First, Organize: Physicians, Public Health, and the Power of Collective Action

Health Ethics Podcast · Jul 7, 2026 · 45m · transcript

In this episode, Dr. Bryan Pilkington speaks with Dr. Jonathan Shaffer, who argues that physicians’ responsibilities extend beyond individual patient care to confronting harmful misinformation, inequitable systems, and political forces that shape health outcomes. Drawing on sociology, social movement theory, and a materialist critique of bioethics, Shaffer contends that medical professionals cannot effectively address these challenges alone and should instead engage in collective organizing to protect public health and influence policy.

Guest:

Jonathan Shaffer, PhD

Assistant Professor of…