Meet Top Defenders of Science in the New GSA Scientist-Citizen Podcast
GSA has launched a new Scientist-Citizen Podcast, and I'm honored to be serving as host. GSA is increasingly emphasizing the need for researchers to lean into the role of scientist-citizens: people committed to proactive public engagement that improves understanding of science and policies that support all of us as we age. Scientist-Citizens are critical to a society where science is valued, facts matter, and democracy thrives.
GSA President Dr. Tamara Baker joined me as co-host for our first episode with our featured guest, Dr. Reed Tuckson, co-convener and chair of the board of the Coalition For Trust In Health & Science. GSA recently became a member of the coalition, which is “a nonpartisan, non-profit organization focused on ensuring that everyone is empowered to make informed and personally appropriate health decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities based on accurate, understandable, and evidence-based information.”
Dr. Tuckson is one of the nation's most respected leaders in healthcare, public health, and medical innovation. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of science, policy, technology, and patient care — from serving as commissioner of public health for the District of Columbia to leading medical affairs at UnitedHealth Group and advising organizations across health care and government. As managing director of Tuckson Health Connections, he continues to champion better health through innovation, prevention, telehealth, and patient engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded the Black Coalition Against COVID and helped launch the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science, bringing together trusted voices to combat misinformation, build confidence in science, and improve health outcomes in communities across the country.
Dr. Tuckson exemplifies what it means to be a scientist-citizen — using scientific knowledge not only to advance medicine, but also to engage the public, inform policy, and strengthen trust in evidence-based healthcare.
This will be an ongoing podcast series and we are recruiting guests who exemplify the scientist-citizen ideal: professionals who extend their expertise from the lab, clinic, or classroom into everyday conversations with family, friends, neighbors, community groups, and elected leaders. Please reach out to me if you have any recommendations for potential guests.