Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Infectious IDeas

In this episode, Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, a pulmonary and critical care physician and medical analyst with NBC News and MSNBC, joins hosts Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling conversation about his path from the intensive care unit to the national stage, and why creating impact beyond the bedside has become his mission. From confronting misinformation to advancing early detection and bridging health, technology, and policy, Gupta shares candid insights on leadership, effective communication, and the future of public health. 

A fond farewell to our current hosts—Marla Dalton and Bill Schaffner—in this final episode before new hosts join the podcast. 

Show Notes

As managing director of healthcare innovation at Manatt, Gupta is a leading expert bridging the worlds of clinical care, technology, and effective communication. He previously served in several roles at Amazon and Google, is a Major in the US Air Force Reserve, and has earned degrees from Princeton, Columbia, Harvard, and the University of Cambridge. Gupta is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the National Board of Directors of the American Lung Association. He currently lives in Seattle, WA, with his wife, who is a practicing pediatrician, and their 2 young boys. 

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, Anne Schuchat, MD, former US Assistant Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leader, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a candid conversation about her extraordinary career in public health. From the AIDS crisis to leading CDC responses to anthrax, SARS, and H1N1, she reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped her leadership—and why communication, trust, and collaboration are more vital than ever.  

Show Notes

A highly respected epidemiologist, physician, and public health leader, she offers heartfelt advice reminding us that even in tough times, public health remains one of the most meaningful—and hopeful—professions. In 2018, NFID honored Schuchat with the John P. Utz Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contributions to public health. 

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, a renowned expert in childhood respiratory diseases and vaccine safety. Edwards shares her journey from a budding chemist to a trailblazer in the prevention of pediatric infectious diseases and an advocate for ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy in the US. 

 Show notes

While at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, her passion for disease prevention brought her to lead efforts evaluating vaccines against pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease, smallpox, anthrax, and other infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served on vaccine safety and monitoring committees and helped address questions about adverse events. In 2018, NFID recognized her extraordinary accomplishments by awarding her the Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement. 

A native of Williamsburg, IA, Edwards graduated from the University of Iowa  School of Medicine, and did her residency, fellowship, and postdoctoral training in Chicago, IL. Now (mostly) retired, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her beloved grandchildren. 

Follow NFID on social media

In this special compilation episode of Infectious IDeas, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, revisit some of the most compelling moments from past episodes. Hear from leading public health experts as they share their biggest concerns, hopes for the future, and strategies for tackling critical public health challenges. From addressing vaccine misinformation and health disparities to improving global collaboration, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of public health.

Tune in for wisdom and inspiration from these thought leaders:

• William H. Foege, MD, MPH
• Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD
• Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH
• Richard E. Besser, MD
• Seth F. Berkley, MD
• Paul A. Offit, MD
• Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD
• Tom Frieden, MD, MPH
• Anthony S. Fauci, MD
• Reed V. Tuckson, MD
• Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH
• Michael Osterholm, PhD

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Reed V. Tuckson, MD, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and chair of the board of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science. Tuckson explores the vital role of community-based public health initiatives and the urgent need to rebuild trust in science and health, particularly in underserved communities. From his early roots to his latest efforts tackling misinformation, he shares lessons in leadership, collaboration, and hope for the future.

Show notes 

An amateur photographer and jazz drummer, Tuckson shares thought-provoking ideas to restore trust in public health along with advice for the next generation of healthcare professionals. A former commissioner of public health for the District of Columbia and past president of the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, he has held leadership positions at UnitedHealth Group, the American Medical Association, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, and is currently managing director of Tuckson Health Connections, LLC. 

He is a graduate of Howard University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania General Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship Programs, where he was also a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar studying at the Wharton School of Business.

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a provocative discussion with renowned epidemiologist Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota. Osterholm shares his vast experience in pandemic preparedness, reflecting on his work with HIV, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. He also voices concerns about the increasing politicization of public health and the potential implications of the 2024 US elections.  

