Craig Spencer MD MPH
@craigspencer.bsky.social
ER Doctor | Ebola Survivor | Public Health & Humanitarian Response | Historical Determinants of Public Health at Brown School of Public Health | Member Council on Foreign Relations | Emmy Award Winner 🏆
Pinned
10 years ago today I walked out of the hospital after surviving Ebola.
Back then I begged the world to strengthen our response to that crisis and prepare for others.
I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned over the last decade.
And the role of the U.S. in global health🧵
Back then I begged the world to strengthen our response to that crisis and prepare for others.
I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned over the last decade.
And the role of the U.S. in global health🧵
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Remember Andrew Wakefield?
Here he is with his friend RFK Jr. in 2020.
Wakefield is the guy behind the fraudulent, retracted MMR–autism study. He lost his medical license for subjecting autistic children to unnecessary invasive procedures.
Now, with Kennedy in power, he’s getting a second act.
Here he is with his friend RFK Jr. in 2020.
Wakefield is the guy behind the fraudulent, retracted MMR–autism study. He lost his medical license for subjecting autistic children to unnecessary invasive procedures.
Now, with Kennedy in power, he’s getting a second act.
November 24, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Remember Andrew Wakefield?
Here he is with his friend RFK Jr. in 2020.
Wakefield is the guy behind the fraudulent, retracted MMR–autism study. He lost his medical license for subjecting autistic children to unnecessary invasive procedures.
Now, with Kennedy in power, he’s getting a second act.
Here he is with his friend RFK Jr. in 2020.
Wakefield is the guy behind the fraudulent, retracted MMR–autism study. He lost his medical license for subjecting autistic children to unnecessary invasive procedures.
Now, with Kennedy in power, he’s getting a second act.
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Sharing my latest article, published today in @statnews.com First Opinion
My co-author and I both lost our jobs and health insurance with #USAID this summer. Navigating the ACA marketplace taught us what millions face, & why behavioral & emotional science matters in healthcare access.
#HealthPolicy
My co-author and I both lost our jobs and health insurance with #USAID this summer. Navigating the ACA marketplace taught us what millions face, & why behavioral & emotional science matters in healthcare access.
#HealthPolicy
How emotions affect health care coverage decisions
Where logic and reason fail us, emotion takes over — including in choosing health care coverage.
www.statnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Sharing my latest article, published today in @statnews.com First Opinion
My co-author and I both lost our jobs and health insurance with #USAID this summer. Navigating the ACA marketplace taught us what millions face, & why behavioral & emotional science matters in healthcare access.
#HealthPolicy
My co-author and I both lost our jobs and health insurance with #USAID this summer. Navigating the ACA marketplace taught us what millions face, & why behavioral & emotional science matters in healthcare access.
#HealthPolicy
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Grateful to @gabbystern.bsky.social for joining us today to share insights about communication as a key infrastructure to support global health in a conversation moderated by @craigspencer.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Grateful to @gabbystern.bsky.social for joining us today to share insights about communication as a key infrastructure to support global health in a conversation moderated by @craigspencer.bsky.social
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
📣 Attention Brown University Community!
Join us on tomorrow @12PM for our Public Health in Practice Seminar.
@craigspencer.bsky.social will host @gabbystern.bsky.social for a conversation on health communication as essential infrastructure for global health
More: events.brown.edu/event/public...
Join us on tomorrow @12PM for our Public Health in Practice Seminar.
@craigspencer.bsky.social will host @gabbystern.bsky.social for a conversation on health communication as essential infrastructure for global health
More: events.brown.edu/event/public...
November 17, 2025 at 3:17 PM
📣 Attention Brown University Community!
Join us on tomorrow @12PM for our Public Health in Practice Seminar.
@craigspencer.bsky.social will host @gabbystern.bsky.social for a conversation on health communication as essential infrastructure for global health
More: events.brown.edu/event/public...
Join us on tomorrow @12PM for our Public Health in Practice Seminar.
@craigspencer.bsky.social will host @gabbystern.bsky.social for a conversation on health communication as essential infrastructure for global health
More: events.brown.edu/event/public...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Professor @craigspencer.bsky.social attended the Children’s Health Defense conference last weekend in Austin, Texas. Follow the link to read his sobering report on a movement he says is "exceptionally organized, disciplined, and determined."⤵️
I'm a physician who went to the anti-vaccine movement's biggest gathering. More of my colleagues should too
A pro-vaccine physician went to the anti-vaccine movement's biggest gathering. He warns that public health must learn what it's up against.
www.statnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Professor @craigspencer.bsky.social attended the Children’s Health Defense conference last weekend in Austin, Texas. Follow the link to read his sobering report on a movement he says is "exceptionally organized, disciplined, and determined."⤵️
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
This write-up of the CHD conference by @craigspencer.bsky.social really lands for me. As someone who has spent some time in these same spaces, I think he's done a good job explaining what's going on:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
I’m a physician who went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. More of my colleagues should too
A pro-vaccine physician went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. He warns that public health must learn what it’s up against.
www.statnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
This write-up of the CHD conference by @craigspencer.bsky.social really lands for me. As someone who has spent some time in these same spaces, I think he's done a good job explaining what's going on:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
I'm a very pro-vaccine physician.
