UW Medicine

03/02/2026

Diverticulitis is a common condition in which small pouches, called diverticula, that form in the colon become inflamed or infected, is treatable and preventable!

While most cases are mild, severe cases can require emergency surgery. Severe diverticulitis causes acute abdominal pain on the lower left side, along with fever, nausea and changes in stool.

“We’re seeing more and more occurrence in people who are younger, in their 20s, 30s and 40s, and the average age of first diagnosis has come down over the last two decades,” says Dr. David Flum, a researcher and general surgeon at UW Medicine and a professor of surgery, public health and pharmacy at University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI.

Researchers say the increase in diverticulitis among younger people may be tied to inflammation of the gut. Diet appears to play an important role.

“Diets that are higher in fruits and vegetables and nuts and lean meat seem to be associated with decreased risk of diverticulitis,” says Dr. Mariam Hantouli, a research assistant professor in UW School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery.

Dr. Flum also stresses the importance of regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not overusing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

Find out what researchers know so far and how to protect your gut. Read the full story on Right as Rain by UW Medicine.

Try this well-known diet.

02/27/2026

Happy 95th Anniversary to Harborview Medical Center being on First Hill!

02/27/2026

Today is Thank a Resident Day!

Sponsored by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s Gold Humanism Honor Society, Thank a Resident Day takes place each year on the last Friday of February to collectively show gratitude and appreciation for resident and fellows, and how integral they are to the healthcare team.

Thank you to our 1,650+ University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI residents and fellows, who care for our patients at UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

We appreciate you!

02/26/2026

UW Medicine researchers have created never-before-seen 3D reconstructions of human liver tissue at a cellular level.

The research team’s reconstructions showed how cirrhosis, or extensive scarring of the liver, rearranges its intricate architecture and disrupts how the organ works
A healthy human liver can perform more than 500 functions essential to keeping the body healthy, including detoxifying harmful substances, aiding digestion and helping resist infections.

The researchers say their maps could help scientists better understand liver disease and may one day guide efforts to repair or engineer replacement liver tissue.

Watch a video animating some of the structures they mapped and read the full story at the UW Medicine Newsroom.

News and information for journalists

02/26/2026

Throughout Black History Month, we have been celebrating the contributions and diverse traditions of our Black team members in a multi-part series where we asked nominated participants how their heritage influenced their decisions to work in healthcare, how it helps them connect with patients or otherwise plays a role in their work, what they’d like the UW Medicine community to know about their heritage, and what Black History Month means to them.

Today, we are finishing our series by featuring Tokunbo Olukoya, Director, Clinical Engineering, UW Medical Center.

"My heritage as a Nigerian American strongly shapes why I work in healthcare and why I remain deeply committed to it. Growing up, I saw firsthand how gaps in access to quality care affect families and entire communities, and those experiences continue to motivate my work each day. I come to work knowing that behind every piece of medical equipment is a patient, a family and a clinician doing their best under pressure. This understanding drives my sense of responsibility to ensure our clinicians have reliable, high-quality medical equipment to perform critical, life-saving work. While my role may not always be at the bedside, by supporting the tools that enable diagnosis, treatment and prevention, I contribute to addressing health crises and advancing better health outcomes for all.

In my culture, there is a common saying, “ilera logun ooro,” which translates from Yoruba to English as “health is wealth.” I strongly believe this, and it guides how I show up in both my work and my life. True health goes beyond physical well-being; it includes mental and emotional health as well. I appreciate UW Medicine’s growing focus on mental health, because when we care for the whole person, we strengthen individuals, families and our entire community. Centering mental well-being alongside physical health benefits everyone and helps create a more compassionate and resilient healthcare system.

Black History Month is a time for me to reflect on the past, understand how it shapes our present, and intentionally plan for a better future. It is both a moment of remembrance and a call to action — reminding us to honor the resilience, contributions and sacrifices of those who came before us while committing to leave a stronger, more equitable world for the next generation. To me, it’s about progress without hesitation and creating opportunities without reservations for those who will follow."

Leave a 💜 below if you enjoyed this series and let us know if you learned something new.

02/25/2026

"Period poops" might be a pain in the butt (sometimes literally), but there’s a reason they happen — and things you can do to make your stomach happier during your menstrual cycle.

Before your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels are high, which inhibits intestinal contractions and can cause constipation.

“Some people also experience heightened pain sensitivity during the luteal phase before your period starts, so bowel movements can be more painful or difficult,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Cynthia Ko.

Eating more fiber will help things move along more normally in your digestive tract, plus reduce the chances you’ll get diarrhea or constipation. And, if you eat more fiber, make sure to also drink more water. Getting enough sleep and exercising can also help ease symptoms.

And why they happen

02/24/2026

Assistant Professor Dr. Andrew Chen led University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology residents in a glaucoma wet lab in the "WISH" lab recently, helping them build their skills.

