Dr. Abdul El-Sayed: Vaccines, Science, and the Future of Children’s Health
Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins us for a candid conversation about what it takes to truly prioritize children’s health in today’s dangerous political climate. We explore the fight for COVID vaccine access as federal policies shift, how to challenge “health freedom” rhetoric that ultimately harms kids, and what practical steps parents and local advocates can take when national leadership falls short. Drawing on his experience as a physician, public health leader, and father, Abdul offers insights into the future of health policy — and what he pledges to fight for if elected.
This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about science, truth, and building a healthier future for the next generation.
As part of our 501(c)(3) nonpartisan commitment, Voices for Their Future has invited all officially declared candidates in the Michigan Senate race whose public contact information was available to participate in this series.
About Dr. Abdul El-Sayed
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is a physician, epidemiologist, educator, and former city and county health director. As Wayne County's Health Director, Abdul led efforts to erase $700 million in medical debt, build a state-of-the-art air quality monitoring system, and provide free glasses for children. Abdul hosts the award-winning “America Dissected” podcast, attracting tens of thousands of weekly listeners to go beyond the headlines to explore the intersection between health and society. His three books include “Healing Politics,” calling for a politics of empathy to cure our epidemic of insecurity, and “Medicare for All: A Citizen’s Guide” with Dr. Micah Johnson. His over 100 peer-reviewed publications have earned nearly 4,000 citations. He has held academic appointments at the intersection between public health, public policy, and politics at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, the FXB Center for Health & Human Rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Wayne State University, and American University. He is formerly a candidate for governor of Michigan in 2018, and commentator at CNN. He’s been a proud member of the National Writers Union, AFT Locals 477 and 6244, SEIU Local 500, and the AAUP.