Last weekend, I went to the biggest gathering of anti-vaxxers.
More of my public health colleagues should've been there.
I explain why for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
Last weekend, I went to the biggest gathering of anti-vaxxers.
More of my public health colleagues should've been there.
I explain why for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
I’m a physician who went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. More of my colleagues should too
A pro-vaccine physician went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. He warns that public health must learn what it’s up against.
www.statnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
I'm a very pro-vaccine physician.
Last weekend, I went to the biggest gathering of anti-vaxxers.
More of my public health colleagues should've been there.
I explain why for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
Last weekend, I went to the biggest gathering of anti-vaxxers.
More of my public health colleagues should've been there.
I explain why for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Thoughtful piece here, in which @craigspencer.bsky.social shows he is not afraid to share a room with people with whom he disagrees.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
I’m a physician who went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. More of my colleagues should too
A pro-vaccine physician went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. He warns that public health must learn what it’s up against.
www.statnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Thoughtful piece here, in which @craigspencer.bsky.social shows he is not afraid to share a room with people with whom he disagrees.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/c...
I was at the Children's Health Defense conference last weekend.
While there I sat down with Bret Weinstein, Pierre Kory, and @drmarkreports.bsky.social for a wide-ranging and respectful conversation.
We didn't agree on everything. But we need more of this.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
While there I sat down with Bret Weinstein, Pierre Kory, and @drmarkreports.bsky.social for a wide-ranging and respectful conversation.
We didn't agree on everything. But we need more of this.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
Live from Children's Health Defense Part 1 of 3: A Conversation w Dr. Bret Weinstein, Dr. Pierre Kory and Dr. Craig Spencer
Podcast Episode · Why Should I Trust You? · 11/09/2025 · 1h 16m
podcasts.apple.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:58 AM
I was at the Children's Health Defense conference last weekend.
While there I sat down with Bret Weinstein, Pierre Kory, and @drmarkreports.bsky.social for a wide-ranging and respectful conversation.
We didn't agree on everything. But we need more of this.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
While there I sat down with Bret Weinstein, Pierre Kory, and @drmarkreports.bsky.social for a wide-ranging and respectful conversation.
We didn't agree on everything. But we need more of this.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
🎙️ Public Health Needs to Get Off the Mat—Why It’s Time to Step Into the Political Fight
I joined the Why Should I Trust You? podcast for an 🇺🇸🗳️ Election Day special to talk about something we in public health often shy away from: politics.
Listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Wvw...
I joined the Why Should I Trust You? podcast for an 🇺🇸🗳️ Election Day special to talk about something we in public health often shy away from: politics.
Listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Wvw...
Election Day Special: Public Health Needs to Get Off the Mat & Join the Political Fight. A Conversation w Dr. Craig Spencer
open.spotify.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:32 PM
🎙️ Public Health Needs to Get Off the Mat—Why It’s Time to Step Into the Political Fight
I joined the Why Should I Trust You? podcast for an 🇺🇸🗳️ Election Day special to talk about something we in public health often shy away from: politics.
Listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Wvw...
I joined the Why Should I Trust You? podcast for an 🇺🇸🗳️ Election Day special to talk about something we in public health often shy away from: politics.
Listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Wvw...
Proud to coauthor this with my amazing friend and colleague, Dr. Tsion Firew.
All over Africa, quick fixes can save lives, but real progress in emergency care needs full systems—training, diagnostics, and sustainable funding.
Available at @jamanetworkopen.com.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
All over Africa, quick fixes can save lives, but real progress in emergency care needs full systems—training, diagnostics, and sustainable funding.
Available at @jamanetworkopen.com.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Raising the Standard for Emergency Medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa
Emergency conditions are responsible for half of all deaths globally, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries,1 where emergency medical systems remain severely underresourced. De...
jamanetwork.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Proud to coauthor this with my amazing friend and colleague, Dr. Tsion Firew.
All over Africa, quick fixes can save lives, but real progress in emergency care needs full systems—training, diagnostics, and sustainable funding.
