The power of generalism | Dr. Ayan Panja | TEDxBedford

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Dr Ayan Panja shares his passion for generalism, something that is progressively less valued in the modern world. He argues that the need for generalists is still strong and looks at the ways in which generalists do things differently to specialists (not just in medicine). He argues that, when the chips are down, generalists are the ones to survive and will outline the ways in which the mind of the generalist differs to that of a specialist. This paean to the power of generalism looks at why an overarching perspective is vital for society.

Dr Ayan Panja is an NHS GP Partner in St Albans, a clinical adviser to NHS Choices and the resident doctor for BBC World News. The NHS Choices website attracts around 27 million hits a month and BBC World News has approximately 80 million viewers, which adds up to one big waiting room! In all of these roles his skills as a generalist come to the fore.



About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)