Duke Orthopaedics residents, fellows, and students actively participated in the 2025 Feagin Leadership Forum, contributing to panel discussions alongside distinguished leaders, scholars, and experts. Dr. Dean Taylor, MD, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and chairman of the Feagin Leadership Program, and colleague, Dr. Joe Doty, FH, PhD, executive director of the Feagin Leadership Program, led two days of thought-provoking conversations on truth, misinformation, and the evolving challenges leaders face in digital transformation
The forum reinforced the importance of informed, ethical leadership in navigating today’s complex digital environment. As AI continues to reshape information sharing, the insights from this gathering serve as a guiding framework for leaders striving to uphold integrity and transparency in an era where true and false information spreads faster than ever.
The Power—and Peril—of Information
One of the forum’s most compelling themes was the need to challenge our assumptions about misinformation. Participants were encouraged to examine differing viewpoints, recognize the motivations behind certain narratives, and acknowledge that information voids can unintentionally facilitate the spread of false narratives.
The discussions highlighted the critical role of timely and transparent communication, emphasizing social media’s influence in amplifying truth and accelerating misinformation. AI emerged as a central focus, with experts exploring its profound impact on knowledge-sharing and the increasing competition between factual accuracy and misinformation. This issue escalates as AI becomes more integrated into our everyday lives.
The Feagin Forum’s small-group and one-on-one discussions created a uniquely immersive experience for participants—known as the Community of Leaders—allowing them to engage deeply with leadership principles and apply them to real-world challenges. The collaborative environment fostered meaningful exchanges, making the forum a truly transformative experience for attendees.
A highlight of the weekend was the Feagin Scholars’ team project presentations, showcasing innovative ideas that promise to shape the future of medical education. Their dedication, poise, and commitment to ethical leadership after a year in the Feagin Leadership Program stood as a testament to the values instilled through the program.
The 2025 Feagin Leadership Forum featured a distinguished lineup of experts and thought leaders, including:
- Feagin Alumni Network (FAN) Panelists: Dr. Swara Bajpai; Dr. Prince Boadi; Dr. Ben Harris, and Dr. Nick Tsipis
- Guest Speakers: Dr. Robert Califf, Former FDA Commissioner; Dr. Leonard Friedland, Vice President, Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health at GSK Vaccines; Lt. Gen (Ret.) Ed Cardon, and Nina King – Vice President, King-Compton Families; Director of Athletics and Adjunct Professor of Business Administration, Duke University.
The discussions and insights from this year’s Feagin Leadership Forum underscore the power of principled leadership in an ever-changing world of information and influence.