The WWAMI Institute for Simulation in Healthcare (WISH) is University of Washington's premiere simulation training facility for healthcare education serving the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, & Idaho).

Connecting more than 30 departments and programs throughout UW Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI, University of Washington School of Nursing, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, and Physician Assistant Training Program (MEDEX), WISH strives to improve the quality of healthcare education through technology, providing learners with a safe training environment where they can learn and practice their skills before ever using them on a patient.

📸 🔁 University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology

02/23/2026

It can be strange to think about microscopic organisms living inside your body, but you need them. When you take care of your gut, they help your body feel better, too.

“People focus on the nutrients their body needs when they eat, but they haven’t focused as much on the nutrients their microbiome needs,” says Dr. Christopher Damman a gastroenterologist at the Digestive Health Center at UW Medicine – Montlake.

Adding the four phonetic Fs into your diet can help with this: Fiber, healthy fats, phenols, and fermented foods. Dr. Damman says that other lifestyle choices, like eating habits, exercising, getting consistent sleep and practicing mindfulness can also support a healthy microbiome as well.

Read the full story and share this with someone who’s curious about gut health.

Spoiler: It's your lifestyle.

02/20/2026

Sepsis is unpredictable and researchers still don’t know why some infections trigger it and others don’t. Since symptoms vary and are similar to those caused by other conditions, it requires doctors and nurses to pay extra attention and look at multiple tests to figure out what’s going on and diagnose it.

Sepsis can happen in response to any kind of infection. Bloodstream infections are one common cause, but sepsis can also be triggered by infections in your lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or even a cut or scrape on your skin.

Viral infections can also cause it, including COVID-19 or the flu, or even fungal infections, though that is rare.

The Sepsis Alliance uses the acronym TIME: Temperature (higher or lower than normal), Infection (signs or symptoms of an infection), Mental decline (confused or sleepy), Extremely ill (severe pain, discomfort or shortness of breath).

The best way to prevent it is to take steps to avoid getting an infection in the first place. This means staying up to date on your vaccines, washing your hands well and taking care of wounds. If you’re worried you might have sepsis, talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible.

5 surprising facts.

02/19/2026

Continuing our multi-part series in celebration of Black History Month, we asked some of our Black team members how their heritage influenced their decisions to work in healthcare, how it helps them connect with patients or otherwise plays a role in their work and what Black History Month means to them.

Today, we're featuring Michaela Kyles, Program Assistant, Family Medicine, MEDEX Northwest and Ivana Thompson, MD, MSCI, FACOG - University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Michaela Kyles: "I was the primary caregiver for both of my parents until they passed away, navigating complex systems while advocating for their dignity, safety and care. As a Black woman, I saw firsthand how easily voices can be overlooked, especially for those who are vulnerable or underserved. That experience lit a fire in me to be a fierce advocate in my work ensuring patients feel seen, heard and supported, particularly those who may not have the tools or confidence to advocate for themselves.

I was raised to understand that healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in community. That perspective informs how I show up at UW Medicine (MEDEX) centered on empathy, accountability and the belief that everyone deserves dignity, compassion and culturally responsive care."

Ivana Thompson: "The field of obstetrics and gynecology has a particularly violent and harmful history with Black folks. By having a presence in this space as a Black woman, I hope that my work in this field helps to elevate joyful experiences and empowered autonomy for all my patients and their supports.

As a descendant of enslaved folks, I feel uniquely American. I can trace my family history back a few hundred years to a county and a state, not to a different country of origin. Despite the pain and violence of this history, I celebrate and take pride in all we have accomplished and created.

Black History Month is a time to center and uplift our history and celebrate our accomplishments and culture. At the same time, Black History Month should serve as a reminder that Black history is American history and deserves to be seen, uplifted and celebrated throughout the year."

02/18/2026

Need care today but can’t get to a clinic? UW Medicine Virtual Primary Care connects you with trusted board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants online, at your convenience.

Get in line for an on-demand video visit and see the first available clinician. We offer visits 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for patients anywhere in Washington state, and new patients are welcome.

Learn how same-day virtual primary care works and start your visit today: uwmedicine.org/virtual-care/same-day-primary-care

02/18/2026

Statins are used to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol and can slightly increase HDL or “good” cholesterol. They're generally safe and will reduce your risk for atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

People with statin intolerance may get muscle aches from the drug, but switching to a lower dose or a different statin often solves the issue. For people who turn out not to tolerate any statin, there are newer oral and injectable drugs that lower cholesterol.

“Statin intolerance happens in around 1% to 3% of my patients, and it’s usually a genetic predisposition,” says Dr. Kelley Branch, a cardiologist at the UW Medicine Heart Institute.

There are seven main types of statins that doctors have been prescribing for decades, and they’re all very similar; which one you should take depends on your cholesterol level as well as other medical conditions and medications. Make a plan to talk with your doctor about them and see if they could be the right option to help improve your health.

And what their real side effects are