Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

08/19/2025

“This is one of the first studies to show that over-the-counter birth control pills are reaching the very people they’re meant to help — those who face the greatest barriers to care."

Two years ago, the FDA approved the sale of an over-the-counter birth control pill for the first time in the United States without a prescription.

A nationwide study published yesterday reveals the decision has dramatically improved access to contraception, especially among women who otherwise would have had no birth control at all, either because they lack insurance or routine access to health care.

Nationwide study documents 31% percentage point increase in people shifting from no birth control to the over-the-counter oral contraceptive.

08/18/2025

We’re so excited to welcome the OHSU School of Medicine MD Class of 2029!

On Friday, our newest MD students took a big step by putting on their first white coats and joining the medical community. Surrounded by their peers and mentors, they pledged to care for patients, learn from their teachers, and support each other on this journey.

Here’s to a future full of compassion and service! 🌟

08/14/2025

08/14/2025

08/13/2025

Dr. Eric Gouaux will receive $5.4 million over the next seven years to extend the groundbreaking work of his lab to advance molecular understanding about how the brain processes information.

Since the Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award's inception in 1984, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, of the The National Institutes of Health, has granted the award about 600 times to the leading neuroscientists in the United States.

Now, Dr. Gouaux has earned it twice — the first was in 2008.

Eric Gouaux becomes rare two-time recipient of Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award.

08/12/2025

Welcome to OHSU Dr. Shereef Elnahal! Dr. Elnahal started his first official day at work just like everyone else — getting his campus ID. This summer, Dr. Elnahal spent quality time with his family, exploring Oregon and enjoying all the sightstheir new home state has to offer. Be sure to say hi when you see him out and about.

08/08/2025

The goal of the AGING Initiative is to create a national resource for advancing interdisciplinary research focused on older adults with multiple chronic conditions. These efforts lay the foundation to address the knowledge gaps that exist regarding health care for older adults with complex care needs.

Award will advance research on older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

07/29/2025

OHSU researchers have been awarded federal funding to study the interactions of oral cancer with bone using advanced organ-on-a-chip models.

Principal investigator Dr. Luiz Bertassoni will lead a team developing a new “tumor-bone interface on-a-chip” to better study how a specific type of oral cancer spreads and destroys bone.

Head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, with about 600,000 new cases each year.

“What makes our system unique is that it can be easily adjusted — researchers can add or remove different cell types or materials to study how each part affects cancer growth,” Dr. Bertassoni said.

$3.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health will fund organ-on-a-chip model of oral cancer and bone invasion.

07/28/2025

A nationwide research collaboration between 5 labs has resulted in digital models that could begin to unlock how groups of cells will respond to cancer treatment combinations.

Being able to do this, and do it as soon as possible, is critical for patients with cancer. Customized treatments deliver better results, fewer side effects and hopes for improving clinical outcomes.

Research collaboration yields models that pave the way for predicting how patients with cancer will respond to treatment combinations.

07/25/2025

Long COVID is generally defined as a chronic illness with a range of symptoms or conditions that can last weeks, months or even years after the initial illness. Its prevalence can be hard to determine because the symptoms are largely self-reported, but researchers have reported it affects as many as one in 10 people.

The new close examination of infected nonhuman primates suggests that figure may be much higher.

OHSU research in nonhuman primates finds long-term effects in both lean and obese animals.

07/17/2025

Last month, sixteen local high school students participated in the week-long immersive program called Dental Week. They came from Jefferson, Woodburn, Parkrose, Mazama and Chiloquin and Madras high schools.

As a collaboration between OHSU and Permanente Dental Associates, P.C., Dental Week showed the next generation of oral health professionals the inner workings of dentistry. The students learned about the variety of fields within dentistry, tried practical skills like suturing and administering anesthesia, studied the basics of oral cavity anatomy and even spent time in a clinic with patients.

Thank you to Permanente Dental Associates and OHSU OnTrack OHSU! for making the week special and productive!

Read more about what students learned and see photos:

High school students from underrepresented communities explore the intricacies of dentistry during OHSU Dental Week through hands-on labs, mentorship and clinic visits—gaining practical experience while investigating pathways to health care.