Leah Pierson
@leahpierson.bsky.social
Internal medicine resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital | Interested in ethics, priority setting, and global health | co-host of @biounethical.bsky.social: biounethical.com
New episode of Bio(un)ethical is out now, with @jbcarmody.bsky.social!
Bryan Carmody: Are doctor shortages real?
We discuss:
- Why people think there aren't enough doctors
- Why many access problems reflect misallocation (vs shortages)
- What models projecting shortages miss
- AI (the 🐘 in the 🏥)
Bryan Carmody: Are doctor shortages real?
We discuss:
- Why people think there aren't enough doctors
- Why many access problems reflect misallocation (vs shortages)
- What models projecting shortages miss
- AI (the 🐘 in the 🏥)
July 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
New episode of Bio(un)ethical is out now, with @jbcarmody.bsky.social!
Bryan Carmody: Are doctor shortages real?
We discuss:
- Why people think there aren't enough doctors
- Why many access problems reflect misallocation (vs shortages)
- What models projecting shortages miss
- AI (the 🐘 in the 🏥)
Bryan Carmody: Are doctor shortages real?
We discuss:
- Why people think there aren't enough doctors
- Why many access problems reflect misallocation (vs shortages)
- What models projecting shortages miss
- AI (the 🐘 in the 🏥)
4) How should the ethical principles be implemented?
At each stage of priority setting—preparation, prioritization, and follow-up—the four principles can be applied. See page 30 (in PDF) for practical guidance on implementing them.
At each stage of priority setting—preparation, prioritization, and follow-up—the four principles can be applied. See page 30 (in PDF) for practical guidance on implementing them.
June 23, 2025 at 2:24 PM
4) How should the ethical principles be implemented?
At each stage of priority setting—preparation, prioritization, and follow-up—the four principles can be applied. See page 30 (in PDF) for practical guidance on implementing them.
At each stage of priority setting—preparation, prioritization, and follow-up—the four principles can be applied. See page 30 (in PDF) for practical guidance on implementing them.
3) What key ethical principles should guide the priority-setting process?
These four:
These four:
June 23, 2025 at 2:24 PM
3) What key ethical principles should guide the priority-setting process?
These four:
These four:
The WHO guidance on the ethics of health research priority setting is out today!
It was a privilege to be a part of the expert writing group (led by Joe Millum) over the past two years.
I think the guidance is practical and important, especially now.
Short thread + link below!
It was a privilege to be a part of the expert writing group (led by Joe Millum) over the past two years.
I think the guidance is practical and important, especially now.
Short thread + link below!
June 23, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The WHO guidance on the ethics of health research priority setting is out today!
It was a privilege to be a part of the expert writing group (led by Joe Millum) over the past two years.
I think the guidance is practical and important, especially now.
Short thread + link below!
It was a privilege to be a part of the expert writing group (led by Joe Millum) over the past two years.
I think the guidance is practical and important, especially now.
Short thread + link below!
Friends of Cornwall
June 6, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Friends of Cornwall
Proud to have graduated from Harvard’s MD/PhD program, and to join the physicians and researchers committed to building a brighter future.
May 30, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Proud to have graduated from Harvard’s MD/PhD program, and to join the physicians and researchers committed to building a brighter future.
March 21, 2025 at 6:17 PM
The final episode of Biounethical season 2 is out now!
Rachel Fraser: How your social world shapes what you know
We discuss whether experiences of oppression give people special insight, whether this insight can be shared, and what policy implications this might have.
Links ⬇️
Rachel Fraser: How your social world shapes what you know
We discuss whether experiences of oppression give people special insight, whether this insight can be shared, and what policy implications this might have.
Links ⬇️
March 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The final episode of Biounethical season 2 is out now!
Rachel Fraser: How your social world shapes what you know
We discuss whether experiences of oppression give people special insight, whether this insight can be shared, and what policy implications this might have.
Links ⬇️
Rachel Fraser: How your social world shapes what you know
We discuss whether experiences of oppression give people special insight, whether this insight can be shared, and what policy implications this might have.
Links ⬇️
Our new episode of Biounethical Podcast is out today!
Emily Largent and Govind Persad: Is Bioethics Okay?
(Writing questions for this was frankly a blast.)
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Veq...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Emily Largent and Govind Persad: Is Bioethics Okay?
(Writing questions for this was frankly a blast.)
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Veq...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
February 27, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Our new episode of Biounethical Podcast is out today!
