New president discusses OHSU's financial struggles, federal funding situation and autism research

Oregon Health and Science University has been a powerhouse of research and innovation in Oregon for decades, serving as one of the state's largest employers and a leader in areas like cancer research through the Knight Institute. However, OHSU has faced its share of challenges over the past year with financial struggles, capacity issues, layoffs and a failed merger with Legacy Health. OHSU's newest president, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss the institution's struggles and opportunities, including the impact of changes under the Trump administration — from funding cuts earlier in the year to the decision this week to declare a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, which has drawn pushback from medical experts. Elnahal was appointed as president in June and stepped into the role last month. He was appointed Undersecretary of Health for the federal Department of Veterans Affairs under the Biden administration, and before that served as president of University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.