Why is adopting healthier behaviors so difficult for many of us? Health equity leader and orthopedic surgeon Mary O’Connor, MD, explores what contributes to our health and well-being as well as the power of community and emotional connection with others to support healthy change. She challenges us to recognize our responsibility and privilege to shape the health of those around us. It’s a powerful call for us to embrace our power as health promoters. #BeAHealthPromoter

Dr. Mary O’Connor is a national leader for health equity, she chairs the multi-stakeholder coalition, Movement is Life. She is Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine and Emerita Professor of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic. She is co-founder and chief medical advisor of a new and innovative musculoskeletal company, VOYA Health, focused on transforming the delivery of patient-centered and value-driven care for all. 
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A trailblazer for gender equity since college, Dr. O’Connor participated in the 1976 Yale Women’s Crew Title IX demonstration to secure equal facilities at the boathouse, heralded as the first stand for gender equity in college athletics. In the male dominated field of orthopedic surgery, she was the first woman member in many professional societies and often the first woman president. Dr. O’Connor has published innovative research in sex and gender differences in arthritis and regenerative medicine therapies. She has improved patient outcomes through care redesign and promoted diversity in the profession through leadership and mentorship.  Dr.. O'Connor is the inaugural Director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Care at Yale School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Health. The current Center focus is engaging employers in integrated musculoskeletal care programing to drive both clinical outcomes and value. The Center also is engaged in clinical research studies targeting biological therapies for musculoskeletal conditions. After graduating from Yale University with a degree in biochemistry, Dr. O'Connor attended Drexel University College of Medicine and the completed her orthopaedic surgery residency and fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. She joined the staff at Mayo Clinic in Florida (MCF) and held numerous leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery (MCF), Medical Director for Philanthropy (MCF), member of the Executive Operations Team (MCF) and Medical Director of the Office of Integrity and Compliance for Mayo Clinic. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx