Michael Friend

In this conversation, Michael Friend, Founder and CEO of the Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine, discusses the critical role of precision medicine and CRISPR technology in addressing health disparities, particularly in minority communities. He shares his personal journey, the challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease, and the importance of building trust in healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, youth involvement, and advocacy to drive change in the healthcare landscape.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Precision Medicine and CRISPR03:00 Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Its Challenges06:00 The Role of CRISPR in Healthcare09:02 The Importance of Trust in Healthcare for Minorities11:59 The Coalition's Mission and Community Engagement14:56 Overcoming Skepticism Around Precision Medicine18:01 The Tipping Point for CRISPR and Public Awareness21:12 Future of Precision Medicine and Business Models23:49 Advocacy and Personal Motivation27:03 Engaging Youth in Healthcare Conversations30:05 Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers33:11 Conclusion and Future OutlookGuest Information:Guest's Name: Michael FriendGuest's Title/Position: Founder & CEOGuest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-friend-/Company / Affiliation: Minority Coalition for Precision MedicineGuest's Bio: Michael Friend is a U.S. veteran and founder of the Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine (MCPM), dedicated to ensuring precision medicine serves all communities, not just the privileged few. Inspired by his East Baltimore roots and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, Michael fights for health equity through coalition-building, youth education, and advocacy in areas like CRISPR, sickle cell disease, and microbiome science. His work is a mission of justice, remembrance, and redemption, amplifying voices long ignored in healthcare.Takeaways:Michael Friend is the CEO of the Minority Coalition for Precision Medicine.The coalition aims to reduce health disparities in minority communities.Sickle cell disease is a painful and complex condition.CRISPR technology has the potential to reshape healthcare.Building trust in healthcare is crucial for minority communities.Community engagement is essential for awareness and education.Skepticism around precision medicine exists but is changing.Youth involvement is vital for the future of healthcare.Private-public partnerships are necessary for innovation.Advocacy and personal motivation drive change in healthcare.