A medical mythbuster's mission to improve health care | Joel Bervell
Feb 18, 2025
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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.
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.
Racial Biases Embedded in Medical Practices
Racial biases are deeply embedded in medical practices and devices, impacting the quality of care for patients of color. Specific diagnostic tools, such as pulse oximeters and equations used for kidney function tests, have historically been flawed due to racial assumptions that led to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. The implications of these biases can be severe, resulting in patients not receiving necessary care or being incorrectly categorized based on race rather than individual medical conditions. Addressing these disparities requires a shift towards a race-conscious approach in healthcare, which acknowledges sociocultural factors rather than relying on outdated racial categorizations.
The Importance of Diversity in Medicine
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are crucial in medical education and practice, as they directly influence patient care and health outcomes. The dismantling of DEI in medical training can exacerbate existing disparities, as diverse perspectives are essential for understanding the complexities of healthcare. Advocates stress the need to critique and evaluate practices that involve race in medicine, ensuring that such criteria do not hinder patient care. The continued emphasis on DEI is vital to fostering an inclusive healthcare system that truly serves diverse populations.
Empowering Patients to Advocate for Their Health
Patients hold the power to advocate for their health, especially in an environment where awareness of disparities is growing. By knowing their rights and arming themselves with information, patients can enhance their engagement with healthcare providers, ensuring they receive the best care possible. Education and transparency are key elements in empowering individuals from marginalized communities, allowing them to navigate a healthcare system that has historically overlooked them. This empowerment can lead to systemic change as informed patients demand accountability and equitable treatment.
Joel Bervell was one of the only Black students in his medical school program. After noticing how misconceptions about race were embedded in health care, he turned to social media to raise awareness about the harmful impact of biases in medicine. He unpacks the long history of race-based health care disparities — and shows what the medical field can do to better serve all patients. After the talk, Joel and Shoshana talk about the role AI and tech play in perpetuating biases and Joel's forthcoming animated children tv show, The Doctor Is In.