Alison McCookWhat I DoI am a health and science reporter at The Inquirer, covering academic research, biotech, scientific misconduct, and any other health/science news that's relevant to a Philly audience. My work is driven by evidence and empathy.Police confirm model Dayle Haddon died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s how to keep your home safe.More than 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year, which sends another 100,000 to the emergency room, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alison McCook Dec. 28, 2024Link copied to clipboardUPenn gene therapy pioneer’s biotech gets $34 million in fundingGEMMA Biotherapeutics, founded by Jim Wilson earlier this year, will use the money to expand its operations and gene therapy programs.Alison McCook Dec. 24, 2024Link copied to clipboardJust how bad is the air you’re breathing while waiting underground for SEPTA’s subways?The risks are “very low” for commuters but higher for SEPTA workersAlison McCook and Charmaine Runes Dec. 19, 2024Link copied to clipboardCan Facebook see your medical records? | Philly Health InsiderWe've got an exclusive look at a new lawsuit alleging Jefferson opened its private patient portal to third-party tracking, plus IBX employees urged to avoid branded clothing amid industry backlash.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Dec. 11, 2024Link copied to clipboardA child died after a procedure. Why was CHOP blamed? | Philly Health InsiderToday, we explore the questions raised by a four-month Inquirer investigation into a pioneering procedure developed at CHOP.Aubrey Whelan and Alison McCook Dec. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboardWhy the clock is ticking for resident unions | Philly Health InsiderPlus, expect a surge in medical malpractice filings in Philly this year, and why two local health organizations are struggling to stay afloat.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Nov. 27, 2024Link copied to clipboard‘Safest’ local hospitals? | Philly Health InsiderPlus, financial reports for the first quarter of FY25 for Penn, Temple, and Jefferson, and an exclusive analysis of the financial health of local private colleges.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Nov. 20, 2024Link copied to clipboardPhilly’s only dedicated center for treating adult sexual assault never has enough funding, its leader saysAllison Denman has helped to train more than 100 nurses in the last two years to address the need for sensitive, expert care for sexual assault victims.Alison McCook Dec. 28, 2024Link copied to clipboardPhilly scientists brace for a fight over vaccines and health policy with the Trump administrationA Philly-based scientist helped organize a Zoom call with experts around the country to strategize how to respond to misinformation and conspiracies in 2025.Alison McCook Dec. 24, 2024Link copied to clipboardA scientist confesses to falsifying data | Philly Health InsiderPlus, a Philly judge has ordered a retrial of the $45 million malpractice verdict against Temple, and a Bucks County doctor was criminally charged for selling prescriptions of buprenorphine for $130.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Dec. 18, 2024Link copied to clipboardPhilly biotech Adaptimmune gives first dose of first-of-its-kind therapyAdaptimmune announced last month that it also plans to reduce its workforce by 33% to restructure and break even in 2027.Alison McCook Dec. 9, 2024Link copied to clipboardAn artificial womb for preemies? Philly company gets $50 million to pursueVitara Biomedical’s signature technology, invented by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, aims to serve as an alternative to incubators currently used for premature babies.Alison McCook Dec. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboardCOVID patient who survived coma reunites with Penn care teamTwo years after he was in a coma and on a ventilator, Jeff Dillard returned to the hospital to raise a Wawa iced tea to the people who saved his life. “I’m thankful for every day.”Alison McCook Nov. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboardWant to shed some pounds? A new Jefferson program aims to help.The region's largest provider of primary care is building classes to help patients shed pounds, backed by $2.4 million in funding from PCORI.Alison McCook Nov. 18, 2024Link copied to clipboardAn Army vet believes Penn saved his life. So he became a nurse there.Sometimes, Chris Naimo will share his cancer journey with his patients, offer insider tips, and show them there is life after illness. "I’m the healthiest that I’ve ever been."Alison McCook Dec. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboardYour health provider likely has negative ratings on Yelp. Here’s why.Online health provider reviews fell after COVID, and still haven’t recovered.Alison McCook Dec. 23, 2024Link copied to clipboardPhilly-area scientist admitted to misconduct after working at Nemours for more than 15 yearsValerie Sampson also spent more than one year at WuXi Advanced Therapies, one of the biggest biotech employers in Philadelphia. Two of her papers have been retracted.Alison McCook Dec. 16, 2024Link copied to clipboardPizza deliveryman shot and robbed in Southwest PhillyFour teenagers have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and theft.Alison McCook Dec. 8, 2024Link copied to clipboardA Chester County boy was told he had a learning disability. Vision screening missed the real problem.Typical school-based vision screens miss most eye problems. Pennsylvania Sen. Chris Gebhard is pushing to change state law to require an eye health exam by a doctor for all school-age kids.Alison McCook Nov. 30, 2024Link copied to clipboardIs there a chemical link to memory loss? Penn researchers get $11M to study dementia causes.The project will test blood and urine samples collected from thousands of people over decades, looking for traces of pesticides, metals, and other substances in people who later develop dementia.Alison McCook Nov. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
