Hosts:

Coral Omene, MD, PhD (Rutgers Cancer Institute)

Ryan Nguyen, DO (University of Illinois Cancer Center)

Featured Guest:

Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, FASA

Former U.S. Surgeon General (2017–2021); Executive Director of Health Equity Initiatives, Purdue University; Former Indiana State Health Commissioner

Episode Summary:

Dr. Jerome Adams joins Dr. Coral Omene and Dr. Ryan Nguyen for an in-depth discussion on health equity, leadership, and lessons learned from serving as the nation’s 20th U.S. Surgeon General during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Adams reflects on his journey practicing medicine, advancing health equity initiatives, and his experience as the United States Surgeon General.

Together, they explore how clinicians, researchers, and community partners can work together to reduce disparities in health outcomes.

Topics Covered:

• What inspired Dr. Adams’ path to medicine and public health
• Lessons learned as Indiana State Health Commissioner and U.S. Surgeon General
• Defining “health equity” across clinical, governmental, and academic roles
• Purdue’s Health Equity Initiatives and the HEAL Center’s community impact
• Communicating science and building public trust during crises
• How collaborations like the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium can address disparities nationwide

Resources Mentioned:

• Center for Community Health Empowerment and Learning (HEAL)
• Purdue University Health Empowerment Initiatives
• Surviving COVID: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Family, Your Community, and Yourself Safe - by Dr. Jerome Adams
• Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Spotlight on Opioids
• Big Ten CRC Health Equity Resources
• Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium