As the Trump administration takes office, many Americans are concerned about potential changes to healthcare policies and their impact on public health. Former commissioner of public health for Washington, DC Reed Tuckson, MD, FACP and Harvard-educated Emergency Medicine physician Melissa Clarke, MD—two prominent public health experts—shared their insights on how communities can prepare for and respond to these shifts.
On Dr. Clarke’s show “Excuse Me, Doctor,” Dr. Tuckson emphasized the far-reaching effects of Presidential administrations on healthcare: “The President can do with their administration is to set the tone, the goals, whether or not we are, as a country, are dedicated to making sure that everyone possible can optimize their health and live the greatest possible life that they can.” He expressed concern that the current administration “is not particularly interested in that as a priority” and “could care less about equity.”
Potential Medicaid cuts
One major area of concern is potential changes to Medicaid. Dr. Tuckson explained: “Medicaid is the nation’s public health insurance program for people with low income. It covers more than one in five Americans, ninety million people, including many with complex and costly needs for care.” He warned that the program “is going to be attacked” as the administration looks for ways to cut spending to fund tax cuts.
To combat these potential cuts, Dr. Tuckson urged citizens to engage with their state legislators: “I’m urging everyone in your audience to get tight with your local state legislators and have them be really ready to make the arguments to the governor of your state so that we can at least try to prevent this horrible thing before it happens.”
The role of community engagement
Both doctors stressed the importance of community engagement and education in addressing these challenges. Dr. Tuckson emphatically stated: “I really, really beg every one of you to do two things. Number one, go to your local community-based organizations and volunteer. ‘What can I do to help you?’ Be a part of the movement of community assets on the ground.” He added, “If Black lives matter, they gotta matter to us first. And that means we’ve got to support [ourselves] and stop waiting for somebody else to come in on a white horse and save us.”
The need for science education
Dr. Tuckson also emphasized the critical role of science education: “We cannot continue to turn out young people into young adulthood who do not understand the basic science of scientific principles and don’t understand the science around how health is administered.” He urged listeners to support local science teachers and their budgets.
Dr. Clarke echoed this sentiment, adding that science education is not just about understanding but also about fostering leadership: “Not just to understand, but also to lead the next Kizzmekia Corbett. Right? The next George Washington Carver, the next, you know? That’s what we need.”
Despite the challenges ahead, both doctors expressed cautious optimism. Dr. Tuckson reflected on historical precedents: “History also tells us that you can come out of it, that you can move forward, that there is reason for hope, there is reason for optimism.” He pointed to the power of media and public awareness in driving change: “I have a feeling that if they do the things as horrible as they are saying they’re going to do… I have to have a feeling that we are not such a country that would be that callous.”
As communities navigate these uncertain times, the doctors’ advice is clear: stay informed, engage with local representatives and organizations, support science education, and work together to protect public health for all Americans.