newcohospitality.com

Navigating Trust in Pandemic Experts: Your Guide

Written on

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Tsion Firew, MD, MPH, @DrTsion

Emergency physician

Dr. Firew shares insights on the mental and physical health impacts of the pandemic on healthcare professionals.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Gregg Gonsalves, PhD, @gregggonsalves

Global health activist

Dr. Gonsalves provides critical commentary on public health responses and advocates for accountability in government actions.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Dara Kass, MD, @darakass

Emergency medicine physician

Dr. Kass advocates for equity in healthcare and is vocal about misinformation regarding Covid-19 policies.

  1. 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.

  1. Krutika Kuppalli, MD, @KrutikaKuppalli

Assistant professor of medicine

Dr. Kuppalli specializes in pandemic preparedness and provides critical insights into health policies during Covid-19.

  1. Benhur Lee, MD, @VirusWhisperer

Professor of microbiology

Dr. Lee studies how viruses infect human cells and frequently shares updates on SARS-CoV-2 research.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Saskia Popescu, PhD, MPH, @SaskiaPopescu

Epidemiologist

Dr. Popescu shares insights on pandemic preparedness and response, based on her experiences during the Covid-19 crisis.

  1. Megan Ranney, MD, MPH, @meganranney

Emergency physician

Dr. Ranney advocates for PPE distribution and provides valuable information on Covid-19, especially for healthcare workers.

  1. 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.

  1. Caitlin Rivers, PhD, MPH, @cmyeaton

Assistant professor

Dr. Rivers focuses on outbreak preparedness and emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in health systems.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Craig Spencer