Show notes

An internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology who warned for years that the US was ill-prepared for a pandemic, he has advised governors, senators, and presidents, and has written several best-selling books on the most pressing infectious disease threats. He also hosts Osterholm Update, a podcast featuring discussion and analysis on the latest infectious disease developments. He is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the Council of Foreign Relations. An avid swimmer who attempted to swim the English Channel several times, Osterholm now strives to make the world a better place for his 6 grandchildren.

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He shares his journey from HIV clinical practice to public health leadership, demonstrating his relentless passion and commitment to health equity, clear and transparent communication, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all children and adults.

Show notes

Daskalakis leads CDC efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to vaccine-preventable and respiratory infectious disease threats. He began his career at Bellevue Hospital in New York, where he spearheaded HIV testing and prevention programs. As deputy commissioner for the Division of Disease Control at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, he directed public health programs on HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and vaccine-preventable diseases, and earned a national reputation as an activist and advocate for at-risk populations. He also served as the NYC incident commander during the measles outbreak in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He joined CDC in 2021 as director of the Division of HIV Prevention and served as deputy coordinator of the White House Mpox Response.

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a thought-provoking discussion with Gregory A. Poland, MD, a distinguished physician-scientist and director of the Vaccine Research Group at Mayo Clinic. Poland shares his inspiring journey in vaccine research and his unique perspective as both a scientist and an ordained Presbyterian minister. Tune in as he discusses vaccine confidence, the future of vaccinology, and the deep-rooted connection between his theological beliefs and his scientific work.

Show notes

Poland is president of Atria Health Academy of Science and Medicine and editor-in-chief of the journal Vaccine. A public health provocateur who has been a voice for science throughout his career, he has served on numerous advisory committees involved in US vaccine policymaking and was a leader among those who successfully persuaded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend annual influenza vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he gave thousands of media interviews and presentations, including sharing his own experience as a patient with COVID-19. In 2022, he was nominated for a Pulitzer for his weekly podcasts on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling conversation with Ighovwerha (Igho) Ofotokun, MD, MSc, an internationally recognized clinician-scientist and professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. He shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a leading HIV researcher, discussing the influences that shaped his career, challenges he faced, and his significant achievements in combating long-term impacts of HIV and promoting women’s health.

Show notes

Ofotokun is co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research Clinical Core. He has devoted his career to the care of women living with HIV/AIDS, conducting translational research in HIV/AIDS, and training the next generation of clinician scientists. His research findings have led to the revision of HIV treatment guidelines in the US and, internationally, to the World Health Organization policy changes that now prioritize regimens that are less risky for women. In recognition of his work to expand the visibility and representation of women and minorities in biomedical research and leverage his expertise and influence to promote research, education, and training in the US and abroad, NFID will honor him with the 2024 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement in September 2024.

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an engaging conversation with Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH, professor of pharmacy practice and associate dean of academic affairs at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, and the first pharmacist to serve as president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Goad shares his insights on the critical role pharmacies play in vaccination, his expertise in travel medicine, and his top priorities as NFID President.

Show notes

A nationally recognized expert on travel medicine and immunization across the lifespan, he co-founded the Pharmacist Professional Group at the International Society of Travel Medicine and is a past president of the California Immunization Coalition and the California Pharmacists Association. He is a frequent conference presenter and was recently honored as a fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an engaging conversation with Seth F. Berkley, MD, a global health pioneer and champion of equitable access to vaccines. He shares insights from his notable career, including his impactful work in Uganda rebuilding the immunization program and developing the national AIDS control program, his work with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and his trailblazing leadership of COVAX, which helped deliver more than 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally to 146 countries.

