Hey, I’m Dr. Joel Bervell. I’m a Peabody Award winning medical doctor who tells the stories medicine has left out.
On this channel, I uncover the hidden medical histories you never learned in school, break down the biases and inequities that still exist in healthcare today, and explore how we can make medicine more inclusive, one story at a time.
I started sharing these stories because I realized how much of medicine’s past and present has been overlooked. From the patients whose names were erased, to the discoveries that changed everything, to the people fighting for equity right now. This is where we remember, learn, and imagine something better.
If you’re curious about health equity, racism in medicine, science communication, or just love learning something that changes how you see the world, you’re in the right place.
🏆 TIME100 Creator, Forbes 30 Under 30, Peabody Award Winner & AdWeek Brand Genius
Subscribe here to make medicine more equitable.
Joel Bervell
Some news I’ve been waiting to share for a while… I’m officially joining MS NOW as a contributor and launching my own new weekly digital show, ‘Myth or Medicine!’
For years, I’ve been the “Medical Mythbuster” online, breaking down the health myths, misinformation, and biases that shape how we understand our bodies and our health. What started as me making videos in medical school has grown into a community of millions of people asking better questions about their health. And now, I get to bring that work to the new MS NOW Membership.
Every week on Myth or Medicine, I’ll be taking on the health claims taking over your feed. From viral wellness trends and influencer advice to MAHA claims and the health stories making headlines. Each time, I’ll ask one simple question: Is it myth… or medicine?
It’s pretty surreal to see something that started with me talking to a camera years ago become its own show. And I’m incredibly so so excited for what’s ahead.
New episodes of Myth or Medicine every week, exclusively for MS NOW Members. You can join at the link below. And new Members can save 50% through Sept. 30.* So… Let’s get mythbusting!
If there’s a topic you want me to tackle, let me know in the comments!
Link here: www.ms.now/membership?cid=social_owned_dtc_all_acq…
3 days ago | [YT] | 7,647
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Joel Bervell
These past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind!
One day I'm rounding on patients in the hospital, and the next I'm halfway across the world speaking about health equity, AI, and the future of medicine. It's been a surreal reminder that my career gets to exist in two very different worlds, and I'm incredibly grateful for both.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak at the Cannes Festival of Ideas (in Cannes, France), where I talked about the future of healthcare and culture alongside some incredible people. You’ll probably recognize some familiar faces from this photo dump!
Then, I headed to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where I joined an amazing panel to talk about AI in healthcare, why not all AI is created equal, and why conversations about the future of medicine need voices from patients, physicians, creators, and communities alike.
Lots of behind-the-scenes moments, a few photos from the stage, and yes... a handful of fun selfies too.
Feeling really thankful for opportunities like these. And then getting to come home and head right back to the hospital. It's a balance I never imagined I'd have, but one I wouldn't trade for anything.
2 months ago | [YT] | 11,987
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Joel Bervell
Our Webby Award finally arrived!
This belongs to all of us. Thank you for watching, sharing, commenting and helping these conversations reach millions of people. Because of this community, we've been able to shine a light on medical myths, health inequities, and the stories that deserve to be heard.
I'm so grateful for every one of you. Thank you for believing in this mission. Here’s to many more videos ahead!
2 months ago | [YT] | 4,174
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Joel Bervell
I’m incredibly excited (and honestly still a little shocked) to share that I’m writing my debut book: The Default Body.
For years, I’ve had the privilege of telling stories about medicine, history, and health equity through videos. But funny enough, when I was younger, I always wanted to be an author.
This book gives me the chance to go deeper than I ever could in 60 seconds. There’s so much to explore. From BMI to AI, from kidney and lung equations to women’s health, and the countless ways medicine has been shaped by who it was designed to serve.
I’m eternally grateful to everyone who has watched a video, shared your own story, challenged my thinking, or trusted me to help make sense of it all.
Time to get back to writing. The Default Body. Coming soon.
3 months ago | [YT] | 4,917
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Joel Bervell
Goodbye, 30.
A year of intern year chaos, difficult conversations, launching a children’s YouTube show, and so many moments I could never have imagined.
But the things I’ll remember most aren’t the flashy ones. They’re the messages from you all who felt seen, the students who decided medicine was for them, and reminders that a single story can change the way someone sees themselves, or someone else.
Thank you for reading, watching, sharing, and showing up. For making this work feel worth it on the hardest days.
Grateful for every single one of you who have been a part of this journey.
Here’s to 31.
3 months ago | [YT] | 16,007
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Joel Bervell
The past two days in Washington D.C. have been pretty surreal.
I had the opportunity to speak with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Noah Wyle about physician burnout, student debt, and the realities healthcare workers are facing right now. I met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for policies aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce. And I had the honor of speaking at the Healthcare is Human Rally about building a system that supports not just patients, but the people dedicating their lives to caring for them (I’ll be posting my full speech soon)
Really grateful to FIGS for creating space for these conversations and helping champion causes that improve health for everyone. Now time to head back to residency (and feeling a bit more grateful).
If you want to learn more about the causes we discussed check out advocacy.wearfigs.com/!
4 months ago | [YT] | 14,916
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Joel Bervell
We won a Webby!! From the exam room to the Webbys, and we’re just getting started.
Thank you to every single person who voted for me. It truly means so much. This award is ours.
2026 Fitness, Health & Wellness Creator 🎉
5 months ago | [YT] | 22,348
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Joel Bervell
Today is the LAST day to vote for me for a Webby Award in Fitness, Health and Wellness! I'm still behind, so I need your help. If you could take a few seconds a vote, it would mean the world. Thank you for being the best community online!
Here's the link: vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/creators/g…
5 months ago | [YT] | 8,773
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Joel Bervell
I’ve been nominated for a Webby Award in Fitness, Health & Wellness!
From breaking down racial bias in medicine, to uncovering the hidden and modern day history of healthcare, to building this community with all of you… This nomination is because of you.
If my work has ever taught you something, shifted your perspective, or helped you feel seen, I’d be so grateful for your vote.
It only takes a few seconds and you can vote here: vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/creators/g…
5 months ago | [YT] | 7,085
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Joel Bervell
Did you know I have a podcast called The Dose? Well… it’s back!🎙️
And for the season premiere, I interviewed the one and only Lupita Nyong’o (!!)
We talked about her journey with fibroids (she’s had 30+ removed), the need for more research around women’s health, and turning lived experience into advocacy.
Take a listen at the link below or anywhere you get your podcasts and let me know what you think 🙏🏾 it’s one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had.
www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/podcast/2026…
6 months ago | [YT] | 11,200
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