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July 18th, 2024

Episode 20: Musings with Dr. Wendy Harrison

  1. Episode 20: Musings with Dr. Wendy Harrison Charlie Bresler 39:22

Born on a dairy farm in West Sussex, Dr. Wendy Harrison has been around animals and agriculture her entire life. In fact, she stated her desire to be a vet at the ripe old age of six.

While doing post-doc research and study at the University of Georgia, Dr. Harrison took a volunteer position at the non-profit Heifer International. She describes having a “Eureka moment” during this time, when she fully realized the linkage between animals and humans and how the Health of all are “woven together.”

One key part of her research has been in the attempt to end schistosomiasis, a waterborne parasite that can cause organ failure and Cancer in its host. Because so many diseases such as this occur in neglected areas among marginalized populations, the diseases — and their victims — have been largely ignored by Western society. 

To help combat parasitic diseases, Dr. Harrison joined up with the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) in 2009. She became CEO of Unlimit Health (formerly SCI Foundation) in 2019.

In this interview, Charlie Bresler hosts Dr. Harrison and Matias Nestore, Senior Associate in Research and Evaluation at The Life You Can Save, in a conversation about tropical diseases, mass treatment and prevention interventions, and how health systems can be strengthened through collaboration.

To support Unlimit Health’s work, you can donate via The Life You Can Save website or directly at unlimithealth.org.

Links:

unlimithealth.org

Heifer International – ​​www.heifer.org

Unlimit Health Ending Parasitic Diseases Together – Strategy 2023-2028

A Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030 from World Health Organization

 

Charlie Bresler Ph.D. Founder of EH Walkers

Charlie Bresler is a former business executive, co-founder of the nonprofit The Life You Can Save, and a self-described effective hedonist. Charlie became volunteer Executive Director of The Life You Can Save in 2013, and through his financial support and leadership, he helped Peter Singer develop the organization from the ground up.

Charlie holds a BA in History from New York University, a Masters in Social Studies and Education from Harvard University, and a PhD in Social and Clinical Psychology from Clark University. He is the former Director of Behavioral Medicine for The California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno. From academia, he was recruited to The Men's Wearhouse, where he became head of human resources, stores, and marketing, ultimately rising to the position of President. He stepped down to fulfill his long-standing desire to work directly on social and economic issues.

As a psychologist, Charlie emphasizes the importance of aligning personal pleasure with doing good, rejecting the notion of self-sacrifice in favor of a fulfilling, values-driven life. His insights on effective hedonism and Philanthropy have been featured in publications such as TIME, Fast Company, WSJ, and Forbes. He encourages others to find joy in contributing to the greater good, advocating for a balanced approach to life that enhances personal well-being while making a significant positive impact on the world.

Charlie lives in Sequim, Washington, with his wife Diana, a family physician, who partners in supporting The Life You Can Save.