Show notes

An infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, Berkley led Gavi for 12 years, raising more than $33 billion and substantially increasing coverage of routine immunization in lower-income countries. He previously founded the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative to develop an AIDS vaccine for developing countries and now serves as a senior advisor for the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health. Always up for an adventure, Berkley has been featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine, listed by Fortune as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders, and has been recognized by TIME as one of the World’s Most Influential People. His TED talks have been viewed by more than 2.5 million. In recognition of his work to help protect the most vulnerable populations across the globe, NFID will honor him with the 2024 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in September2024.

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an insightful conversation with Grace Lee, MD, MPH, an infectious disease physician and dynamic leader who helped guide US vaccine policy making during the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares insights into the complexities and challenges encountered, as well as the importance of vaccine safety during the COVID-19 deliberations and concerns that keep her awake at night.

Show notes
Lee served as chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVIC-19 pandemic. She is chief quality officer at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. A nationally known vaccine expert, she is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and continues to manage and treat young patients with infectious diseases. In recognition of her inclusive yet decisive leadership, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases will honor her with the 2024 John P. Utz Leadership Award in September 2024.

Follow NFID on social media

Myths about infectious diseases can spread just as quickly as the viruses themselves. In this special compilation episode of Infectious IDeas, Marla Dalton, CAE and William Schaffner, MD, revisit some of the most common myths and misconceptions busted by past guests. Tune in as leading experts set the record straight and highlight why combating misinformation is essential to protecting public health. 

Tune in for wisdom and inspiration from these thought leaders: 

• Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD 
• Céline Gounder, MD, ScM 
• Peter Marks, MD, PhD 
• Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH 
• Grace M. Lee, MD, MPH 
• William H. Foege, MD, MPH 
• Anthony S. Fauci, MD 
• Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH 
• Gregory A. Poland, MD 
• Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH 
• Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD 
• Eric Topol, MD 
• Katelyn K. Jetelina, PhD, MPH 

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling discussion with patient advocate and public health champion Leana Wen, MD, MSc. Practicing physician and Washington Post columnist, Wen shares her remarkable journey, from her childhood as an immigrant to the US from China, to her experiences as Health Commissioner of Baltimore. Hear her thoughts on addressing health disparities, improving health outcomes, and the untold health stories that deserve more attention.

Show notes

An emergency physician, healthcare executive, adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Wen received her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and studied health policy at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. A triathlete and mother of 2 young children, she has been named one of Modern Healthcare's Top 50 Physician-Executives and TIME's 100 Most Influential People.

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling discussion with renowned infectious disease specialist and public health communicator, Céline Gounder, MD, ScM. Gounder shares her insights on the importance of trust in public health communication, the fight against misinformation, the future of infectious disease diagnostics, and her personal journey coping with her husband's tragic and untimely death.

Show notes

An internist and infectious disease specialist, Gounder is a CBS News medical contributor, a senior fellow at Kaiser Family Foundation(KFF), and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News. She is also a clinical associate professor of medicine and infectious diseases at New York University Grossman School of Medicine and cares for patients on the wards at Bellevue Hospital Center. Gounder is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has been included on the lists of 50 Women Making the World a Better Place as well as25 Women Changing the World, for her contributions to public health and healthcare.

Follow NFID on social media

Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, as they dive into a candid discussion with Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, of Resolve to Save Lives, exploring his journey from philosophy to medicine and a distinguished career in public health, with a focus on building resilient communities. From limiting trans-fat to banning smoking, he has spent his career working to build a healthier future for all, based on lessons from the past.

Show notes

Throughout his career, Frieden has been a strong advocate for pandemic preparedness, vaccine equity, and improving public health systems. As a global expert in tuberculosis, tobacco control, and health policy, he served as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2009 to 2017, where he oversaw responses to the H1N1 influenza, Ebola, and Zika epidemics. Prior to leading CDC, he served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health from 2002 to 2009. Born and raised in New York City, Frieden enjoys playing squash, reading non-fiction, and cooking. 

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about her perspectives on rebuilding trust in public health agencies. She shares what first influenced her to study medicine, what she is most proud of to date at CDC as well as barriers going forward, and what most keeps her awake at night.