Emily Largent and Govind Persad: Is Bioethics Okay?
(Writing questions for this was frankly a blast.)
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Veq...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Emily Largent and Govind Persad: Is Bioethics Okay?
(Writing questions for this was frankly a blast.)
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Veq...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
We interviewed former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on
Bio(un)ethical about US public health infrastructure, lessons learned from COVID, and how prepared we are for the next pandemic.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0oDt...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
biounethical.com
Bio(un)ethical about US public health infrastructure, lessons learned from COVID, and how prepared we are for the next pandemic.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0oDt...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
biounethical.com
January 28, 2025 at 5:32 PM
We interviewed former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on
Bio(un)ethical about US public health infrastructure, lessons learned from COVID, and how prepared we are for the next pandemic.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0oDt...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
biounethical.com
Bio(un)ethical about US public health infrastructure, lessons learned from COVID, and how prepared we are for the next pandemic.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0oDt...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
biounethical.com
New Bio(un)ethical episode is out!
Quayshawn Spencer: What is race?
We discuss the philosophy of race, why he’s a radical racial pluralist, and the implications of his views for scientific research and medicine.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1EBb...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
Quayshawn Spencer: What is race?
We discuss the philosophy of race, why he’s a radical racial pluralist, and the implications of his views for scientific research and medicine.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1EBb...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
January 15, 2025 at 2:51 PM
New Bio(un)ethical episode is out!
Quayshawn Spencer: What is race?
We discuss the philosophy of race, why he’s a radical racial pluralist, and the implications of his views for scientific research and medicine.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1EBb...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
Quayshawn Spencer: What is race?
We discuss the philosophy of race, why he’s a radical racial pluralist, and the implications of his views for scientific research and medicine.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1EBb...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1...
We recently wrote an article responding to commentaries on our Views in Bioethics Survey (VIBeS).
Next month, four of us will have a conversation on Bio(un)ethical about the state of bioethics, and how to address its challenges. (You can submit questions!)
x.com/leah_pierson...
Next month, four of us will have a conversation on Bio(un)ethical about the state of bioethics, and how to address its challenges. (You can submit questions!)
x.com/leah_pierson...
December 27, 2024 at 5:38 PM
We recently wrote an article responding to commentaries on our Views in Bioethics Survey (VIBeS).
Next month, four of us will have a conversation on Bio(un)ethical about the state of bioethics, and how to address its challenges. (You can submit questions!)
x.com/leah_pierson...
Next month, four of us will have a conversation on Bio(un)ethical about the state of bioethics, and how to address its challenges. (You can submit questions!)
x.com/leah_pierson...
Our new episode of Bio(un)ethical is out today!
Jeff McMahan: On the ethics of choosing our children's genes
Some things we discuss:
- whether/when/how we should control the genetic outcomes of our children
- treatment vs enhancement
- reproductive technologies and injustice
Links below ⬇️
Jeff McMahan: On the ethics of choosing our children's genes
Some things we discuss:
- whether/when/how we should control the genetic outcomes of our children
- treatment vs enhancement
- reproductive technologies and injustice
Links below ⬇️
December 17, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Our new episode of Bio(un)ethical is out today!
Jeff McMahan: On the ethics of choosing our children's genes
Some things we discuss:
- whether/when/how we should control the genetic outcomes of our children
- treatment vs enhancement
- reproductive technologies and injustice
Links below ⬇️
Jeff McMahan: On the ethics of choosing our children's genes
Some things we discuss:
- whether/when/how we should control the genetic outcomes of our children
- treatment vs enhancement
- reproductive technologies and injustice
Links below ⬇️
My cat, Lulu, participated in a cookie contest (submission: Lulu Lemons)
December 15, 2024 at 10:38 PM
My cat, Lulu, participated in a cookie contest (submission: Lulu Lemons)
Episode 14 of Bio(un)ethical is out now!
James Diao: When should race be used in medical algorithms?
Some things we discuss:
- Criteria for the inclusion/exclusion of race in clinical algorithms
- The implications of removing race from two algorithms
- Common themes + failure modes
(Links below)
James Diao: When should race be used in medical algorithms?
Some things we discuss:
- Criteria for the inclusion/exclusion of race in clinical algorithms
- The implications of removing race from two algorithms
- Common themes + failure modes
(Links below)
December 10, 2024 at 3:55 PM
Episode 14 of Bio(un)ethical is out now!
