Marta Ortega: World No. 1 in Padel While in Medical School Interviewers: Leonor Rodríguez and Iván Rodríguez; Interviewee: Marta Ortega Gallego, MD

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/marta-ortega-world-no-1-padel-while-medical-school-2026a10012qy Marta Ortega became the youngest player to reach No. 1 in the World Padel Tour rankings in 2019, at age 22, while still in medical school. Known as “Martita” and nicknamed “La Doctora” (“the doctor”) on the professional circuit, the Spanish player continues to compete at the highest level while pursuing a career in orthopedics. In an interview with El Médico Interactivo, Ortega discusses how she balances both careers and how her medical training gives her an advantage in court.

Viewpoints: States Could Prevent Potential Vaccine Shortages; Ebola Outbreak Spreading Faster Than Ever

https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-states-could-prevent-potential-vaccine-shortages-ebola-outbreak-spreading-faster-than-ever/

Georgia's Daycare Quality Rating System Endangers Kids: Report

Georgia's Daycare Quality Rating System Endangers Kids: Report According to an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the three-star scoring system used by the state to assess daycares' quality is flawed. Once a daycare receives its rating, it can keep it for up to three years, and the state does not strip the star rating of daycares, even when there are serious safety incidents or when workers are arrested. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/state-watch-101426/

With 'Gold Card' Program, Centene Aims To Make Prior Authorization Easier For Providers, Patients

With 'Gold Card' Program, Centene Aims To Make Prior Authorization Easier For Providers, Patients The gold card program will allow select providers with solid track records to simplify the preapproval process. Those providers would just have to notify the insurer about planned procedures ahead of time. Plus, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has given the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services the power to remove providers, insurers, and suppliers from federal health programs. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/health-industry-101426/

Study: Scientists Find Early Warning Sign In Children Who Develop Pediatric Cancer

Study: Scientists Find Early Warning Sign In Children Who Develop Pediatric Cancer The study, published today in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, was conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Bergen in Norway. The scientists found that children with cancer were more likely to have autoantibodies that target DNA repair, even years before diagnosis. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/public-health-101426/

Long Past Reproductive Days, Ovaries Still Busy Influencing A Woman's Body, Study Finds

Long Past Reproductive Days, Ovaries Still Busy Influencing A Woman's Body, Study Finds Researchers found that ovaries have a way of reinventing themselves for other purposes after menopause. More research is needed to determine whether those changes are beneficial or harmful as women age, said Francesca Duncan, who was involved in the study. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/reproductive-health-101426/

Many Patient, Consumer Reps On FDA Advisory Panels Have Conflicts Of Interest, Analysis Finds

Many Patient, Consumer Reps On FDA Advisory Panels Have Conflicts Of Interest, Analysis Finds Patient or consumer representatives with active ties to advocacy groups funded by pharmaceutical companies were present at nearly 40% of all FDA advisory committee meetings, Stat reported. Although the FDA has well-established conflict-of-interest policies for its scientific advisory committee members, policies surrounding patient and consumer reps are not as developed, Stat wrote. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/pharma-and-tech-101426/