Joel Bervell, MD, a 2025 graduate of the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, has been named to the inaugural TIME100 Creators list, recognizing him as one of the most influential digital voices of the year.
Known to his 1.3 million followers as the “medical mythbuster,” Bervell uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to challenge health disparities, debunk medical misinformation, and empower patients to advocate for themselves. He also hosts “The Dose” podcast with the Commonwealth Fund to discuss fresh ideas about the future of health care.
Bervell’s inclusion on the TIME100 list is the latest in a series of national accolades. He was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and garnered a Peabody Award for his innovative use of digital storytelling to illuminate the real-world impact of bias in medicine. His work has been featured on TODAY, TED, and other national forums.
The recognition is “a powerful reminder of how unconventional platforms like social media can meet patients where they are, reshape medicine, and spark change,” Bervell said.
A Ghanaian-American, Bervell has long been driven by a mission to make medicine more accessible for students who are underrepresented in the field. His animated YouTube series, The Doctor Is In, aims to inspire young students to pursue careers in STEM.
At WSU, Bervell founded the Coug Health Academic Mentoring Program (CHAMP), a student-led initiative that aims to connect medical students with high school students across Washington. He also served as president of WSU’s Medical Student Council and chapter of the Student National Medical Association.
Now with a medical degree in hand, Bervell plans to stay in Washington to complete his training through an internal medicine residency. The specialty aligns with his passion for connecting with patients and solving complex puzzles, he noted.
“My journey to choosing a specialty has been shaped by a deep commitment to health equity, patient advocacy, and a desire to bridge gaps in care—whether through direct patient interactions or systemic change,” Bervell said.
From the airwaves to the exam room, Bervell remains committed to using every tool at his disposal to build a better health care system for all.