Seth Kahan on Grand Challenges

This episode introduces six grand challenges I've helped design and lead, including two I'm actively working on and four in progress. Here's an overview, followed by details and links to learn more:

1. Thriving Earth Exchange – This initiative, conceived by Chris McEntee during her CEO tenure at the American Geophysical Union, connects communities with scientists to address environmental challenges. I helped define its scope, launch it, and served two terms on the American Geophysical Union board to support its growth. It has expanded from a few projects to over 140. Visit thrivingearthexchange.org.
2. Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation – Created to improve the health of America’s 4 million nurses, this challenge began when Marla Weston, then CEO of the ANA, reacted to data showing nurses were generally less healthy than the average American. Her words, "Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation," became the initiative’s foundation. Visit healthynursehealthynation.org.
3. Center for Financial Planning – Led by the CFP Board, this challenge focuses on diversifying the financial planning profession by engaging individuals under 30, women, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Learn more at cfp.net.
4. Intellios Ultrasound Proficiency Grand Challenge – Aims to certify and ensure proficiency in ultrasound use worldwide by 2030, enhancing healthcare equity and patient safety. With ultrasound devices becoming affordable and widely available, this initiative addresses the need for global proficiency. Visit https://inteleosfoundation.org/grand-challenge
5. Stop Stigma Together – using the National Academies’ report, Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders, this initiative addresses stigma through structural, social, and individual approaches. Now in its fourth year, I continue to lead this effort. StopStigmaTogether.org
6. American Association of Physicists in Medicine – A newly launched challenge to identify critical breakthroughs in medical physics over the next decade. It includes exploring theranostics, a personalized medicine technique combining imaging and targeted therapies, and AI applications in both research and clinical settings. Visit https://site.aapm.org/home

Join me as I share the stories behind each challenge, highlight the contributions of leaders like Chris McEntee and Marla Weston, and provide links for you to explore further.

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