From Pediatrician to Acting Surgeon General During COVID

In this episode, Dr. Devika Bhushan shares her journey from practicing pediatrician to serving as California’s Acting Surgeon General during one of the most turbulent periods in modern public health. Stepping into the role in the middle of COVID, she helped lead statewide efforts around trauma-informed care, crisis response, and rebuilding trust in health systems.She explains the science behind childhood trauma and stress biology, how misinformation erodes public confidence, and what it takes to communicate evidence with empathy. Dr. Bhushan also reflects on leadership, resilience, and why embracing our humanity may be the most important shift medicine needs right now.Want to share your story or launch your own medical podcast? Visit https://medstorystudio.com/ to learn how MedStory Studio helps physicians build their voice and expand their impact.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not represent the views of their employers. This episode is for informational and storytelling purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any personal medical concerns.Music Credits: Music for this episode comes from Blue Dot Sessions and the Descript Audio Library.Production Note: The MedStory Podcast is made possible by MedStory Studios and listeners like you.