Show notes

An internist, public health official, and healthcare executive, Cohen took over as director of CDC in July 2023, after serving as health secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. She served as chief operating officer and chief of staff at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the Obama Administration and is a founding member and former executive director of Doctors for America. She was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2021. Cohen is married to a healthcare regulatory attorney and has2 pre-teen daughters.

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He shares insights from his influential career in vaccine science and diplomacy, from how the field has changed over time, how his experience as the father of an autistic daughter helped shape his career, and what we can all be doing to counter anti-science rhetoric and help build vaccine confidence.

Show notes

An internationally recognized physician-scientist, Hotez is a professor at Baylor College of Medicine, co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development, and Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. For decades, he has led global efforts to develop new vaccines for neglected diseases around the world affecting hundreds of millions of people. In December of 2021, he led efforts at Texas Children’s to develop a low-cost COVID-19vaccine for global health, resulting in emergency use authorization in India. He is also an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is the prolific author of more than 650 publications, including the newest book, “The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science: A Scientist's Warning.” He frequently testifies before Congress and appears as a guest for national media outlets, always sporting his distinctive bowtie.

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the US Food and Drug Administration. He shares his insights on the origin of Operation Warp Speed during the COVID-19 pandemic, his efforts to transform the way that FDA approaches approval and licensure of new vaccines and other prevention tools, and his thoughts on how artificial intelligence may improve future work.

Show notes

Before joining FDA, Dr. Marks was clinical director of hematology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. He worked in industry for several years on hematology and oncology drug development and then returned to academic medicine at Yale University where he led the Adult Leukemia Service and served as chief clinical officer of Smilow Cancer Hospital. He joined FDA in 2012 as CBER deputy director and became director in2016. In 2022, he became a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Born in Brooklyn, NY, the father of 2 grown children now lives with his wife in Washington, DC.

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Carol J. Baker, MD, a leader in group B Streptococcus prevention and a passionate advocate for maternal immunization to help protect mothers and infants. She shares her perspectives on the most significant changes throughout her career, including the development of vaccines and antivirals as well as the inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials for vaccines and drugs. 

As a former competitive swimmer and now a daily walker, she has brought her energy and drive to national leadership positions, including as past president of NFID, as well as former chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. NFID presented her with the John P. Utz Leadership Award in 2009 in recognition of her leadership and service to NFID and the field of infectious diseases. She was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2019.  

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who was deeply involved in the responses to some of the biggest public health threats of the past 5 decades including HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. She shares her perspectives on the most significant changes she has seen throughout her career, how the HIV/AIDS epidemic helped shaped her work, the importance of rebuilding trust in CDC and other government agencies, and predictions for the upcoming respiratory season.

Follow NFID on social media

In the season 2 premier episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD, professor and senior advisor for global health equity at Morehouse School of Medicine, and one of the true heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion ranges from his early experiences farming to industry challenges, big scientific changes in recent years, exciting new developments in preventing future pandemics, and his work to improve health equity.

Follow NFID on social media

Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH, senior vice president and chief of global public health strategy at The Rockefeller Foundation, was a source of science-based information about vaccines long before misinformation and disinformation became buzzwords. From developing the first pandemic influenza preparedness and response plan for the US in 2005, to decades spent working to promote public health, he has been a pivotal voice in shaping public health policy in the US and globally.

Follow NFID on social media

As President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Richard E. Besser, MD, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and former ABC News chief health and medical editor, is now a leading champion for health equity urging the US to embrace its potential and provide opportunities for all to thrive … 

Follow NFID on social media

An international leader who played a key role in shaping the global COVID-19 vaccine strategy, Katherine L. O’Brien, MD, MPH, is now focused on bringing communities around the world up to date on immunizations and creating an accord to improve the global response to the next pandemic … 

Follow NFID on social media

As the first female director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, led the agency through 40 public health crises, including SARS-CoV-1. As  CEO of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, she now advocates for change to strengthen US health security and break the cycle of crisis to complacency …