Available at @jamanetworkopen.com.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
All over Africa, quick fixes can save lives, but real progress in emergency care needs full systems—training, diagnostics, and sustainable funding.
Available at @jamanetworkopen.com.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
If you’ve read the book recently, you’d know that the topic of conversation at last night’s White House ‘Gatsby Party’ was probably very similar to what Fitzgerald wrote in 1925.
November 1, 2025 at 11:10 PM
If you’ve read the book recently, you’d know that the topic of conversation at last night’s White House ‘Gatsby Party’ was probably very similar to what Fitzgerald wrote in 1925.
I wrote about the long-standing tension between medicine and public health, and how history shows that for public health to be impactful, it must be MORE political, not less.
Imagine a lot of folks will disagree with this. Would love to hear your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
Imagine a lot of folks will disagree with this. Would love to hear your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
When Public Health Forgot How to Fight
History shows that public health has never advanced by standing above politics—it’s advanced by wading into it.
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:48 PM
I wrote about the long-standing tension between medicine and public health, and how history shows that for public health to be impactful, it must be MORE political, not less.
Imagine a lot of folks will disagree with this. Would love to hear your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
Imagine a lot of folks will disagree with this. Would love to hear your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
A thoughtful response to presidential malpractice. Revisiting following Trump’s recent reiteration.
After yesterday’s rambling press conference on acetaminophen and autism, I wrote for TIME about the disastrous medical guidance offered by the president and why this was even worse than the ‘inject bleach’ press conference during Covid
OpEd and accompanying video interview👇
time.com/7319680/crai...
OpEd and accompanying video interview👇
time.com/7319680/crai...
Trump Is Breaking Americans’ Trust in Doctors
"The President riffed on claims so easily disproven that they bordered on absurd," writes Dr. Craig Spencer.
time.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:45 PM
A thoughtful response to presidential malpractice. Revisiting following Trump’s recent reiteration.
In this wonderful new piece @amitchandramd.bsky.social & Luke Shors dive into how eager-to-please models and hidden bias are eroding trust in health research and care.
If you’re worried about how AI, medicine and accountability intersect — this one’s essential!
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
If you’re worried about how AI, medicine and accountability intersect — this one’s essential!
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
When sycophancy and bias meet medicine
Biased, eager-to-please models threaten health research replicability and trust.
arstechnica.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:24 AM
In this wonderful new piece @amitchandramd.bsky.social & Luke Shors dive into how eager-to-please models and hidden bias are eroding trust in health research and care.
If you’re worried about how AI, medicine and accountability intersect — this one’s essential!
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
If you’re worried about how AI, medicine and accountability intersect — this one’s essential!
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
The history of the FDA is fascinating and frightening.
I wrote a post on what we covered today in my Historical Determinants of Public Health class.
Read it if you’re interested in why Coca Cola exists, how we used to give kids cocaine and morphine, and the like.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
I wrote a post on what we covered today in my Historical Determinants of Public Health class.
Read it if you’re interested in why Coca Cola exists, how we used to give kids cocaine and morphine, and the like.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
The FDA Was Built in Outrage
This is the story of Wiley’s Poison Squad, Sinclair’s Jungle, and the scandals that forced reform—and why we don't want to return to the bad old days.
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The history of the FDA is fascinating and frightening.
I wrote a post on what we covered today in my Historical Determinants of Public Health class.
Read it if you’re interested in why Coca Cola exists, how we used to give kids cocaine and morphine, and the like.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
I wrote a post on what we covered today in my Historical Determinants of Public Health class.
Read it if you’re interested in why Coca Cola exists, how we used to give kids cocaine and morphine, and the like.
open.substack.com/pub/craigasp...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
An eminent ER doctor says Trump’s shutdown talk mirrors “eugenics.”
Public Health Professor Warns Trump’s ‘Eugenics’ Policy Echoes Nazism
Eminent ER doctor says Trump’s shutdown push defies the law.
trib.al
October 18, 2025 at 12:49 AM
An eminent ER doctor says Trump’s shutdown talk mirrors “eugenics.”
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
October 2, 2025 at 10:44 PM
I teach a class on the history of public health. After every class, I write a summary of what we discuss. Thought I'd start sharing some of those reflections.
Here's the first on the long history of quarantine, confinement, and travel restrictions.
craigaspencer.substack.com/p/from-quara...
Here's the first on the long history of quarantine, confinement, and travel restrictions.
craigaspencer.substack.com/p/from-quara...
From Quarantine Islands to QR Codes: How Public Health Has Managed Mobility in Outbreaks
The politics of borders, bodies, and the enduring illusion of control
craigaspencer.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I teach a class on the history of public health. After every class, I write a summary of what we discuss. Thought I'd start sharing some of those reflections.
