Joel Bervell
Medical MythBuster 🕵🏾♂️
Diversifying the field of medicine
Seen on NYT, NPR, Today Show
🐶: Yale ‘17
- On March 27, Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” (a misnomer indeed) targeting Smithsonian exhibits that focus on race. It’s a chilling move—framing historical truth as dangerous ideology is how authoritarian narratives take root.
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View full threadWhen leaders target institutions that tell the truth about race, they’re not restoring sanity—they’re making it harder to fight injustice in every sector, including healthcare. Because once people see the full picture, the demand for change becomes undeniable.
- We need more truth, not less. In our history books. In our exhibits. In our medical journals. Erasing race from the narrative won’t solve inequality. It just ensures we keep repeating it.
- Even though… race is a human invention. It’s not a biological reality—it’s a social construct built to justify inequality. But in medicine, we still treat it like biology. That’s how you get things like different diagnostic algorithms based on race.
- Museums like the Smithsonian connect the dots between policy, history, and lived experience. They show how racism has shaped everything from medical research to public health outcomes. Calling that “ideology” is a way to silence truth.
- Race-based medicine isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a practice that still affects patients every day: From BMI, to eGFR calculations to spirometry corrections, race has been falsely coded into science as a biological truth rather than a social construct.
- Yet this order calls out Smithsonian exhibits like “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture” for stating that societies (including the U.S.) have used race to uphold power, privilege, and disenfranchisement. It criticizes the exhibit for saying “Race is a social construct.”
- This isn’t just about museums. It’s about erasing the structural realities that shape American life—especially in healthcare. If we can’t talk about race in history, how can we talk about it in medicine? How do we confront the roots of race-based medicine?
- Texas health officials have reported the first measles-related death in the ongoing outbreak across the South Plains and Panhandle regions. The unvaccinated child was hospitalized in Lubbock last week and tested positive for measles. This was absolutely preventable.
- Haven't been using BlueSky as much as I would like! It's been difficult keeping up with all of the different platforms out there
- I just hit 50K followed on LinkedIn! LinkedIn is the most underrated platform for creators. By sharing authentic stories about my work, I’ve landed speaking engagements, brand deals, and built relationships with decision-makers. It’s not just for resumes—it’s for opportunities.
- DC Public Schools is facing a federal civil rights complaint due to an "Empowerment Club" for Black girls. Critics call it "segregation," but this is about creating safe spaces in a system built on inequities. Weaponizing civil rights to fight equity is WILD. thenationaldesk.com/news/america...
- I've been developing an animated digital kids' TV series! YouTube is partnering and providing us with financial funding 🎉 To stay tuned and join the journey, subscribe to our YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/@TheDoctorIs...
- Todays fit for the The Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony
- Currently on way to Oslo, Norway to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony! Sometimes life truly doesn’t feel real. Can’t wait to soak in the history and inspiration of this moment!
- Just found out I’m on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Social Media! 4 years ago, I started calling out racial biases in medicine. Since then, I’ve spoken globally, worked with the White House, host a podcast and soon, I’ll start residency. One post can spark change. 🙏🏾✨ #ForbesUnder30
