Top 10 academic medicine stories of 2024

Dec. 18, 2024

While much of the American public has moved on from COVID-19, the disease still sickens millions, and in 2023, it killed more than 75,000 people in the United States. That's just one reason why AAMCNews continues to cover the latest news about SARS-CoV-2, and why two stories about COVID-19 were the most-read AAMCNews stories of 2024. "The COVID threat is certainly not over and I am going to be more careful when I'm out and about, because of you," one reader wrote to Staff Writer Bridget Balch, who authored our COVID-19 stories. "Thank you for all of your research and writing." Other topics that garnered readers' interest in 2024? Women's health, the new weight-loss drugs, and microplastics, among others. Below, we have compiled a list of our top 10 most popular stories of 2024. To get content like this delivered to your inbox every week, sign up for our free newsletter.

COVID is surging again. Here's the latest on new variants, updated vaccines, and masking

The latest, highly contagious subvariants are driving infections, but new vaccines may help stem the tide of another wave - if people get immunized.

Had COVID recently? Here's what to know about how long immunity lasts, long COVID, and more

Four years after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, experts know more about mutating strains, vaccine effectiveness, and long COVID. Here's what it means for you.

Why we know so little about women's health

Before 1993, women were rarely included in clinical trials. Today, the medical field still doesn't know how well many drugs and devices work for women.

States are banning gender-affirming care for minors. What does that mean for patients and providers?

More than 20 U.S. states have banned or severely limited treatment to align a young person's body with their gender identity. That leaves some doctors caught between breaking the law and providing what they say can be lifesaving medical care.

Microplastics are inside us all. What does that mean for our health?

Tiny plastic particles have been found throughout the human body, but researchers say they're just starting to understand the impact.

How worried should we be about avian flu? Academic experts weigh in

Avian flu has spread to cows and one person in the United States. Scientists discuss the potential for a human epidemic and how to avoid it.

8 prominent Black leaders in medicine

These Black physicians have overcome obstacles to steer major medical institutions, discover breakthrough treatments, battle health inequities, and improve care for millions. Read their inspiring stories.

What doctors should know about popular weight-loss drugs

Experts say the drugs can help patients lose weight, but their cost, shortages, and side effects may limit their impact.

Medical-student Olympians

A handful of current medical students are either competing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris - or competed in the Olympic trials leading up to the Games. Here are their stories.

Do seasonal allergies seem to be getting worse? Blame climate change

How warmer temperatures and 'botanical sexism' are exacerbating seasonal allergies and what allergists recommend to minimize the health effects.