Caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet they remain undertrained, under-resourced, and overlooked. In this talk. Stephanie explore why caregiving must be recognized as a formal part of medicine—and how reimagining its role through education, policy, and support can improve outcomes for both patients and caregivers alike. Stephanie Armas is a medical student at Rush Medical College whose journey into medicine has been profoundly shaped by her experience as a long-term caregiver for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Through that role, she witnessed the toll caregiving takes, not only physically and emotionally, but also in how unseen and unsupported caregivers often are within the healthcare system. Stephanie is a passionate advocate for elevating caregiving as a recognized and resourced component of healthcare. She believes it’s time to invest in caregiver education, policy reform, and structural support—because without caregivers, healthcare cannot truly work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

To what extent does the "self" include the symbiotic life that inhabits and supports us? The human microbiome affects everything from your allergies, digestion, to your immune system, and even your very genetics themselves. We are a superorganism composed of all the life we foster within us. Dylan Orsolini is a writer, storyteller, orator, baker, and materials engineer. The universe is full of fascinating details, and the closer you look, the more there is to see. Dylan Hopes that his stories will inspire curiosity and awe for the world around us. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx