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TED Health

A medical mythbuster's mission to improve health care | Joel Bervell

Feb 18, 2025
Joel Bervell, a TED Fellow and medical mythbuster, tackles health inequities and racial biases in healthcare through social media. He shares his journey as one of the few Black students in medical school and how it fueled his mission for change. The conversation dives into the historical roots of healthcare disparities and the need for systemic reform. Bervell also discusses his upcoming animated show, "The Doctor Is In," aimed at inspiring children of color to pursue careers in medicine.
28:27

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Quick takeaways

  • Social media serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about racial biases in healthcare, enabling crucial dialogues and education among patients and professionals.
  • Addressing medical inequalities necessitates a shift towards a race-conscious approach, focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to improve patient care and outcomes.

Deep dives

Health Equity Through Social Media

Social media has the potential to address significant health inequities, particularly as platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow for widespread dissemination of crucial health information. A health professional utilized social media to combat racial biases in medical care, focusing on educating both patients and medical professionals about disparities. By sharing thought-provoking content, he attracted a following that included healthcare workers unaware of these biases, creating a dialogue about previously ignored issues. This approach demonstrates how one person's voice can catalyze awareness and inspire change in healthcare delivery systems.

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