An interview with Professor Winston Morgan, Professor of Toxicology, Equity and Inclusive Practice at the University of East London.
Confronting Racism: Health Inequities, Sickle Cell Challenges, and Academic Gatekeeping
In this compelling episode of the Public Health Tackling Racism and Inequality Program podcast, host Lee Pinkerton engages with Professor Winston Morgan from the University of East London. They delve into the impacts of racism on public health and academic careers, discussing the ADPH London position statement and exploring strategies to combat systemic barriers.
The conversation touches on the psychological and physiological effects of racism, such as chronic stress contributing to premature aging and disease vulnerability. Highlighting new advancements, the episode also covers promising gene therapy for sickle cell disease and addresses the biases and training gaps in healthcare that affect treatment quality. Throughout, the importance of increasing diversity among healthcare professionals and understanding the broader societal factors influencing health disparities are emphasized.
00:00 Introduction to the Public Health Tackling Racism and Inequality Program
00:33 Themes for Action Development
01:01 Podcast Series Overview
01:43 Guest Introduction: Professor Winston Morgan
02:32 Professor Morgan's Academic Journey
03:06 Challenges in Academia
08:47 Supporting Students and Overcoming Barriers
11:47 Research on Racism and Public Health
15:44 The Impact of Discrimination on Health
17:12 Understanding the John Henryism Effect
18:34 Exploring Sickle Cell Research
20:43 Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell
24:04 Challenges in Sickle Cell Treatment
28:51 Genetic Diversity and Health Inequalities
