Austin Littrell

Austin Littrell is assistant editor of Medical Economics.

Articles

FDA appoints first-ever Chief AI Officer; the first at-home HPV test for cervical cancer screening is approved; Assertio to pay $3.6M for illegally marketing fentanyl spray beyond approved use – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 12th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Pros and cons of AI patient portal messages

Austin Littrell

May 9th 2025

PCPs welcome AI as a time-saver, but new research shows that many failed to catch serious mistakes in AI-generated patient portal messages.

6 ways to beat burnout without quitting medicine

Austin Littrell

May 9th 2025

Six evidence-based strategies to fight burnout, reclaim your time and stay in medicine.

John Whyte, MD, MPH, named CEO of AMA

Austin Littrell

May 9th 2025

Public health communicator and digital strategist to lead the American Medical Association — the nation’s largest physician group.

The rise of early-onset cancers; new NASEM report urges action on Lyme infection-associated chronic illness; even short-term sleep loss raises risk of heart disease – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 9th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Who is Casey Means, MD, Trump’s new surgeon general pick?

Austin Littrell

May 8th 2025

The Stanford University-trained doctor and wellness influencer is Trump’s new nominee for the nation’s top public health role.

Mpox memes on social media spread misinformation and stigma; face mask detects CKD on your breath; AI trained on NHS records could forecast future illness – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 8th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Even a short workout can keep your brain young; AI flags hard-to-spot breast cancer missed in mammograms; is the shingles vaccine good for your heart? – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 7th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Are physicians responsible for AI errors?

Austin Littrell

May 6th 2025

Study warns that artificial intelligence could increase legal risk and burnout if health systems fail to support doctors.

Maria Rottersman of UC Davis holds a loaf of baked bread made using seed varieties developed without alpha-gliadin proteins, a component of gluten. © Alejandra Andrade / California Wheat Commission

Researchers develop wheat strains without gluten proteins harmful to celiac; Trump administration to end Narcan grant training first responders; excluded pharmacies 4.5x more likely to close – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 6th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

The decline of solo primary care

Austin Littrell

May 5th 2025

Medicare data shows a shift toward larger, multispecialty and hospital-affiliated practices.

Ep. 63: Healthy eating with Chef Dr. Mike

Austin Littrell

May 5th 2025

Michael Fenster, MD — better known as Chef Dr. Mike — joins the show to discuss the importance of eating healthy.

The true age of your heart; Louisiana NP convicted in $2M Medicare fraud scheme; men face higher risk of 3 common diseases, but they’re less likely to seek care – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 5th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Conference recap: ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025

Austin Littrell

May 2nd 2025

Medical Economics was on the ground in New Orleans covering the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025.

Medicaid rollbacks could account for more than 14,000 additional deaths, study warns

Austin Littrell

May 2nd 2025

Researchers warn federal cuts could drive mortality, medical debt and delayed care.

U.S. sues major insurers, brokers over kickbacks and disability bias; NIH launches effort to curb animal testing; AI flags pain risks after knee replacement – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 2nd 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Most Americans say federal cuts to health agencies go too far, KFF poll finds

Austin Littrell

May 1st 2025

A majority of the public says health care cuts under the Trump administration have been made “recklessly” — including some Republicans.

Female cancer survivors more likely to face fatigue, depression; key clinical insights from the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2025; how Rhode Island plans to save primary care – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

May 1st 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

AAFP warns of ‘dangerous precedent’ in health care policy

Austin Littrell

April 30th 2025

The American Academy of Family Physicians sounds alarm over the White House’s health agenda as Trump’s first 100 days reshape health care norms.

Insured but skipping care: 38% of Americans delay treatment over costs, study finds

Austin Littrell

April 30th 2025

New survey reveals a sharp increase in deferred care due to affordability concerns — even among the insured — as employers and physicians face the fallout.

Half of Americans prescribed drugs they can’t afford; the health benefits of daily coffee; AI spots early organ damage caused by cancer treatment – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

April 30th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.

Top patient complaints — and how your practice can solve them

Austin Littrell

April 29th 2025

Patient complaints reveal key insights for improving practice quality. Addressing these issues enhances satisfaction, boosts reputation and fosters patient loyalty.

PA lawmakers push to make ivermectin available OTC; top infection control groups urge hospitals to strengthen prevention programs; AI urine test to detect prostate cancer early – Morning Medical Update

Austin Littrell

April 29th 2025

The top news stories in medicine today.