During the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical community demonstrated that respected and capable scientists can and must speak up in a non-partisan and collaborative effort to highlight accurate and evidence-based information to promote health. There is little doubt physicians will be called upon to do this again.

There are multiple challenges we face to promote trust and information. The public faces information overload, and sorting through countless articles, posts, and videos can be overwhelming. This environment only muddies the waters and causes “truth” to sink to the bottom, not rise to the top. Traditional or non-traditional media sources often oversimplify information or lack the nuance or context required for complete understanding. Science and truth are often complex, and information may be overly simplified to capture headlines, clicks, and the public’s short attention span. However, if it is simple, it is often not accurate.

Furthermore, there are nefarious and deliberate efforts to spread false information, known as disinformation, often for political, financial, or ideological reasons, further complicating the landscape of health science communication. We must lean in to help our patients, ourselves, and our colleagues find information from reputable sources and be cautious of sensational headlines, simple answers, or claims that sound too good to be true. Science is not about knowing the truth; it is about finding the truth in an ever-changing world. We must elevate expert voices, defer to expertise when in doubt, and consult physicians and professionals who have dedicated their lives to improving the health of our communities.

Physicians and scientists can help interpret research findings and provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances. Government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations must be publicly upheld and supported in their critical role in maintaining public trust. We must elevate and support clear communication about uncertainties, ongoing research, and policy changes. When trust in science wanes, it can undermine efforts to address health crises. The stakes for public trust in health and science are high. We need more science, not less. And we need more trusted physicians, career scientists and public health officials to speak up and share their expertise.