Dr. Yvette Colón combines her personal journey as a pancreatic cancer survivor with her professional expertise as a former director of eye care and assistant professor to inspire and empower audiences.
With decades of experience in healthcare, including international medical missions and advocacy for underserved communities, Dr. Colón has witnessed both the promise and the shortcomings of the medical system. In 2025, she was appointed to the PanCAN Health Equity Committee, a national initiative focused on advancing inclusion and equity in pancreatic cancer research and patient care. Her advocacy reflects a lifelong commitment to ensuring that every patient, regardless of background, receives compassionate and equitable care.
A passionate and engaging speaker, Dr. Colón partners with organizations and events across the country to address healthcare disparities and to empower marginalized communities to advocate for the care and respect they deserve.
Speaking Topics
Lessons from Both Sides of the Ophthalmoscope
As a healthcare provider and survivor, Dr. Yvette Colón’s insights into how medical professionals can better support patients and how patients can advocate for themselves, bridging the gap between clinical expertise and human compassion.
Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy
Pancreatic cancer is often a death sentence, but survival is possible with the proper support and advocacy. Dr. Yvette Colón discusses the importance of early diagnosis, how survivors can find strength through community, and what policymakers can do to improve outcomes for those facing this disease.
Medical Racism
Medical racism is a cancer that has metastasized throughout the US medical system, affecting millions of lives. Through her journey, she shares powerful stories of resilience while offering effective strategies to challenge inequitable treatment, urging healthcare providers to acknowledge and address their own biases and those of the system.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially for individuals from marginalized communities. Dr. Colón emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging biased treatment. She encourages patients to advocate for their rights and ensure that their voices are heard when it matters most.
Featured Talk: TEDxKU at the University of Kansas
On April 17, 2026, I gave my TEDxKU talk, The Myth of the Cancer Warrior.
In this talk, I challenge the pressure patients often face to perform strength, positivity, and inspiration while living through serious illness. I explore the emotional cost of the “warrior” narrative and make the case for something more honest, humane, and healing.
This talk is rooted in my own lived experience, but the message reaches far beyond my story. It speaks to the ways healthcare culture often asks patients to hide fear, grief, anger, and exhaustion in order to make others comfortable. I believe true healing begins when we make room for honesty instead of performance.
TEDxKU Talk Coming Soon
Resources for Organizers & Press
Planning a conference, podcast, panel, or press feature?
Dr. Yvette Colón’s media kit has everything you need to get started: speaker bio, high-resolution headshots, approved topics, and key advocacy highlights.
Whether you’re introducing her to your team or preparing event materials, it’s all in one place and ready to share.
Recent work includes TEDxKU at the University of Kansas, service on the PanCAN Health Equity Committee, and continued advocacy through writing, public education, and national health equity collaboration.
Reach Out to Dr. Yvette Colón
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