Mara Gordon, MD
@maragordonmd.bsky.social
Doctor, writer, mom. (Among other things.) Fighting for body justice in medicine. Words in NPR, NYT, Atlantic, and maragordonmd.substack.com.
To paraphrase the great Joanna Maciejewsha:
I want AI to do my prior auths so I can be nice to patients. I don't want AI to be nice to patients so I can do more prior auths. #medsky
open.substack.com/pub/maragord...
I want AI to do my prior auths so I can be nice to patients. I don't want AI to be nice to patients so I can do more prior auths. #medsky
open.substack.com/pub/maragord...
I want AI to do my paperwork so I can have real relationships with my patients
I don't want AI to be "nice" to patients so I can do more paperwork
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
To paraphrase the great Joanna Maciejewsha:
I want AI to do my prior auths so I can be nice to patients. I don't want AI to be nice to patients so I can do more prior auths. #medsky
open.substack.com/pub/maragord...
I want AI to do my prior auths so I can be nice to patients. I don't want AI to be nice to patients so I can do more prior auths. #medsky
open.substack.com/pub/maragord...
My latest piece for @npr.org
A pregnancy test can tell you that you're expecting as early as 4 weeks, but most doctors won't see you for another month. Many women want care sooner. Why's it so hard to get and what can you do? n.pr/47yXZ71
I'm pregnant but my doctor won't see me before 9 weeks. Why not? Is it OK to wait?
A pregnancy test can tell you that you're expecting as early as 4 weeks, but most doctors won't see you for another month. Many women want care sooner. Why's it so hard to get and what can you do?
n.pr
November 14, 2025 at 8:34 PM
My latest piece for @npr.org
Why is it so dang hard to get an appointment with a prenatal provider when you first find out you're pregnant?
My latest for @npr.org #Medsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
My latest for @npr.org #Medsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
I'm pregnant but my doctor won't see me before 9 weeks. Why not? Is it OK to wait?
A pregnancy test can tell you that you're expecting as early as 4 weeks, but most doctors won't see you for another month. Many women want care sooner. Why's it so hard to get and what can you do?
www.npr.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Why is it so dang hard to get an appointment with a prenatal provider when you first find out you're pregnant?
My latest for @npr.org #Medsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
My latest for @npr.org #Medsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
When I found out I was pregnant four years ago, I remember feeling SO stressed that I'd have to wait until 8 or 9 weeks of pregnancy for a first prenatal appointment.
Why is it so hard to get care in early pregnancy? My latest for @npr.org
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
Why is it so hard to get care in early pregnancy? My latest for @npr.org
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
I'm pregnant but my doctor won't see me before 9 weeks. Why not? Is it OK to wait?
A pregnancy test can tell you that you're expecting as early as 4 weeks, but most doctors won't see you for another month. Many women want care sooner. Why's it so hard to get and what can you do?
www.npr.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:27 PM
When I found out I was pregnant four years ago, I remember feeling SO stressed that I'd have to wait until 8 or 9 weeks of pregnancy for a first prenatal appointment.
Why is it so hard to get care in early pregnancy? My latest for @npr.org
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
Why is it so hard to get care in early pregnancy? My latest for @npr.org
www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
I went on the MONEY WITH KATIE podcast to talk about diet culture in health care.
moneywithkatie.com/the_mwk_show...
moneywithkatie.com/the_mwk_show...
“You Just Have to Keep Buying”: How Diet Culture Profits from Fatphobia - Showit Blog
moneywithkatie.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
I went on the MONEY WITH KATIE podcast to talk about diet culture in health care.
moneywithkatie.com/the_mwk_show...
moneywithkatie.com/the_mwk_show...
For @npr.org, I wrote about an evergreen topic that endlessly vexes primary care docs: is telehealth sketchy?
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
Is telehealth a good idea, or should I see my regular doctor?
Social media is full of their colorful ads, but are online doctors legit? Here's the lowdown on the pros and cons of online medicine.
www.npr.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:42 PM
For @npr.org, I wrote about an evergreen topic that endlessly vexes primary care docs: is telehealth sketchy?
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
RFK, Jr. comes for primary care open.substack.com/pub/maragord... via @maragordonmd.bsky.social
RFK, Jr. comes for primary care
And opens the door for a new era of health care grift
open.substack.com
August 4, 2025 at 9:38 PM
RFK, Jr. comes for primary care open.substack.com/pub/maragord... via @maragordonmd.bsky.social
No supplements for sale here. 🔥
Loved joining the inimitable Virginia Sole-Smith to talk about the menopause industrial complex and body shame in aging.
virginiasolesmith.substack.com/p/dr-mara-wi...
