On Wednesday night, physicians, researchers, CEOs, reporters and other prominent figures gathered in downtown Boston to celebrate the STATUS List 2024 of STAT. The event showcased the honorees from this year as well as a few past honorees who shared their insights on the critical issues that need to be prioritized to improve healthcare in the U.S. and worldwide.
One of the main themes discussed was equity and inclusion in medical science. Jonathan Jackson, an honoree from 2023 and the executive director of the Community Access, Recruitment, and Engagement Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School emphasized the importance of moving research away from elite institutions to achieve true equity. He highlighted how marginalized populations are often overlooked in research and advocacy efforts.
Stuart Orkin, a professor at Harvard Medical School pointed out how powerful institutions like National Institutes of Health (NIH) and pharmaceutical industry have underinvested in sickle cell research for many years. His research laid the foundation for Vertex’s groundbreaking gene therapy for sickle cell disease which predominantly affects Black individuals. Orkin has become an advocate for equity in research and healthcare, highlighting the importance of addressing disparities in health outcomes among different populations.
The panelists also discussed other issues such as drug pricing regulation and patient-centered care. They emphasized how these issues impact patient care, safety and affordability.
Overall, it was an engaging discussion that brought together leaders from various fields to discuss important issues facing healthcare today. The event was a celebration of innovation and leadership while also highlighting areas where more work needs to be done to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.