November 21, 2014

Two from UABSOM to speak at TEDxBirminghamSalon Dec. 8

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Two speakers from the UAB School of Medicine will share their ideas on poverty at the next TEDxBirminghamSalon event on Monday, Dec. 8. Stefan Kertesz, M.D., an associate professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine, and Ynhi Thai, a second-year medical student, will explore “Ripples”— conversations that disrupt the status quo—from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Trim Tab Brewing, 2721 5th Ave. South.

Kertesz, whose research interests include medical care for homeless individuals and other underserved populations, directs a special primary care clinic focused on homeless veterans at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. His talk, titled “We don’t need heroes to be helpful,” suggests that a public focus on heroic contributors is a distraction and that a few common sense ideas can help anyone make a difference to others in need.

Thai is a co-founder of Rethink Coverage, a non-profit advocacy organization gathering stories from people without health insurance. She will address the assumptions made about uninsured and underserved individuals, and how those attitudes can hinder a person’s potential and keep society from moving forward. Her talk, “How our assumptions constrain society,” will explore how assumptions can be transformed into empathy for others and a commitment to help individuals succeed in everyday encounters.

A limited number of tickets will go on sale Monday, Nov.24 at noon.  Tickets are $10 and include a TEDx Birmingham Salon t-shirt (supplies are limited).