Here's the first on the long history of quarantine, confinement, and travel restrictions.
craigaspencer.substack.com/p/from-quara...
Here's the first on the long history of quarantine, confinement, and travel restrictions.
craigaspencer.substack.com/p/from-quara...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
I'm delighted to host @craigspencer.bsky.social at the University of Connecticut next week for a conversation about "Eugenics, Statistics, and AI: From Past to Present."
October 7th, 12:30pm. Join us if you're in northeastern CT!
events.uconn.edu/human-rights...
October 7th, 12:30pm. Join us if you're in northeastern CT!
events.uconn.edu/human-rights...
Eugenics, Statistics, and AI: From Past to Present
Dr. Craig Spencer (Brown University SPH) looks back at the history of eugenics in medicine to explore how lessons from the past can teach us about ...
events.uconn.edu
September 29, 2025 at 9:52 PM
I'm delighted to host @craigspencer.bsky.social at the University of Connecticut next week for a conversation about "Eugenics, Statistics, and AI: From Past to Present."
October 7th, 12:30pm. Join us if you're in northeastern CT!
events.uconn.edu/human-rights...
October 7th, 12:30pm. Join us if you're in northeastern CT!
events.uconn.edu/human-rights...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
“.. The President even said his recommendations were ‘based on what I feel.’ It was reckless guidance from a man with no medical training, delivered from the nation’s most powerful podium.”
@craigspencer.bsky.social
time.com/7319680/crai...
@craigspencer.bsky.social
time.com/7319680/crai...
September 24, 2025 at 1:18 AM
“.. The President even said his recommendations were ‘based on what I feel.’ It was reckless guidance from a man with no medical training, delivered from the nation’s most powerful podium.”
@craigspencer.bsky.social
time.com/7319680/crai...
@craigspencer.bsky.social
time.com/7319680/crai...
After yesterday’s rambling press conference on acetaminophen and autism, I wrote for TIME about the disastrous medical guidance offered by the president and why this was even worse than the ‘inject bleach’ press conference during Covid
OpEd and accompanying video interview👇
time.com/7319680/crai...
OpEd and accompanying video interview👇
time.com/7319680/crai...
Trump Is Breaking Americans’ Trust in Doctors
"The President riffed on claims so easily disproven that they bordered on absurd," writes Dr. Craig Spencer.
time.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
After yesterday’s rambling press conference on acetaminophen and autism, I wrote for TIME about the disastrous medical guidance offered by the president and why this was even worse than the ‘inject bleach’ press conference during Covid
OpEd and accompanying video interview👇
time.com/7319680/crai...
OpEd and accompanying video interview👇
time.com/7319680/crai...
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
“This is the worst ‘health’ press conference I maybe have ever seen. And I watched every one during Covid.” — @craigspencer.bsky.social
After RFK Jr & Trump claimed #Tylenol in pregnancy and #vaccines raise autism risk without evidence, doctors warn the MAHA agenda is eroding public health.
More ⤵️
After RFK Jr & Trump claimed #Tylenol in pregnancy and #vaccines raise autism risk without evidence, doctors warn the MAHA agenda is eroding public health.
More ⤵️
Autism, vaccines and paracetamol –how Trump and RFK created a policy from conspiracy
As Donald Trump uses the platform of the presidency to promote unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without giving new evidence, Alex Hannaford looks at the rise of Robert F Kennedy Jr’s...
www.independent.co.uk
September 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
“This is the worst ‘health’ press conference I maybe have ever seen. And I watched every one during Covid.” — @craigspencer.bsky.social
After RFK Jr & Trump claimed #Tylenol in pregnancy and #vaccines raise autism risk without evidence, doctors warn the MAHA agenda is eroding public health.
More ⤵️
After RFK Jr & Trump claimed #Tylenol in pregnancy and #vaccines raise autism risk without evidence, doctors warn the MAHA agenda is eroding public health.
More ⤵️
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Reposted by Craig Spencer MD MPH
Doctor @craigspencer.bsky.social argues that the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan amounts to one of its most consequential health policies, with an approach to data and research that risks hardwiring bias into American medicine. www.theatlantic.com/health/archi...
The Trump Administration Will Automate Health Inequities
By gatekeeping health data, the AI Action Plan risks hardwiring bias into the future of American medicine.
www.theatlantic.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Doctor @craigspencer.bsky.social argues that the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan amounts to one of its most consequential health policies, with an approach to data and research that risks hardwiring bias into American medicine. www.theatlantic.com/health/archi...