Perspectives on Science

Do Less Harm: Ethical Questions for Health Historians

In Do Less Harm, editors Courtney E. Thompson and Kylie M. Smith bring together a group of leading historians and scholars to confront one of the most pressing questions in health history: How can we ethically approach stories of medicine and health without perpetuating harm? This thought-provoking collection invites readers into a crucial conversation about the responsibilities of historians when documenting the past. Through carefully curated essays, the contributors explore the ethical dilemmas that arise in researching, teaching, and writing about the history of health care. From patient privacy to the politics of archives, the essays cover how health histories have often overlooked, misunderstood, or misrepresented the people and communities most affected by medical practices. The contributors challenge the assumptions of the field, offering a more thoughtful approach to historical research—one that emphasizes empathy, accountability, and inclusivity. The book raises provocative questions and proposes practical strategies for historians and scholars to do less harm in their work and is organized around key themes such as research, teaching, writing, and public engagement, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in the history of health care, ethics, or the health humanities. With its engaging style and accessible insights, Do Less Harm offers a fresh and timely perspective for academics, students, and readers interested in the ethical challenges of representing the past. Featuring Courtney E. Thompson, Mississippi State University Kylie M. Smith, Emory University Recorded on February 3, 2026 For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/do-less-harm-ethical-questions-health-historians#80906

Trans and Intersex Health from Past to Future

"Trans and Intersex Health from Past to Future" will bring together academics and activists to explore the history of trans and intersex people’s experiences of health and medicine in a global perspective. The discussion will examine histories of clinical practices, state policy, individual identity, and community making in the United States, and beyond. The panelists will reflect on how these histories can help us think about the present, and future, of trans and intersex health. Featuring Howard Chiang, Professor of East Asian Languages & Cultural Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara Dallas Denny, Activist and co-editor of “A History of Transgender Medicine in the United States” Zavier Nunn, Northwestern University Moderator Carlo Sariego, PhD Candidate in Sociology & Gender Studies, Yale University Rovel Sequeira, Assistant Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and English, University of Michigan Recorded on October 9, 2025 For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/2025-history-medicine-week#79804

Medicine Crossing Borders: Immigration and Health

"Medicine Crossing Borders" explores how issues of immigration, medicine, and health have intersected in the past and present. The panelists will discuss policy, public opinion, and medical practices that have shaped immigrant experiences as both patients and as practitioners. They will discuss race, citizenship, and access to care across time and place, and think through how these histories can help us understand the crises of immigration and health today. Featuring Eram Alam, Associate Professor, History of Science, Harvard University William Lopez, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity, University of Michigan School of Public Health Rachel Louise Moran, Professor, Texas A&M Joel Daniel Olea-Calixto, PhD Candidate, Department of History, University of California, Davis Andre Rosario, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Nursing, Rutgers University Recorded on October 9, 2025 For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/2025-history-medicine-week#79798

Federal Regulations: Progressive Era and Beyond

Federal regulations are typically borne out of crisis. This conversation will examine how policy is set, starting in the Progressive Era and moving into the present day. For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/2025-history-medicine-week#79794

Early Careers Workshop #7: Grant Writing Master Class

Topics: Think big questions and frame them well; crafting your grant; personal experience. Speakers: Gerardo Ienna is postdoctoral researcher at the University of Verona, Italy, and a Marie Curie global fellow (Grant Number 101026146). Simone Turchetti is Professor in history of science and technology at the Manchester University, UK, and PI of the ERC research project “Neworldata”. Recorded on May 29, 2025. For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/node/79597