Follow NFID on social media

An avid baseball fan who has played a pivotal role in shaping vaccine policy in the US and globally, Walter A. Orenstein, MD, reflects on lessons learned from smallpox, measles, polio, and how his love of baseball influenced a remarkable career in epidemiology and public health …

Follow NFID on social media

Scientist, philosopher, and public health hero, William H. Foege, MD, MPH, tells the remarkable story of the eradication of smallpox, a disease that killed more than 300 million people in the 20th century, and reflects on the lessons learned that are still relevant today …

Follow NFID on social media

A preeminent scientist who literally wrote the book on vaccines, Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, recalls the history of his work on life-saving vaccines for rubella and rotavirus, and discusses his predictions for the future …

Follow NFID on social media

Renowned scientist, advisor to 7 US Presidents, and widely known as “the nation’s top infectious disease doctor,” Anthony S. Fauci, MD, reflects on his decades-long career overseeing US research efforts from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19...

Follow NFID on social media

Internationally renowned scientist and public health advisor Paul A. Offit, MD, talks about the humble heroes who inspired him, and shares his insights on mixing politics and public health—for better or for worse. His favorite myth may surprise you…

Follow NFID on social media

NFID Vice President Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, shares predictions for the upcoming influenza (flu) season, describes how the COVID-19 pandemic catapulted new vaccine technologies, and shares her thoughts about the politicization of vaccine science…

Follow NFID on social media

NFID President Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, shares insights on storytelling and effectively responding to parent and patient concerns about vaccines to protect against COVID-19, measles, and other preventable diseases...

Follow NFID on social media

In this inspiring episode, Rino Rappuoli, PhD, a true pioneer in modern vaccinology and recipient of the 2025 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to explore his groundbreaking work in vaccinology. From his early days in Siena, Italy, to leading the development of life‑saving vaccines against meningitis, pertussis, and influenza, Rappuoli has transformed how vaccines are developed. He shares insights on mentorship, the origins of reverse vaccinology, climate change, and the future role of artificial intelligence in disease prevention. Tune in for a powerful conversation about science, innovation, and the unwavering drive to protect public health. 

Show Notes

Rappuoli is scientific director of the Biotecnopolo di Siena Foundation, Italy, honorary professor of Vaccinology at Imperial College, London, and senior professor of molecular biology at the University of Siena. He was previously head of external R&D and chief scientist at GSK Vaccines and founded the GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health. He earned his PhD in biological sciences at the University of Siena, Italy, and was visiting scientist at Rockefeller University and Harvard Medical School. 

An elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, he was awarded the Albert B Sabin Gold Medal in 2009. He is currently president of the International Union of Microbiological Societies. Rappuoli is among the world’s scientific leaders dedicated to the sustainability of global health and his work has contributed significantly to improving the quality of human life. 

Follow NFID on social media

August 3, 2022   SEASON 1   EPISODE 1

Hosts: Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, NFID Executive Director and CEO, and William Schaffner, MD, NFID Medical Director

In this inaugural episode of Infectious IDeas, Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, talks about the life-saving benefits of vaccines, public health challenges that keep her awake at night, and the vaccine-related myth that she most wants to bust…

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, Katelyn K. Jetelina, PhD, MPH, epidemiologist, data scientist, and founder of Your Local Epidemiologist, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to share her journey from statistical curiosity to science communication powerhouse. The conversation explores the importance of listening over lecturing, engaging with vaccine skeptics, and why empathy—not just evidence—is key to restoring public trust. From bungee jumping in South Africa to navigating burnout and motherhood, she reflects on modernizing public health and where she hopes to make the biggest impact.

Show Notes

Your Local Epidemiologist translates complex, evolving science into clear, actionable information—with more than 400 million views in more than 133 countries. Jetelina was recently named as a TIME100 Most Influential Person in Health. She lives with her husband and 2 young daughters in San Diego, CA.

