From Pain to Power: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on Healing and Prevention

Live from PCA America’s 2025 National Conference in Portland, award-winning physician, researcher, and former California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris shares why prevention is both deeply personal and profoundly professional. Reflecting on her own healing journey, she reveals how the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has not only shaped her groundbreaking public health leadership but also transformed how she parents and breaks intergenerational cycles of trauma.Dr. Burke Harris tackles outdated narratives that keep systems from acting, calls out the dangers of letting fear override vision, and explains why every sector—from healthcare to business to education—has a stake in prevention.“Our source of pain is also the source of our superpowers. When we come together strategically, play our part, and stay organized, we can make transformative change.” – Dr. Nadine Burke HarrisThis episode is both an inspiring call to action and a practical roadmap: prioritize self-care, replace fear with courage, and harness our collective power to build a future where every child can thrive.Subscribe for more episodes