Police confirm model Dayle Haddon died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s how to keep your home safe.More than 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year, which sends another 100,000 to the emergency room, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alison McCook Dec. 28, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Police confirm model Dayle Haddon died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s how to keep your home safe.More than 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year, which sends another 100,000 to the emergency room, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alison McCook Dec. 28, 2024Link copied to clipboard
UPenn gene therapy pioneer’s biotech gets $34 million in fundingGEMMA Biotherapeutics, founded by Jim Wilson earlier this year, will use the money to expand its operations and gene therapy programs.Alison McCook Dec. 24, 2024Link copied to clipboard
UPenn gene therapy pioneer’s biotech gets $34 million in fundingGEMMA Biotherapeutics, founded by Jim Wilson earlier this year, will use the money to expand its operations and gene therapy programs.Alison McCook Dec. 24, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Just how bad is the air you’re breathing while waiting underground for SEPTA’s subways?The risks are “very low” for commuters but higher for SEPTA workersAlison McCook and Charmaine Runes Dec. 19, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Just how bad is the air you’re breathing while waiting underground for SEPTA’s subways?The risks are “very low” for commuters but higher for SEPTA workersAlison McCook and Charmaine Runes Dec. 19, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Can Facebook see your medical records? | Philly Health InsiderWe've got an exclusive look at a new lawsuit alleging Jefferson opened its private patient portal to third-party tracking, plus IBX employees urged to avoid branded clothing amid industry backlash.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Dec. 11, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Can Facebook see your medical records? | Philly Health InsiderWe've got an exclusive look at a new lawsuit alleging Jefferson opened its private patient portal to third-party tracking, plus IBX employees urged to avoid branded clothing amid industry backlash.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Dec. 11, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A child died after a procedure. Why was CHOP blamed? | Philly Health InsiderToday, we explore the questions raised by a four-month Inquirer investigation into a pioneering procedure developed at CHOP.Aubrey Whelan and Alison McCook Dec. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A child died after a procedure. Why was CHOP blamed? | Philly Health InsiderToday, we explore the questions raised by a four-month Inquirer investigation into a pioneering procedure developed at CHOP.Aubrey Whelan and Alison McCook Dec. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Why the clock is ticking for resident unions | Philly Health InsiderPlus, expect a surge in medical malpractice filings in Philly this year, and why two local health organizations are struggling to stay afloat.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Nov. 27, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Why the clock is ticking for resident unions | Philly Health InsiderPlus, expect a surge in medical malpractice filings in Philly this year, and why two local health organizations are struggling to stay afloat.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Nov. 27, 2024Link copied to clipboard
‘Safest’ local hospitals? | Philly Health InsiderPlus, financial reports for the first quarter of FY25 for Penn, Temple, and Jefferson, and an exclusive analysis of the financial health of local private colleges.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Nov. 20, 2024Link copied to clipboard
‘Safest’ local hospitals? | Philly Health InsiderPlus, financial reports for the first quarter of FY25 for Penn, Temple, and Jefferson, and an exclusive analysis of the financial health of local private colleges.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Nov. 20, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly’s only dedicated center for treating adult sexual assault never has enough funding, its leader saysAllison Denman has helped to train more than 100 nurses in the last two years to address the need for sensitive, expert care for sexual assault victims.Alison McCook Dec. 28, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly’s only dedicated center for treating adult sexual assault never has enough funding, its leader saysAllison Denman has helped to train more than 100 nurses in the last two years to address the need for sensitive, expert care for sexual assault victims.Alison McCook Dec. 28, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly scientists brace for a fight over vaccines and health policy with the Trump administrationA Philly-based scientist helped organize a Zoom call with experts around the country to strategize how to respond to misinformation and conspiracies in 2025.Alison McCook Dec. 24, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly scientists brace for a fight over vaccines and health policy with the Trump administrationA Philly-based scientist helped organize a Zoom call with experts around the country to strategize how to respond to misinformation and conspiracies in 2025.Alison McCook Dec. 24, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A scientist confesses to falsifying data | Philly Health InsiderPlus, a Philly judge has ordered a retrial of the $45 million malpractice verdict against Temple, and a Bucks County doctor was criminally charged for selling prescriptions of buprenorphine for $130.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Dec. 18, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A scientist confesses to falsifying data | Philly Health InsiderPlus, a Philly judge has ordered a retrial of the $45 million malpractice verdict against Temple, and a Bucks County doctor was criminally charged for selling prescriptions of buprenorphine for $130.Alison McCook and Aubrey Whelan Dec. 18, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly biotech Adaptimmune gives first dose of first-of-its-kind therapyAdaptimmune announced last month that it also plans to reduce its workforce by 33% to restructure and break even in 2027.Alison McCook Dec. 9, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly biotech Adaptimmune gives first dose of first-of-its-kind therapyAdaptimmune announced last month that it also plans to reduce its workforce by 33% to restructure and break even in 2027.Alison McCook Dec. 9, 2024Link copied to clipboard
