Navigating Trust in Pandemic Experts: Your Guide
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In the midst of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, six months in, uncertainty still looms large. This special weeklong Elemental series, titled "Six Months In," offers reflections on our experiences and lessons learned during this health crisis.
The pandemic has been challenging, particularly as many feel that their leaders lack the necessary preparation and expertise. However, a number of scientists, healthcare professionals, and public health leaders have been effectively addressing pandemic-related issues since the onset of Covid-19.
As trust in government and official sources has declined, people are increasingly relying on credible online platforms for timely and scientifically supported information. Some of these experts have been sharing crucial insights for years, while others have begun to provide more frequent updates on Covid-19 based on the growing body of evidence.
Dr. Abraar Karan, an internal medicine physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, stated earlier this year, “Given the challenge with communications during this pandemic... the role of scientists and doctors to help fill that gap is immense.” This shift has made social media a significant outlet for these professionals, as they recognize the profound impact of their statements.
To help you navigate the sea of information, we have compiled a list of 50 health and science experts. These individuals regularly share evidence-based insights regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the various factors that influence its trajectory. They are also very active on social media, particularly Twitter, where you can follow them for real-time updates.
Amesh Adalja, MD, @AmeshAA
Senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security
Dr. Adalja is a prominent infectious disease expert who actively communicates valuable information about pandemic policy. He is a reliable source for understanding infectious disease emergencies and has an extensive background in global health security.
Carl Bergstrom, PhD, @CT_Bergstrom
Professor of Biology, University of Washington
Dr. Bergstrom is a mathematical biologist and co-author of the book Calling Bullshit. He is well-equipped to address misinformation surrounding the pandemic and offers insights into the U.S. response.
Nahid Bhadelia, MD, MA, @BhadeliaMD
Medical Director of the Special Pathogens Unit at Boston Medical Center
Dr. Bhadelia has been actively involved in pandemic response discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the implications of Covid-19 early on.
Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, @DrOniBee
Primary care and HIV doctor
Dr. Blackstock advocates for health equity and has developed guidelines for safe sexual practices during the pandemic.
Uché Blackstock, MD, @uche_blackstock
Founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity
Dr. Uché Blackstock has focused on highlighting racial disparities in health care during the pandemic and emphasizes the need for equity in treatment.
Rhea Boyd MD, MPH, @RheaBoydMD
Pediatrician and public health advocate
Dr. Boyd addresses the intersections of racism and health, shedding light on the disparities exacerbated by Covid-19.
Esther Choo, MD, MPH, @choo_ek
Emergency physician and professor at Oregon Health & Science University
Dr. Choo advocates for gender equality in medicine and shares insights on treating Covid-19 patients while highlighting systemic disparities.
Kizzmekia Corbett, PhD, @KizzyPhD
Research fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Corbett leads efforts to develop a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, collaborating with Moderna and sharing her expertise on social media.
Muge Cevik, MD, @mugecevik
Infectious diseases researcher and science communicator
Dr. Cevik provides insights into Covid-19 science and has been a scientific advisor during the pandemic, communicating research findings effectively.
Cedric Dark, MD, MPH, @RealCedricDark
Assistant professor of emergency medicine
Dr. Dark emphasizes the importance of diversity in healthcare and frequently speaks about the pandemic's impact on marginalized communities.
- Natalie Dean, PhD, @nataliexdean
Assistant professor of biostatistics
Dr. Dean specializes in vaccine efficacy and conducts research on clinical trials, providing critical insights into Covid-19 vaccine development.
- Carlos del Rio, MD, @CarlosdelRio7
Distinguished professor of medicine
Dr. del Rio has called for increased Covid-19 testing and emphasizes the importance of diversity in vaccine trials.
- Sharmila Dissanaike, MD, @DissanaikeMD
Chair of surgery at Texas Tech University
Dr. Dissanaike focuses on the impact of Covid-19 on surgical practices and the collaborative efforts needed across specialties.
- Utibe R. Essien, MD, MPH, @UREssien
Assistant professor of medicine
Dr. Essien's work highlights the racial disparities in health care exacerbated by Covid-19 and emphasizes the need for systemic change.
- Jeremy Faust, MD, MS, @jeremyfaust
Emergency physician
Dr. Faust provides daily updates on Covid-19 research and advocates for science-based decision-making in public health.
- Tsion Firew, MD, MPH, @DrTsion
Emergency physician
Dr. Firew shares insights on the mental and physical health impacts of the pandemic on healthcare professionals.
- Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, @DrTomFrieden
Former CDC director
Dr. Frieden offers perspectives on public health strategy and the importance of scientific integrity amid political pressures.
- Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH, @sandrogalea
Dean of the Boston University School of Public Health
Dr. Galea discusses the mental health implications of the pandemic and the need for compassionate healthcare reform.
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, MD, @DrTedros
Director-general of the WHO
Dr. Tedros leads the global effort against Covid-19 and shares insights on international public health responses.
- Cleavon Gilman, MD, @Cleavon_MD
Emergency medicine physician
Dr. Gilman emphasizes the importance of safety in schools during the pandemic and shares insights from his frontline experiences.
- Gregg Gonsalves, PhD, @gregggonsalves
Global health activist
Dr. Gonsalves provides critical commentary on public health responses and advocates for accountability in government actions.
- Scott Gottlieb, MD, @ScottGottliebMD
Former commissioner of the FDA
Dr. Gottlieb shares insights into the intersection of public health and industry, particularly regarding vaccine development.
- Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA, @celinegounder
Epidemiologist and medical journalist
Dr. Gounder delivers clear public health messaging, emphasizing the importance of masks and testing in combating Covid-19.
- Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, @PeterHotez
Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine
Dr. Hotez is a trusted source for information on vaccines and public health, particularly regarding Covid-19.
- Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, @VirusesImmunity
Professor of immunobiology
Dr. Iwasaki provides valuable insights into the immune response to Covid-19 and shares educational content for the public.
- Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, @ashishkjha
Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health
Dr. Jha focuses on data-driven public health responses and emphasizes the importance of testing in managing the pandemic.
- Rebekah Jones, GISP, @GeoRebekah
Founder of Florida COVID Action
Rebekah Jones is known for her accurate Covid-19 data tracking and advocacy for transparency in public health reporting.
- Abraar Karan, MD, MPH, DTM&H, @AbraarKaran
Internal medicine and global health doctor
Dr. Karan shares critical insights on pandemic responses and emphasizes the need for systemic improvements in healthcare.
- Dara Kass, MD, @darakass
Emergency medicine physician
Dr. Kass advocates for equity in healthcare and is vocal about misinformation regarding Covid-19 policies.
- Florian Krammer, PhD, @florian_krammer
Professor of vaccinology
Dr. Krammer's research focuses on the immune response to Covid-19 and he actively shares scientific developments.
- Krutika Kuppalli, MD, @KrutikaKuppalli
Assistant professor of medicine
Dr. Kuppalli specializes in pandemic preparedness and provides critical insights into health policies during Covid-19.
- Benhur Lee, MD, @VirusWhisperer
Professor of microbiology
Dr. Lee studies how viruses infect human cells and frequently shares updates on SARS-CoV-2 research.
- Michael Mina, MD, PhD, @michaelmina_lab
Assistant professor at Harvard University
Dr. Mina advocates for rapid, at-home testing for Covid-19, emphasizing its importance for public health.
- Eleanor Murray, ScD, MPH, MS, @EpiEllie
Assistant professor of epidemiology
Dr. Murray uses her platform to educate about the scientific process and promote best practices in Covid-19 response.
- Jennifer Nuzzo, DrPH, @JenniferNuzzo
Associate professor in environmental health
Dr. Nuzzo is a key figure in Covid-19 preparedness and response, known for her work on the Johns Hopkins Covid-19 Dashboard.
- Saskia Popescu, PhD, MPH, @SaskiaPopescu
Epidemiologist
Dr. Popescu shares insights on pandemic preparedness and response, based on her experiences during the Covid-19 crisis.
- Megan Ranney, MD, MPH, @meganranney
Emergency physician
Dr. Ranney advocates for PPE distribution and provides valuable information on Covid-19, especially for healthcare workers.
- Angela Rasmussen, PhD, @angie_rasmussen
Associate research scientist
Dr. Rasmussen is a virologist who discusses the science behind vaccines and antiviral treatments, often debunking misinformation.
- Caitlin Rivers, PhD, MPH, @cmyeaton
Assistant professor
Dr. Rivers focuses on outbreak preparedness and emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in health systems.
- Andy Slavitt, @ASlavitt
Former head of CMS
Andy Slavitt provides daily insights into the pandemic's progression and engages with the public through social media.
- Tara C. Smith, PhD, @aetiology
Infectious disease epidemiologist
Dr. Smith studies zoonotic infections and shares critical thoughts on the implications of animal-to-human disease transmission.
- Craig Spencer, MD, @Craig_A_Spencer
Director of global health
Dr. Spencer, who treated Ebola patients, now leads efforts in addressing Covid-19 and shares experiences from the emergency room.