Race, Violence & Medicine

What would you do in the aftermath of a disaster such as a mass shooting? Dr. Josh Bobko, founder of First CARE Provider, describes the work his organization does to equip bystanders with the knowledge to serve as first responders.

While our group waited for a table for Sunday brunch, Dr. Vania Bright, a sociologist visiting from Minneapolis, MN, had me enthralled discussing her dissertation on human trafficking. Once I learned she had a flight to catch in a few hours, and with time on our hands, we continued our discussion on the record. Listen to Dr. Bright reframe the narrative on human trafficking, and deconstruct stereotypes that are a disservice to the exploited who are suffering in plain sight.

Dr. Simon Fitzgerald is a trauma surgeon in New York City, and hosts of one of my favorite podcasts - "Knife at the Gunfight." Join us as Dr Fitzgerald shares his thoughts about the intersection of the surgery, violence, and culture. You can follow Dr. Fitzgerald on Twitter @SlyFitz. And don't forget to check out the latest at brianwilliamsmd.com.

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is senior minister of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Texas, and author of the book "Faith For The Unbeliever." I am also a member of his church. On a sunny Sunday afternoon following service, I cornered him to get his thoughts on the role religion can play in the pursuit of social justice. If you want to learn about "radical inclusivity" this episode is for you - whether you are a person of faith or not.

Learn more at BrianWilliamsMD.com.

Michael W. Waters is founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Dallas, Texas. As pastor, professor, award-winning author, activist, and social commentator, Waters’ words of hope and empowerment inspire national and international audiences.

Almas Muscatwalla believes that "worshiping God and serving humanity" are the only two purposes of life. She is the Executive Director of Faith Forward Dallas, an active member of the Ismaili Muslim Community, and serves on the board for the Dallas-Fort Worth Muslim Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC). In the middle of a cafe after the lunch rush, Almas shared why she works to strengthen relationships between peoples with diverse perspectives.

We visit with George Mason, senior pastor for the Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He shares his thoughts on the intersection of gun violence and religion, and how to have constructive dialogue with someone who believes in their "god-given right" to own a gun.

Bruce Bond is co-founder of the Common Ground Committee. It is a citizen-led initiative free of a political agenda and financial influences that is committed to “Bringing Light Not Heat To Public Discourse”.  Bruce brings together thought leaders and influencers of opposing opinions to show that people can work together and find common ground on important issues without compromising values.

David Henderson is a trial lawyer and world champion public speaker. Before his current role as a civil rights attorney, Dave served in the Special Crimes Division of the district attorney’s office. He has tried over 70 jury cases to a verdict, ranging from civil cases to human trafficking to capital murder. 

In 2010 David won the Toastmasters World Championship competing against over 30,000 contestants from 113 countries. Listen to him describe the emotional toll of litigating sex crime cases, and how public speaking makes him a better attorney.

Rome Madison epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit. He has scaled the mountain of adversity to become a genomic industry expert, author, public speaker, and more. Listen as he shares his story of tenacity, and breaks down the role precision medicine has in the future of cancer therapy.