In this conversation, Michael Friend, Founder and CEO of the Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine, discusses the critical role of precision medicine and CRISPR technology in addressing health disparities, particularly in minority communities. He shares his personal journey, the challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease, and the importance of building trust in healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, youth involvement, and advocacy to drive change in the healthcare landscape.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Precision Medicine and CRISPR
03:00 Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Its Challenges
06:00 The Role of CRISPR in Healthcare
09:02 The Importance of Trust in Healthcare for Minorities
11:59 The Coalition's Mission and Community Engagement
14:56 Overcoming Skepticism Around Precision Medicine
18:01 The Tipping Point for CRISPR and Public Awareness
21:12 Future of Precision Medicine and Business Models
23:49 Advocacy and Personal Motivation
27:03 Engaging Youth in Healthcare Conversations
30:05 Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers
33:11 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Michael Friend
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder & CEO
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-friend-/
• Company / Affiliation: Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine
• Guest's Bio: Michael Friend is a U.S. veteran and founder of the Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine (MCPM), dedicated to ensuring precision medicine serves all communities, not just the privileged few. Inspired by his East Baltimore roots and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, Michael fights for health equity through coalition-building, youth education, and advocacy in areas like CRISPR, sickle cell disease, and microbiome science. His work is a mission of justice, remembrance, and redemption, amplifying voices long ignored in healthcare.

Takeaways:

• Michael Friend is the CEO of the Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine.
• The coalition aims to reduce health disparities in minority communities.
• Sickle cell disease is a painful and complex condition.
• CRISPR technology has the potential to reshape healthcare.
• Building trust in healthcare is crucial for minority communities.
• Community engagement is essential for awareness and education.
• Skepticism around precision medicine exists but is changing.
• Youth involvement is vital for the future of healthcare.
• Private-public partnerships are necessary for innovation.
• Advocacy and personal motivation drive change in healthcare.