Loved joining the inimitable Virginia Sole-Smith to talk about the menopause industrial complex and body shame in aging.
virginiasolesmith.substack.com/p/dr-mara-wi...
Dr. Mara Will Not Sell You a Weighted Vest
Actual, non-sponsored answers to your questions about weight and health in menopause.
virginiasolesmith.substack.com
July 27, 2025 at 4:31 PM
No supplements for sale here. 🔥
Loved joining the inimitable Virginia Sole-Smith to talk about the menopause industrial complex and body shame in aging.
virginiasolesmith.substack.com/p/dr-mara-wi...
Loved joining the inimitable Virginia Sole-Smith to talk about the menopause industrial complex and body shame in aging.
virginiasolesmith.substack.com/p/dr-mara-wi...
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
this from @maragordonmd.bsky.social about @jessicaslice.bsky.social and her new book.
(i am intensely envious of Jessica's power chair right now.)
(i am intensely envious of Jessica's power chair right now.)
Raising two kids while living with an autonomic nervous system disorder taught Jessica Slice to embrace interdependence. Her story is a reminder to parents of the power of asking for help.
A disabled mom's message to parents: We all need help, and it's OK to ask for it
Raising two kids while living with an autonomic nervous system disorder taught Jessica Slice to embrace interdependence. Her story is a reminder to parents of the power of asking for help.
n.pr
May 31, 2025 at 6:48 PM
this from @maragordonmd.bsky.social about @jessicaslice.bsky.social and her new book.
(i am intensely envious of Jessica's power chair right now.)
(i am intensely envious of Jessica's power chair right now.)
My latest piece for @npr.org
Raising two kids while living with an autonomic nervous system disorder taught Jessica Slice to embrace interdependence. Her story is a reminder to parents of the power of asking for help.
A disabled mom's message to parents: We all need help, and it's OK to ask for it
Raising two kids while living with an autonomic nervous system disorder taught Jessica Slice to embrace interdependence. Her story is a reminder to parents of the power of asking for help.
n.pr
June 1, 2025 at 2:13 AM
My latest piece for @npr.org
Powerful piece from @npr.org
We have such a long way to go making medicine more welcoming to people with disabilities - both patients and doctors. #medsky
www.npr.org/2025/05/15/n...
We have such a long way to go making medicine more welcoming to people with disabilities - both patients and doctors. #medsky
www.npr.org/2025/05/15/n...
One woman's fight to remove barriers for aspiring doctors with disabilities
After her dreams of becoming a doctor were denied, one California woman is working to make the profession more accessible to those with disabilities.
www.npr.org
May 23, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Powerful piece from @npr.org
We have such a long way to go making medicine more welcoming to people with disabilities - both patients and doctors. #medsky
www.npr.org/2025/05/15/n...
We have such a long way to go making medicine more welcoming to people with disabilities - both patients and doctors. #medsky
www.npr.org/2025/05/15/n...
Dr Gordon's rules of primary care.
To get a blood pressure machine covered by insurance, you need a diagnosis of hypertension.
To get a diagnosis of hypertension, you need a blood pressure machine.
(Ok, there are actually a few ways to diagnose HTN, but home BP checks are the gold standard.) 🤯
To get a blood pressure machine covered by insurance, you need a diagnosis of hypertension.
To get a diagnosis of hypertension, you need a blood pressure machine.
(Ok, there are actually a few ways to diagnose HTN, but home BP checks are the gold standard.) 🤯
May 22, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Dr Gordon's rules of primary care.
To get a blood pressure machine covered by insurance, you need a diagnosis of hypertension.
To get a diagnosis of hypertension, you need a blood pressure machine.
(Ok, there are actually a few ways to diagnose HTN, but home BP checks are the gold standard.) 🤯
To get a blood pressure machine covered by insurance, you need a diagnosis of hypertension.
To get a diagnosis of hypertension, you need a blood pressure machine.
(Ok, there are actually a few ways to diagnose HTN, but home BP checks are the gold standard.) 🤯
Election day, Philly!!
May 20, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Election day, Philly!!
My essay for @npr.org
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
www.npr.org
May 18, 2025 at 4:30 PM
My essay for @npr.org
May 14, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
A research colleague here at Harvard Medical School has been detained by ICE since February. Her story is powerful and disturbing. Please read: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/o...
Opinion | I Came to Study Aging. Now I’m Trapped in ICE Detention.
www.nytimes.com
May 13, 2025 at 3:57 PM
A research colleague here at Harvard Medical School has been detained by ICE since February. Her story is powerful and disturbing. Please read: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/o...
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
The mayor has been protesting the opening of the facility throughout this week, saying its operators did not get proper permits
Newark Mayor Arrested While Protesting At ICE Detention Center
Ras Baraka has been protesting the opening of the facility throughout this week, saying its operators did not get proper permits.
www.huffpost.com
May 9, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The mayor has been protesting the opening of the facility throughout this week, saying its operators did not get proper permits
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
I loooved talking to Mara for this (a family doctor who is realistic and empathetic about how dismissive doctors can be about bodies) www.npr.org/2025/05/08/n...
How one writer quit dieting and discovered her strength through weightlifting
Casey Johnston spent years running and restricting calories. When she started weightlifting, she rebuilt muscle mass — and her relationship with her body.
www.npr.org
May 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I loooved talking to Mara for this (a family doctor who is realistic and empathetic about how dismissive doctors can be about bodies) www.npr.org/2025/05/08/n...
Doing this inspiring interview for @npr.org with @caseyjohnston.bsky.social actually made me.... Go do pushups. 💪
In 'Physical Education,' a writer chooses weightlifting over dieting www.npr.org/2025/05/08/n...
In 'Physical Education,' a writer chooses weightlifting over dieting www.npr.org/2025/05/08/n...
How one writer quit dieting and discovered her strength through weightlifting
Casey Johnston spent years running and restricting calories. When she started weightlifting, she rebuilt muscle mass — and her relationship with her body.
www.npr.org
May 9, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Doing this inspiring interview for @npr.org with @caseyjohnston.bsky.social actually made me.... Go do pushups. 💪
In 'Physical Education,' a writer chooses weightlifting over dieting www.npr.org/2025/05/08/n...
In 'Physical Education,' a writer chooses weightlifting over dieting www.npr.org/2025/05/08/n...
My latest piece for @npr.org (it's a personal one!)
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
www.npr.org
April 29, 2025 at 8:23 PM
My latest piece for @npr.org (it's a personal one!)
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
Take a minute from your day and read this chilling story about how quickly we've gotten to where we are.
1. Clay Jackson, a Texas lawyer, provided basic legal advice to an immigrant family fearing deportation
Then, two officers visited him at his home, accusing him of "obstructing an ongoing immigration investigation"
Then, after speaking publicly, he was fired from his job at a Fortune 500 company
Then, two officers visited him at his home, accusing him of "obstructing an ongoing immigration investigation"
Then, after speaking publicly, he was fired from his job at a Fortune 500 company
Fortune 500 company abruptly fires lawyer who helped immigrant family
On March 4, Clay Jackson, an attorney in the Dallas area, was at a gas station near his home when the attendant asked if he would help a local immigrant family.
popular.info
April 29, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Take a minute from your day and read this chilling story about how quickly we've gotten to where we are.
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
We're starting to see the other shoe drop with GLP-1 drugs. This is an amazing essay from an MD @maragordonmd.bsky.social who experienced the side effects and decided taking Ozempic wasn't worth the discomfort. We need to continue challenging the myth that thin = healthy
www.npr.org/2025/04/24/n...
www.npr.org/2025/04/24/n...
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
www.npr.org
April 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
We're starting to see the other shoe drop with GLP-1 drugs. This is an amazing essay from an MD @maragordonmd.bsky.social who experienced the side effects and decided taking Ozempic wasn't worth the discomfort. We need to continue challenging the myth that thin = healthy
www.npr.org/2025/04/24/n...
www.npr.org/2025/04/24/n...
Reposted by Mara Gordon, MD
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness www.npr.org/2025/04/24/n... via @maragordonmd.bsky.social
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
www.npr.org
April 25, 2025 at 12:51 PM
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness www.npr.org/2025/04/24/n... via @maragordonmd.bsky.social
My latest piece for @NPR
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
I quit Ozempic and embraced feeling healthy over striving for thinness
Taking the drug made one writer feel so sick she quit and focused on healthy habits instead of her body size. Turns out, 65% of people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year.
www.npr.org
April 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
My latest piece for @NPR