How ADHD Shaped a Career in Cancer Research and Health Equity – with Eugene Manley

How ADHD Shaped a Career in Cancer Research and Health Equity – with Eugene Manley

Author: Carolyn Kiel June 29, 2026 Duration: 27:21

Dr. Eugene Manley Jr. is a cancer scientist, health equity leader, and longtime patient advocate working at the intersection of biomedical sciences, cancer care, AI ethics, and leadership. As a Black healthcare advocate and founder of SCHEQ (STEMM* & Cancer Health Equity), a nonprofit focused on cancer health equity, Eugene runs an annual lung cancer summit that brings together patients, clinicians, researchers, and industry to co-create solutions to disparities in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Eugene has ADHD, which didn't get diagnosed until he was in graduate school. 

*STEMM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

Content note: This episode discusses medical/healthcare trauma and physical injuries.

During this episode, you will hear Eugene talk about:

  • Discovering his ADHD later in life, and how ADHD shaped him as a person 
  • How his academic interests, education and career experiences led him to start his nonprofit
  • The impact of a recent traumatic experience he had as a patient in the healthcare system
  • How SCHEQ helps people understand their rights and options in healthcare settings

Learn more about Eugene's work at SCHEQ.org.

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H13-WoQuP9o

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/eugene-manley-scheq

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
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