a discussion featuring KJ’s family and the key researchers behind the treatment, reflecting on their achievements and potential implications for the future of medicine. An extra treat: Baby KJ (now over a year old!) will also be present.
- As you’ve been reading in this newsletter, the CDC is currently facing challenges. STAT’s Daniel Payne will converse with former leaders at the CDC about the rapid changes, the consequences, and insights from within the agency.
- Today we will unveil the 2025 STAT Wunderkinds — a group of emerging researchers, doctors, and scientific innovators. Check out the full list here, and in the afternoon, STAT’s Katherine MacPhail will chat with several award recipients, including a researcher focused on coronaviruses pre-pandemic, a CRISPR scientist who combines brainstorming with ultramarathon training, and a pediatric resident launching a biotech venture.
Southern state emerges as a biotechnology hotspot
The town of Holly Springs, once a plantation site with a reputation for poverty in its affluent North Carolina county, has transformed dramatically, as noted by former acting FDA commissioner Ned Sharpless, who began his medical journey in North Carolina. Today, Genentech is investing $700 million to establish operations in the area; Amgen has promised a $1.5 billion manufacturing facility; and pharmaceutical contractor FUJIFILM Diosynth is embarking on a $3 billion initiative that will generate 1,400 jobs.
“It seems like every day I hear news of another large pharma company constructing a $2 billion plant down here,” remarked Sharpless to STAT’s Allison DeAngelis. Read Allison’s compelling piece about how North Carolina fostered manufacturing towns for biotech during a time when many firms in the sector are battling layoffs, funding cuts, and governmental pressures.
Is there such a thing as too many Medicare plan options?
According to a KFF survey, nearly 70% of Medicare beneficiaries did not evaluate plans when selecting their coverage for 2022. An additional study by the USC Schaeffer Institute revealed that half of those with standalone prescription drug plans did not compare options for their 2024 coverage. Perhaps there are too many choices and too few tools to assist older Americans in selecting the most suitable healthcare plan. Two public policy experts outline this issue in a new First Opinion essay.
“Lawmakers could do significantly more to clarify beneficiaries’ plan choices — after all, that’s what beneficiaries are seeking,” the authors propose. Discover more about potential solutions to ease this burden.
Current reading selections
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Teens utilizing social media perform worse on reading and memory assessments, a study indicates, NPR
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What’s the scoop with weighted vests? The 19th
- Listen: Former acting CDC director reflects on public health transitions: ‘utterly heartbreaking,’STAT
- Researchers pinpoint critical factors influencing cannabis use and addiction, Washington Post
- German biotech Tubulis secures $356 million to enhance cancer treatment initiatives, STAT