James Diao: When should race be used in medical algorithms?
Some things we discuss:
- Criteria for the inclusion/exclusion of race in clinical algorithms
- The implications of removing race from two algorithms
- Common themes + failure modes
(Links below)
James Diao: When should race be used in medical algorithms?
Some things we discuss:
- Criteria for the inclusion/exclusion of race in clinical algorithms
- The implications of removing race from two algorithms
- Common themes + failure modes
(Links below)
She loves podcast editing because the laptop overheats
December 4, 2024 at 10:02 PM
She loves podcast editing because the laptop overheats
planning a trip with doctors be like
November 29, 2024 at 2:57 PM
planning a trip with doctors be like
Happy Thanksgiving!!
If you're wondering whether to defer to your relatives on moral matters today, check out the new episode of Bio(un)ethical.
www.biounethical.com/episodes/epi...
If you're wondering whether to defer to your relatives on moral matters today, check out the new episode of Bio(un)ethical.
www.biounethical.com/episodes/epi...
November 28, 2024 at 6:25 PM
Happy Thanksgiving!!
If you're wondering whether to defer to your relatives on moral matters today, check out the new episode of Bio(un)ethical.
www.biounethical.com/episodes/epi...
If you're wondering whether to defer to your relatives on moral matters today, check out the new episode of Bio(un)ethical.
www.biounethical.com/episodes/epi...
New Bio(un)ethical episode is out now!
Sarah McGrath: Are there moral experts?
We discuss how moral expertise is similar to/different from empirical expertise, why moral deference is controversial, and whether bioethicists are moral experts.
open.spotify.com/episode/6R43...
Sarah McGrath: Are there moral experts?
We discuss how moral expertise is similar to/different from empirical expertise, why moral deference is controversial, and whether bioethicists are moral experts.
open.spotify.com/episode/6R43...
November 27, 2024 at 9:18 PM
New Bio(un)ethical episode is out now!
Sarah McGrath: Are there moral experts?
We discuss how moral expertise is similar to/different from empirical expertise, why moral deference is controversial, and whether bioethicists are moral experts.
open.spotify.com/episode/6R43...
Sarah McGrath: Are there moral experts?
We discuss how moral expertise is similar to/different from empirical expertise, why moral deference is controversial, and whether bioethicists are moral experts.
open.spotify.com/episode/6R43...
I think I may stick around here, so just to introduce myself:
I am a final year MD/PhD student at Harvard. I made a diagram summarizing what I mostly work on/post about.
(It does not include cats, but they will be featured too.)
I am a final year MD/PhD student at Harvard. I made a diagram summarizing what I mostly work on/post about.
(It does not include cats, but they will be featured too.)
November 27, 2024 at 4:41 PM
I think I may stick around here, so just to introduce myself:
I am a final year MD/PhD student at Harvard. I made a diagram summarizing what I mostly work on/post about.
(It does not include cats, but they will be featured too.)
I am a final year MD/PhD student at Harvard. I made a diagram summarizing what I mostly work on/post about.
(It does not include cats, but they will be featured too.)
4) It is easy to think of school as a means to an end, but you'll be happier (and, I think, do more impactful work) if you try to think of it as the destination.
November 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM
4) It is easy to think of school as a means to an end, but you'll be happier (and, I think, do more impactful work) if you try to think of it as the destination.
3) There is a big difference between an okay therapist and a great therapist.
November 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM
3) There is a big difference between an okay therapist and a great therapist.
2) The decisions you make in your personal life will have as much bearing on your professional success as the decisions you make in your professional life.
November 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM
2) The decisions you make in your personal life will have as much bearing on your professional success as the decisions you make in your professional life.
1) It's important to find friends who can serve as informal mentors ("frientors").
Frientors are people who you can consult on very rough drafts, delicate interpersonal issues, and early stage ideas.
Frientors are people who you can consult on very rough drafts, delicate interpersonal issues, and early stage ideas.
November 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM
1) It's important to find friends who can serve as informal mentors ("frientors").
Frientors are people who you can consult on very rough drafts, delicate interpersonal issues, and early stage ideas.
Frientors are people who you can consult on very rough drafts, delicate interpersonal issues, and early stage ideas.
A weird glimpse into how hard it is to publicly advocate for animal welfare
November 22, 2024 at 6:12 PM
A weird glimpse into how hard it is to publicly advocate for animal welfare