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Craig Spencer, MD, MPH, emergency physician and global health expert, about what it takes to lead in times of crisis. From treating Ebola patients in Guinea to navigating COVID-19 in New York, he reflects on the power of empathy, the importance of cultural understanding, and the pursuit of health equity. He also shares the personal sacrifices behind public service—and why the lessons of past pandemics must not be forgotten.

Show notes

Associate professor at Brown University School of Public Health, Spencer has nearly 2 decades of experience in global health and humanitarian response, having worked on critical public health issues across Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond, including leading epidemiological responses during the West African Ebola outbreak. His work focuses on the historical foundations of public health, humanitarian response, and pandemic preparedness. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New England Journal of Medicine, The Washington Post and more. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the Board of Advisors for Doctors Without Borders USA.

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a powerful conversation with Shavon Arline-Bradley, MD, MDiv, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), who shares her personal and professional journey as a public health leader, ordained minister, and advocate for equity. From her early days as a classically trained pianist and national sprinter to her current role leading an historic national organization, she discusses how faith, family, and community fuel her commitment to improving health outcomes. 

Show notes

She earned a master’s degree in public health from Tulane University and completed executive programs at Howard and Cornell Universities. A southern New Jersey native, she is a lover of all-things sports, music, and an avid resort traveler. Most important to her are her faith and her family.  

A nationally recognized community advocate, Reverend Arline-Bradley serves in leadership roles for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Social Action Commission, and the Oprah Winfrey Network initiative “OWN Your Health.” She is founding principal and CEO of R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions, a public health, advocacy, and executive leadership firm.  

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a fascinating conversation with cardiologist and renowned biomedical researcher Eric Topol, MD, on the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and healthcare. Topol shares how AI can help strengthen the patient-doctor relationship, enhance diagnostics, and reduce medical errors.

Show notes

A practicing cardiologist, Topol is chair and professor of Translational Medicine at Scripps Research. One of the most cited researchers in medicine, he has published several bestselling books on the future of medicine, including a new book that explores research transforming human longevity and chronic disease. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and was commissioned to lead a review of the UK National Health Service. Additionally, he is the editor-in-chief of Medscape and publishes the Substack newsletter, Ground Truths. Known for his groundbreaking studies on AI in medicine, genomics, and digitized clinical trials, Topol was named to the TIME100 Health list of the most influential people in health in 2024.  

Follow NFID on social media

Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with medical journalist Elizabeth Cohen, who has dedicated her career to empowering patients and caregivers to be better advocates. A well-known author and former senior medical correspondent for CNN, she has made it her mission to help others navigate the often-complex US healthcare system. She shares personal insights, including her own journey from the NICU to the newsroom, and reflects on critical healthcare topics including access to care, maternal mortality, the polarization of public health, and the power of storytelling.

Show notes

Cohen has won multiple awards for her coverage of breaking medical news and health consumer reporting, from the Ebola outbreak in Liberia to COVID-19.She received the outstanding alumnus award from Boston University, where she received her master’s degree in public health, and from Columbia College in New York City, where she received her bachelor’s degree in history. She and her husband are the proud parents of 4 daughters.

Follow NFID on social media

In this episode, Jeremy Farrar, FRS, of the World Health Organization (WHO), joins new hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, for an insightful conversation on the power of science, the importance of community, and the urgent need for trust and collaboration in an increasingly polarized world. Drawing on decades of experience—from the early days of HIV/AIDS to pandemic preparedness, vaccine development, and global health leadership—Dr. Farrar shares personal lessons on failure, leadership under pressure, and why optimism, humility, and inclusion are essential to shaping the future of public health.

Show Notes

A physician-scientist, international health leader, and advocate, Dr. Farrar’s work has spanned HIV/AIDS, research on avian influenza, and leadership at Wellcome, where he helped guide the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He now serves as assistant director-general of health promotion and disease prevention and control at WHO, providing leadership on infectious and noncommunicable diseases, health promotion, food safety, and the health impacts of environmental change. In 2019, NFID honored him with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to global public health. 

