Bulwark Takes: Dr. Mike’s Fight to Save Medicine from RFK Jr.
Release Date: August 4, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Jonathan Cohn engages in a deep and enlightening conversation with Mikhail Varshavsky, widely recognized as Dr. Mike—a prominent physician and influential YouTuber with over 14 million subscribers. The discussion navigates through Dr. Mike’s personal journey, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pervasive issue of misinformation in public health, and his ongoing battle against former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.).

1. Dr. Mike’s Origin Story

Dr. Mike begins by sharing his inspiring background, having immigrated to the United States from Russia at the age of six. His father, a physician, had to restart his medical career in a new country, which profoundly influenced Dr. Mike’s aspiration to enter the medical field. He recounts, “I got to witness the entire medical school journey as a 9, 10 year old, which is fairly unusual” (02:19). This early exposure ignited his passion for medicine, leading him to excel academically and secure a spot in a combined seven-year bachelor’s and medical program, graduating at 24.

2. Rise to Fame on Social Media

Dr. Mike’s foray into social media began unexpectedly when his day-to-day experiences as a medical student and resident went viral. Faced with the choice to either embrace the “superficial, sexy doctor” persona or continue his rigorous training, he opted for a middle path. He decided to leverage media appearances to promote primary care and debunk misinformation, stating, “Here's why we need to get out of this” (19:56). Despite initial setbacks, including being fired by a partner who deemed his channel a failure, Dr. Mike persevered. His dedication paid off as his YouTube channel experienced explosive growth, focusing on educational content and combating misinformation.

3. COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The conversation shifts to the harrowing experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Mike reflects on the early days in New Jersey, highlighting the severe strain on healthcare systems: “We saw our emergency rooms get overwhelmed, our inpatient rooms get overwhelmed” (08:30). He discusses the initial strategies, such as aggressive ventilator use, which were later adjusted as more data emerged. The pandemic underscored the fragility of the healthcare system and the immense pressure faced by medical professionals.

4. Communication and Public Health Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion critiques the communication strategies employed by public health officials during the pandemic. Dr. Mike emphasizes the emergence of a “gray zone” where misinformation thrived, fueled by individuals he terms “IKA experts”—those who present unverified theories with excessive confidence (12:14). He observes, “When someone’s not telling them the truth… giving caveats… is much more powerful” (19:46). The disparity between the CDC’s limited reach and the viral spread of misinformation on social media platforms exacerbated public distrust. Dr. Mike argues for transparent and honest communication, allowing for discourse and debate rather than paternalistic directives.

5. RFK Jr.’s Impact on Public Health

The focal point of the episode revolves around RFK Jr.’s role as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Dr. Mike delivers a scathing critique of Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and nutrition research. He meticulously outlines Kennedy’s contradictory statements and actions, such as changing his organization’s name from the World Mercury Project to Children’s Health Defense and publicly expressing opposition to vaccinating his own children. Dr. Mike asserts, “He is anti vaccine. He’s crossed that line numerous times” (27:45). He highlights the detrimental effects of Kennedy’s policies, including cuts to nutrition research funding and the suppression of credible scientific studies, which have led to significant setbacks in public health initiatives.

6. Advice to Medical Professionals

Addressing the concerns of fellow physicians and healthcare workers, Dr. Mike advocates for unity among medical organizations to combat misinformation and oppose harmful policies. He urges major medical groups like the AMA and American Academy of Family Physicians to harness the power of social media to reach broader audiences and amplify their messages: “They need to drastically, drastically change funding to start implementing social media programs” (40:57). Additionally, Dr. Mike calls for collective action against RFK Jr., encouraging medical leaders to publicly demand his resignation to restore trust in public health institutions.

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for the medical community to leverage modern communication tools, unite against misinformation, and steadfastly uphold evidence-based practices. Dr. Mike’s unwavering commitment to public health and his strategic approach to combating misinformation serve as an inspiring blueprint for healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of the digital age.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Mike on his early inspiration: “I got to witness the entire medical school journey as a 9, 10 year old, which is fairly unusual.” (02:19)
• Dr. Mike on combating misinformation: “Here’s what I think is best, here are the reasons why I think it’s best… how do you feel?” (24:04)
• Dr. Mike criticizing RFK Jr.’s stance: “He is anti vaccine. He’s crossed that line numerous times.” (27:45)
• Dr. Mike advising medical professionals: “They need to drastically, drastically change funding to start implementing social media programs.” (40:57)

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a nuanced exploration of the intersections between medicine, public health, and the pervasive influence of misinformation. Dr. Mike’s insights highlight the critical need for transparent communication, unity within the medical community, and robust resistance against policies that undermine public health.