An artificial womb for preemies? Philly company gets $50 million to pursueVitara Biomedical’s signature technology, invented by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, aims to serve as an alternative to incubators currently used for premature babies.Alison McCook Dec. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboard
An artificial womb for preemies? Philly company gets $50 million to pursueVitara Biomedical’s signature technology, invented by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, aims to serve as an alternative to incubators currently used for premature babies.Alison McCook Dec. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboard
COVID patient who survived coma reunites with Penn care teamTwo years after he was in a coma and on a ventilator, Jeff Dillard returned to the hospital to raise a Wawa iced tea to the people who saved his life. “I’m thankful for every day.”Alison McCook Nov. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboard
COVID patient who survived coma reunites with Penn care teamTwo years after he was in a coma and on a ventilator, Jeff Dillard returned to the hospital to raise a Wawa iced tea to the people who saved his life. “I’m thankful for every day.”Alison McCook Nov. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Want to shed some pounds? A new Jefferson program aims to help.The region's largest provider of primary care is building classes to help patients shed pounds, backed by $2.4 million in funding from PCORI.Alison McCook Nov. 18, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Want to shed some pounds? A new Jefferson program aims to help.The region's largest provider of primary care is building classes to help patients shed pounds, backed by $2.4 million in funding from PCORI.Alison McCook Nov. 18, 2024Link copied to clipboard
An Army vet believes Penn saved his life. So he became a nurse there.Sometimes, Chris Naimo will share his cancer journey with his patients, offer insider tips, and show them there is life after illness. "I’m the healthiest that I’ve ever been."Alison McCook Dec. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboard
An Army vet believes Penn saved his life. So he became a nurse there.Sometimes, Chris Naimo will share his cancer journey with his patients, offer insider tips, and show them there is life after illness. "I’m the healthiest that I’ve ever been."Alison McCook Dec. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Your health provider likely has negative ratings on Yelp. Here’s why.Online health provider reviews fell after COVID, and still haven’t recovered.Alison McCook Dec. 23, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Your health provider likely has negative ratings on Yelp. Here’s why.Online health provider reviews fell after COVID, and still haven’t recovered.Alison McCook Dec. 23, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly-area scientist admitted to misconduct after working at Nemours for more than 15 yearsValerie Sampson also spent more than one year at WuXi Advanced Therapies, one of the biggest biotech employers in Philadelphia. Two of her papers have been retracted.Alison McCook Dec. 16, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly-area scientist admitted to misconduct after working at Nemours for more than 15 yearsValerie Sampson also spent more than one year at WuXi Advanced Therapies, one of the biggest biotech employers in Philadelphia. Two of her papers have been retracted.Alison McCook Dec. 16, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Pizza deliveryman shot and robbed in Southwest PhillyFour teenagers have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and theft.Alison McCook Dec. 8, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Pizza deliveryman shot and robbed in Southwest PhillyFour teenagers have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and theft.Alison McCook Dec. 8, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A Chester County boy was told he had a learning disability. Vision screening missed the real problem.Typical school-based vision screens miss most eye problems. Pennsylvania Sen. Chris Gebhard is pushing to change state law to require an eye health exam by a doctor for all school-age kids.Alison McCook Nov. 30, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A Chester County boy was told he had a learning disability. Vision screening missed the real problem.Typical school-based vision screens miss most eye problems. Pennsylvania Sen. Chris Gebhard is pushing to change state law to require an eye health exam by a doctor for all school-age kids.Alison McCook Nov. 30, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Is there a chemical link to memory loss? Penn researchers get $11M to study dementia causes.The project will test blood and urine samples collected from thousands of people over decades, looking for traces of pesticides, metals, and other substances in people who later develop dementia.Alison McCook Nov. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Is there a chemical link to memory loss? Penn researchers get $11M to study dementia causes.The project will test blood and urine samples collected from thousands of people over decades, looking for traces of pesticides, metals, and other substances in people who later develop dementia.Alison McCook Nov. 25, 2024Link copied to clipboard