Transcript

Alvania:

Welcome to the NFID podcast, Infectious IDeas. This is Rebecca Alvania, NFID CEO, and with me is my co-host, NFID Medical Director, Dr. Bob Hopkins. 

Hopkins:

Hey, happy to be here, Rebecca. 

Alvania:

Our guest today is Dr. Jeremy Farrar. He serves as the World Health Organization's Assistant Director-General of health promotion and disease prevention and control. Many of you know him for his groundbreaking work on infectious diseases with pandemic potential. He's also held major leadership roles, including director of the Welcome Trust and co-founder of Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the global effort to speed vaccine development and ensure access worldwide. In 2019, NFID honored him with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award. It recognized his impact on global public health and his commitment to making the world a more equitable place. 

Jeremy, thank you so much for joining us. 

Farrar:

Great pleasure. 

Alvania:

All right, we're going to start at the beginning. You began your career working in HIV AIDS. How did those early experiences shape you as a scientist?

Farrar:

That would have been in the late 1980s and of course, that was the time that HIV was becoming known about. And I do remember—I was a medical student, and soon after graduating—just the impact this had. I was working in London at the time, and medical students and doctors had got used to the idea that many things were treatable, and then suddenly you had mostly young individuals coming in. And frankly, there was very little anybody could do. Obviously, we didn't know what the cause was, and that was devastating, actually. 

But also on the positive side, as a result of great science and great public health, some solutions did start to come, and I pay huge tribute to the community who were then known to be living with HIV, because the role they played in pushing science and pushing public health was, I think, absolutely groundbreaking. And I'm not sure the establishment would have got there quite the way it did without that pressure from the community. 

So, three lessons: one, is the devastating impact of something new, in this case, HIV. Secondly, the incredible power of science. And thirdly, the critical importance of communities being part of engaging and owning the solutions.

Alvania:

What led you to global public health after that experience?

Farrar:

Th

Follow NFID on social media

How do we rebuild trust in vaccines and public health—and why aren’t facts alone enough? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with infectious disease expert William Schaffner, MD, about vaccine confidence, public trust, and the growing impact of misinformation. Drawing on decades of experience, Schaffner explains why effective science communication must reach hearts as well as minds to change behavior. The conversation explores vaccine hesitancy, social media’s role in shaping beliefs, the importance of listening to patients, and why public health education must start early. A thoughtful discussion for clinicians, public health professionals, and anyone concerned about the future of prevention. 

Show notes

A longtime advocate for disease prevention, Schaffner is a trusted science communicator whose clarity, perspective, and calm guidance have helped shape public health conversations for decades. He is a professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and he has worked extensively on the effective use of vaccines in adult populations. He previously served as NFID president, medical director, liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and host of the NFID podcast. In 2013, NFID honored him with the John P. Utz Leadership Award in recognition of his extraordinary service to NFID and the infectious disease community. 

Follow NFID on social media

How does a career in the ER lead to shaping national public health leadership? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with Georges C. Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of medicine, policy, and community health, Benjamin explains why trust is built through relationships, transparency, and consistent action over time. The conversation explores misinformation and “alternative facts,” communicating prevention more effectively, strengthening community engagement, rebuilding public health systems, and preparing the next generation of the workforce.  

Show Notes

As APHA’s leader since 2002, Benjamin has championed prevention, health equity, and strong public health systems nationwide. A board-certified internist and respected voice in public health leadership, he previously served as Maryland’s health secretary and has held clinical, academic, and military medical roles. Benjamin has authored more than 200 publications and is widely recognized for his expertise in preparedness, policy, and population health—bringing decades of real-world insight to conversations about protecting communities. 

