Eric Topol is a prominent American cardiologist, scientist, and author recognized for his contributions to digital medicine, genomics, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Beyond his groundbreaking scientific work, he has been a steadfast advocate for the doctor-patient relationship and humanism in medicine.

In 2019, Dr. Topol wrote a seminal article in The New Yorker titled "Why Doctors Should Organize", which called for physicians to unite and advocate for their profession and patients in an era of increasing corporate control over healthcare. This article became a catalyst for the founding of Medicine Forward (originally called Osler’s Alliance), a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the voice of doctors in shaping the future of healthcare.

Dr. Topol co-founded Medicine Forward alongside Gabe Charbonneau, MD, Jenny Mladenovic, MD, Emily Silverman, MD, Louise Aronson, MD, Esther Choo, MD, Sanjay Desai, MD, Tatiana Prowell, MD, and Brian Dixon, MD. The organization was built on the principles of physician autonomy, patient-centered care, and systemic transformation of the healthcare system to prioritize well-being over profit.

Dr. Topol has long been a vocal critic of the corporatization of healthcare and its impact on both physicians and patients. His work emphasizes the importance of:

• Physician Autonomy: Reducing administrative burdens and restoring clinical decision-making power to doctors.
• Patient-Centered Care: Leveraging technology to improve—not replace—the human connection between doctors and patients.
• Ethical Healthcare Innovation: Ensuring that AI, digital medicine, and genomics enhance rather than undermine patient trust and safety.

Throughout his career, he has consistently used his platform to challenge industry norms, fight against medical misinformation, and advocate for policies that prioritize healthcare workers' well-being.

Dr. Topol has written multiple best-selling books that explore the intersection of technology and medicine, including:

• The Creative Destruction of Medicine (2010)
• The Patient Will See You Now (2015)
• Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again (2019)

His work has significantly influenced how physicians and policymakers think about the future of medicine, particularly in integrating AI and digital health tools responsibly.

As a co-founder of Medicine Forward, Dr. Topol played a crucial role in inspiring and mobilizing physicians to take back control of their profession. His advocacy efforts have continued to shape discussions on physician burnout, medical ethics, and the role of technology in patient care. Medicine Forward remains a testament to his vision of a healthcare system led by those who understand its mission best: doctors and their patients.

For more on Dr. Topol’s work, visit his official website: drerictopol.com