Phantom Plague

Welcome back, dear colleague!

Stories have the power to change minds, shift policies, and spark movements.

• In public health, storytelling isn’t just about communication—it’s about saving lives.

• The way we talk about diseases, health inequities, and systemic failures can determine whether communities receive the care they need or continue to suffer in silence.

Few understand this better than Vidya Krishnan, an investigative journalist whose work has uncovered the hidden forces shaping global health. 

• Her book The Phantom Plague: How Tuberculosis Shaped History explores and traces the history of tuberculosis, revealing how it evolved from a mystery disease to a modern global threat, fueled by systemic injustice, science denialism, and the failures of public health policy.

• Krishnan has spent two decades covering global health and infectious diseases for Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, The Caravan, and The Hindu, where she was previously health editor. Her reporting has spotlighted the right to health movement, tuberculosis, and the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized communities.

• Her reporting sheds light on who gets access to care—and who is left behind.

• Harvard Public Health Magazine named Phantom Plague one of the Best Public Health Books and Journalism of 2022.

Now, you can hear from her during the The Power of Public Health Storytelling online event on March 4th, from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm. 

• This online event, hosted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in partnership with the Center for Health Communication, will provide insights and expert knowledge on the power of storytelling and explore how voices and stories can help transform public health.

• We’re excited that our very own Pedja Stojicic will be one of the featured speakers!

Join this insightful discussion HERE!

5 Key Practices for Building Strong Clinician-Led Teams

Clinicians leading advocacy efforts often face challenges in organizing teams, making strategic decisions, and driving real change. That’s why we’ve created this checklist to help you build and sustain effective clinician-led teams.

Here are five essential practices to enhance your leadership and impact:

🔹 Making Meetings Matter

Meetings should be purposeful and productive. Here’s how to ensure every meeting drives results: 

• Only meet when necessary—clarify the purpose and ensure the right people are involved.

• Set an agenda—no agenda, no meeting! Keep discussions on track.

• Start with a check-in—a simple question like “What’s one success this week?” creates connection.

• Close with pluses and deltas—reflect on what worked and what needs improvement.

🔹 Cultivating Strong Relationships

Effective teams are built on trust and connection. Strengthen your relationships by:

• Welcoming new members—pair them with a mentor or buddy.

• Connecting them with 3-5 existing members—build early bonds.

• Training in 1:1 relationship-building—meaningful conversations drive engagement.

• Scheduling regular check-ins—small, consistent interactions make a big difference.

• Celebrating wins—acknowledge efforts, both big and small.

🔹 Acting on Your Values

Values should be more than words—they should guide action. Embed them by:

• Turning values into action—align daily work with your core mission.

• Celebrating value-driven actions—highlight those who exemplify the organization’s values.

• Providing hands-on training—equip members with skills that reinforce your principles.

🔹 Building Accountability in Teams

Accountability builds trust, reliability, and progress. Here’s how to build it into your team culture:

• Develop fun accountability norms—late to a meeting? Share a joke or inspiring quote!

• Make accountability a team effort—review commitments together.

• Embrace tension—healthy conflict can spark innovation and growth.

🔹 Dynamic Strategizing

The bottom line: Strategy isn’t a fixed plan—it’s an evolving process. Stay adaptable with these steps:

• Make strategy a verb—continuously refine your approach.

• Embrace uncertainty—change is inevitable; use it as an opportunity to innovate.

• Value different perspectives—respect and leverage expertise within your team.

By implementing these practices, you’ll create a stronger, more effective clinician-led organization ready to drive real change.

Practice Teams are Built for Action

One of the most powerful ways to implement this is through Practice Teams—focused, action-oriented groups that bring like-minded professionals together to collaborate, support each other, and drive change. And the good news is - we’ve made Practice Teams available in our Courageous Clinicians Community!

Here’s what you’ll find in our Practice Teams: 

✔ Small, dedicated groups—Join a team aligned with your passion.

• So far, we’ve created teams for Mental Health, Climate Crisis, Narrative Leadership, Immunization and more!

✔ Live discussions & strategy sessions—Engage in bi-weekly meetings to discuss challenges and share best practices.

• Have a great idea that will bring positive change to healthcare?

• Share it with your peers and create an action plan in your next meeting!

✔ Real-world impact—Move beyond discussion and into action with coordinated efforts that influence policies, institutions, and communities.
✔ Mentorship & collaboration—Learn from experienced leaders and peers who share your commitment to making healthcare better.

The Courageous Clinicians Community is here to help you build advocacy skills, connect with peers and take real action in healthcare and Practice Teams give you the space and support to do it.

📅 Doors open March 10th. Be part of something bigger.

Sign up HERE!

Until next time,

People Power Health Team