Follow NFID on social media

How do journalists help the public make sense of complex health issues? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with veteran health journalist Lena H. Sun of The Washington Post. Drawing on decades of reporting—including front-line coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic—Sun reflects on how the media landscape has changed in the age of social media, misinformation, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the challenges of communicating nuanced science in a polarized environment, what makes experts effective sources for journalists, and why clear, accessible explanations matter more than ever. Sun also shares memorable reporting experiences from global infectious disease investigations and offers her perspective on the future of vaccine confidence, public health trust, and the stories that may shape the next decade. A candid, timely conversation about truth, trust, and the future of public health. 

Follow NFID on social media

Is the US losing its edge in biomedical research—and what does that mean for the future of infectious diseases? In this episode, Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and former leader at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joins hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, for a timely, thought-provoking discussion on the future of public health and scientific research. 

From the early days of HIV to today’s complex public health landscape, Marrazzo shares a candid look at the forces reshaping infectious diseases, including threats to scientific integrity, shifting research funding, vaccine confidence, and declining public trust. The conversation also explores what’s at stake for US leadership in biomedical research, the impact on global health, and why patient advocacy and strong scientific voices are critical now. 

Follow NFID on social media

How do we build trust in an era of misinformation, social media, and artificial intelligence? In this episode of Infectious IDeas, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with Heidi J. Larson, PhD, director of the Vaccine Confidence Project and professor of anthropology, risk, and decision science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. 

Drawing on decades of research and experience, Larson explains why vaccine hesitancy is often a relationship challenge rather than simply an information problem. She discusses the importance of active listening, the evolving role of digital platforms and AI, and the central role of trust-building in public health. 

The conversation explores how healthcare professionals can foster meaningful dialogue, why communication deserves greater investment, and what gives Larson hope for the future. 

Follow NFID on social media

What happens when public health becomes politicized? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, are joined by former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson for a wide-ranging conversation on public health leadership, vaccine confidence, and crisis communication. Drawing on his experience in state and federal governments, including leadership roles during COVID-19 and the SARS outbreak, Hutchinson reflects on how emergency preparedness, public trust, and cultural differences shape public health policy and response. 

The discussion explores the growing politicization of vaccines, the challenges of balancing federal guidance with state-level decision-making, and why regional public health collaborations have emerged in response to fractured national policy. Hutchinson also shares lessons learned from leading Arkansas through the pandemic, including the importance of transparent communication, daily public briefings, local medical partnerships, and education over mandates in a state skeptical of government intervention. The episode closes with a candid look at the nation’s current preparedness for future public health emergencies and why declining trust in institutions may be one of the greatest vulnerabilities moving forward. 

Follow NFID on social media

What does it take to eradicate a disease like polio, and why does vaccine equity matter as much as scientific innovation? In this episode of the Infectious IDeas podcast, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, welcome Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, of the Gates Foundation and recipient of the 2026 NFID John P. Utz Leadership Award, for a lively discussion on global immunization policy, disease surveillance, and the effort to eradicate polio. 

Neuzil reflects on the people who shaped her career, advances in vaccine science, the funding and communication challenges facing public health today, and why health equity must be central to any eradication effort. She also shares why she remains optimistic that the next generation can build a healthier, more equitable future. 

Follow NFID on social media

What will it take to better prepare the world for the next pandemic, and why are vaccine equity and disease surveillance critical to that effort? In this episode of the Infectious IDeas podcast, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, have a candid conversation with Richard J. Hatchett, MD, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and recipient of the 2026 NFID Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award. He shares his thoughts on the 100 Days Mission, the lessons of Ebola epidemic, and why he sees pandemic preparedness as a matter of conscience as much as science.  

Hatchett traces an unlikely path from a medical residency during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, to Ebola fieldwork in Gabon, to volunteering at Ground Zero after September 11 — the same instinct, he says, that later led him to help found CEPI in response to the West African Ebola epidemic. He discusses the current Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the chronic underfunding of disease surveillance, and why he considers CEPI's commitment to equitable vaccine access more significant than any of his own technical contributions. 

Follow NFID on social media