Typically, clarity is thought to emerge from chaos. But as we think about these conditions, we’re inspired by their entangled nature, each acting as provocateurs in their own unique ways. We see them as being engaged in an ongoing conversation. Chaos is the question. Clarity is the answer. The more chaos we embrace, the more clarity we can discover.
While chaos is often messy and may appear unscientific, it's actually the friend of the scientific method. It's the place where breakthroughs are made. Where the magic happens. And where clarity is found. Clarity, on the other hand, is hidden inside of chaos, and sometimes vice versa, just waiting to be discovered if we know how and where to look.
At TEDMED 2018, we'll recognize and embrace the power of Chaos+Clarity in advancing science, global public health, and medical innovation across a wide range of topics. Together, we'll explore new developments in neuroprosthetics; the global epidemic of chronic disease; how to design our way to better health outcomes; the relationship between immigration and health; the science of aging; social isolation in the age of social media; gender equity and harassment in science and medicine; the trauma of violence and mass casualty; the power of resilience; and much more.
The first Speakers in the 2018 TEDMED lineup have been announced. Learn more about them here.
Why attend? Our Delegates Say it Best:
Passionate
Delegates
"3 days of being surrounded by brilliant, passionate, courageous people who left me hopeful about the future for the first time in a year. I like the broad range of topics, and enjoyed discovering new ideas I didn't even know existed."
– Delegate, TEDMED 2017
Participating
Countries
"Medical students, medical doctors and students from different fields joined us to watch the talks. It was an amazing experience seeing them all interacting and discussing the science behind every break through."
– TEDMED Live 2015 Location
Brilliant
Speakers
"TEDMED was such an incredible experience because you had all of these brilliant people bringing their best thing to the stage - their gift. Every minute felt like a great use of time. I also loved that we were all coming at health from different vantage points. My thinking grew tremendously over the two days."
– Delegate, TEDMED 2016
Game-Changing
Innovators
"Just great. And very humbling to see the work of these brilliant people."
"Excellent group of highly entrepreneurial individuals changing the face of healthcare."
– Delegates, TEDMED 2017
Inspiring
Days
"Every single person I spoke with at TEDMED was incredibly inspiring. Every attendee exuded passion about their field, their research, or their personal interests. It was an amazing way to hear opinions and share thoughts with people who approach healthcare and medicine from some a wide variety of backgrounds."
– Delegate, TEDMED 2016
Incredible Experience
"I look forward to TEDMED all year for the meaning it gives to my life. It is a breath of fresh air to come to a place where the positive energy is palpable. It's rare in our day-to-day activities that we get to connect so positively to people and discuss our hopes for growth and change...I would not miss this for anything. I always come back to work refreshed and rejuvenated and better for my patients because of the interactions I've had at TEDMED."
– Delegate, TEDMED 2017
The Program
A healthy society is everyone’s business. That’s why TEDMED speakers are thought leaders and accomplished individuals from every sector of society, both inside and outside of medicine. Whether they come from science, business, academia, government, law, media or the arts – whether they are doctors, patients or Muppets – the extraordinary voices of the TEDMED stage unlock our imaginations. They inspire new thinking that can lead to a healthier world.
A single session of TEDMED might include a Nobel Prize-winning researcher, a dance troupe, a health activist, a venture capitalist and a brilliant young medical student. Each is selected because they have an amazing story to share…and a different way of looking at the world.
Click here to see the first Speakers announced for the TEDMED 2018 Stage Program.
Click here to see the priority topics considered for the TEDMED 2018 Stage Program.
Click here to see the the 2017 Stage Program.
The TEDMED 2018 Program:
Stay tuned, more Speakers will be announced soon!
The Hive Program
The Hive explores the technology, creativity and innovation that contribute to a healthier future. Dedicated to embracing transformative startups and inspiring entrepreneurs, TEDMED brings together the leaders of today with the leaders of tomorrow by inviting startups and the creative, multi-disciplinary entrepreneurs powering new approaches to innovation and scalable game-changing ideas.
The TEDMED Experience
The stage program is only a fraction of TEDMED - the full experience involves many more activities and interactive installations that catalyze discussion and stimulate new relationships.
To kickstart each day, we begin each morning with "TEDMED Health" to get the blood pumping with activities like hiking, running, yoga and meditation to help get you ready for the day ahead. After fueling up with a nutritious breakfast, the day is spent alternating between inspiring and thought-provoking talks from our speakers, and meals and interaction with fellow Delegates, who comprise a truly multi-disciplinary group of change-makers passionate about creating a healthier world.
During breaks between sessions, The Hive offers innovative hands-on activities, beautiful art exhibits, and of course meet-ups with all of our speakers and with The Hive Innovators. On both Wednesday and Thursday evening, take the chance to kick back, relax and share new ideas over food, drinks and performances at our opening reception and evening celebration.
The Location
TEDMED 2017 will take place in sunny Palm Springs, California at the La Quinta Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. The location was selected to help foster and nurture the important connections of the TEDMED community. This unique setting enables Delegates to stay on-site around the clock – enjoying the full program, social engagements, and lodging all in one place, while fully embracing the powerful ideas that will undoubtedly be shared.
Frank Capra was one of a long line of artists who found creative inspiration in this tranquil desert retreat and ultimately made La Quinta his home; he called it “the Shangri-La of screenwriting” and it was at La Quinta that Capra wrote many of his screenplays. He believed there was something magical here, and TEDMED is excited about incorporating this rich history – and maybe even a little magic – into this year’s event as we share important stories in health and medicine.
In this spirit of inspiration, we also invite our delegation to take advantage of the unique natural landscape and attractions found in the Palm Springs area. Be sure to plan your travel accordingly to leave time before or after the event. Learn more about local sites and activities.
The result is an immersive experience that challenges us to reframe our mental models, ignite new thinking, energize our work and enlarge our worldview. We will leave TEDMED imagining fresh possibilities and recommitted to our contribution to a healthier future.
We hope you’ll join us.
TEDMED 2018 Schedule
Preliminary shedule for TEDMED 2018 - times subject to change.
All times are shown in Pacific Time.