A closer look at some #AMSACon2021 speakers

This year, as every year, AMSACon features game-changers who push the world forward in key areas that AMSA supports—areas like health equity, abortion access, and common-sense gun legislation. Learn a bit more about some of these folks:

Kris Brown, Movement-maker, policy shifter & President—BRADY

BRADY, formerly known as The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, is the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention advocacy group. Kris Brown is their fearless leader, helping lead the team to recent victories like this bill in the works in Virginia which would ban firearms within 40 feet of polling places. On why this law is necessary, Brown states: “It changes the equation. Guns aren’t merely objects, they speak. And they intimidate, and they’re designed to intimidate. From our perspective and I think for most Americans, that and the free and fair exercise of your right to vote are not a good mix.” AMSA believes that gun violence is a public health issue, and we’re ready to learn from the best!

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein —  Renowned expert from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Dr. Sharfstein has supported AMSA for years by sharing his expertise with our members. Now, his name is in the headlines as a potential pick for FDA Commissioner under Biden. It’s said that he’s the preferred pick for people who are wary of “the pharmaceutical industry’s sway at FDA”. Whoever gets the job, we know Dr. Sharfstein will continue to work hard in the name of medicine, especially in areas related to the opioid epidemic, COVID-19, and other public health issues.

Dr. Danielle Jones — MD, online influencer aka “Mama Doctor Jones”

In an age of online misinformation, some doctors fight head-on with mind-blowing social media skills of their own. Mama Doctor Jones is one of these physicians, and she’s coming to #AMSACon2021 to share why and how she works her social media magic!

Toyese Oyeyemi, MPH — Director, Beyond Flexner Alliance The George Washington University

The Beyond Flexner Alliance is a group that goes way back with AMSA. We’re excited to continue working together towards health equity as the Alliance recently welcomed Toyese Oyeyemi, MPH as Director. According to GWU, “Oyeyemi’s primary focus will be to connect leaders in healthcare with one another, encourage new practices of global learning within the alliance, and engage a broader and more inclusive set of social mission stakeholders and programming into the program’s work.” We can’t wait to hear more about how we can help.

Dr. Diana Greene Foster — Professor University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Foster is the author of The Turnaway Study. Her book explores the results of a study that was the first of its kind—examining over 10 years the differences in outcome between women who sought abortions and either received them or were denied. The results stunningly defy many of the arguments that are made to enact legislation limiting access to abortion. We are honored to hear from her at #AMSACon2021!

And many more!

One thing that our star-studded list of speakers all have in common—they’ve all agreed to come meet with you, the inspired future physician who will make the most of the lessons they have to offer. We’ll see you there!