While much of the discussion surrounding stem cell research has focused on the ethical use of human-derived tissues, Dr. John Gardner points out that people have also begun to talk about who has access to stem cell therapies. Healthcare is expensive and often inaccessible as a result.

Dr. Foster is a principal investigator at UNC and works with a team of scientists who study diseases like malaria that primarily affect poorer regions of less developed countries. Dr. Foster has begun to realize how much money has been spent to set up his lab and how much money is required to keep his lab running. For example, he has numerous micropipettes worth $300 a piece, a $30,000 qPCR machine, and an $80,000 ultracentrifuge.

Jessica is a 30-year-old woman who has recently decided to try having a child with her husband, Eziah. They are unable to get pregnant naturally, and they decide to consult with a physician. The doctor diagnoses Eziah with infertility, and recommends in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to improve the chances of fertilization.

Campbell has disclosed to this pediatrician that they identify as gender non-binary and use they/them/their pronouns. Furthermore, Campbell is having a very hard time emotionally because their parents are not supportive of Campbell undergoing any gender affirming treatments. However, Campbell expresses to you that they strongly desire to receive gender-affirming treatment, and sees treatment as necessary for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Friends and relatives praise Kim for her bright and outgoing personality, and her consistent pursuit of her goals and future endeavors. However, for the past few months Kim has noticed a behavior shift concerning her thoughts on life and its purpose.

Ava is a 19-year-old girl who has a recent history of struggling with anorexia. Last year, she went to treatment and was declared recovered, and she is currently at a healthy weight. She still lives with her mother, who played a major role in her recovery and is aware of her current mental status.

In She Died With Long Covid, Roni Caryn Rabin discusses the debate around whether people should be able to donate organs if they once tested positive for COVID-19. In Marina del Rey, California, Heidi Ferrer died of suicide while sick with COVID-19. Her husband, Nick Guthe, fears that her organs are unsafe to give to others.

Ms. Gillespie, a frequent patient at Adams County Regional Medical Center, is difficult. Dr. Sterling, her regular doctor, notes that her file is getting quite thick as she has been coming in regularly for the last couple of years.

James is a 50 year-old man with an extensive cardiac medical history. By the age of 49, his left ventricle had been damaged to such an extent that it was unable to pump effectively. Given his options, James decided to have a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) installed while he awaited a heart transplant; both he and his doctor considered the implantation of the device to be a “bridge to transplant.”