2026 Plenary Sessions

Why Should I Trust You? Rebuilding Trust in an Era of Scientific Uncertainty

Ms. Brinda Adhikari; Dr. Maggie Bartlett, PhD; Mr. Tom Johnson
Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10:45 AM Eastern Time

Trust has become one of the defining challenges facing medicine, public health, and bioethics. Across issues ranging from vaccines and artificial intelligence to food policy and chronic disease, patients and communities are increasingly questioning not only scientific conclusions, but also the institutions and experts behind them. Drawing from conversations with leading scientists, clinicians, policymakers, journalists, patients, and critics featured on Why Should I Trust You?, a weekly podcast that looks at the breakdown in trust for science and public, this plenary explores what trust is, why it has eroded, and how it can be rebuilt. Rather than asking how to persuade skeptical audiences, the session examines how trust is earned through transparency, humility, accountability, and genuine dialogue. Attendees will explore why people with the same evidence reach different conclusions, how lived experience and scientific evidence can coexist, and what bioethics can contribute to bridging polarization without sacrificing scientific rigor. Through stories, data, and practical examples, the session will challenge participants to rethink the relationship between expertise and public trust and to consider what responsibilities scientists, clinicians, institutions, and communities share in rebuilding it. The goal is not consensus on every issue, but a deeper understanding of how ethical leadership and trustworthy communication can strengthen science, improve health, and foster more productive conversations across disagreement.

Access over 100 episodes of the ‘Why Should I Trust You?’ podcast to explore lack of trust in public health and institutions and learn more about the session's speakers.

Bridging Advocacy and Healthcare: Reflections on Global Health

Dr. Gavin Yamey, MD MPH MA
Saturday, October 17, Noon - 1:30 PM Eastern Time

“The message is clear. Trump’s sudden disruption to funding disease control programs worldwide will wreak havoc,” wrote Dr. Gavin Yamey in a 2025 TIME column. Using his background as a clinician, medical journalist, and global health academic, Yamey has been a key voice representing healthcare workers for policymakers and the public. In an era in which healthcare is increasingly politicized, Yamey has remained firmly committed to his advocacy work, especially as it relates to pandemic response and the changing funding landscape for global health. In this session, we’ll hear from Yamey on weaving advocacy into his work, the importance of evidence-informed policy, and what obligations, if any, healthcare workers have to communicate their work to the public. 

Plenary Performances

Alana Jackson and Darius Daughtry

This year, each plenary session will be kicked off with a dynamic performance designed to complement and elevate the themes of each plenary session. Through poetry and reflection, these performances invite deeper connection, inspiration, and fresh perspectives.