Infectious IDeas

Send us a textIn 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 fight for health equity. He also shares the personal sacrifices behind public service—and why the lessons of past pandemics must not be forgotten.Show notesAssociate 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

Send us a textJoin 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 notesShe 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

Send us a textJoin 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 notesA 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

Send us a textJoin 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 notesCohen 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

Send us a textJoin 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 notesWhile 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

Send us a textIn 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 seasons. 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, MPHPeter J. Hotez, MD, PhDKathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPHRichard E. Besser, MDSeth F. Berkley, MDPaul A. Offit, MDPatricia N. Whitley-Williams, MDTom Frieden, MD, MPHAnthony S. Fauci, MDReed V. Tuckson, MDMandy Cohen, MD, MPHMichael Osterholm, PhDFollow NFID on social media

Send us a textJoin 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

Send us a textJoin 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 notesAn 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.

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 notesDaskalakis 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.

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 notesPoland 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.

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 notesOfotokun 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.

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 notesA 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.

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 notesAn 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.

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 notesLee 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.

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 notesAn 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.

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 notesAn 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.

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 notesThroughout 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. 

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 notesAn 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.

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 notesAn 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.

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 notesBefore 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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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 … 

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 …  

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 …

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 …

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 … 

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 …

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...

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…

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… 

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...

August 3, 2022   SEASON 1   EPISODE 1Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, NFID Executive Director & 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…