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You are listening to Infectious IDeas, a podcast presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), that goes beyond the science to explore the personal stories behind the people doing the work. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with inspiring leaders and humble heroes making a powerful impact on public health. Through their experiences, we uncover the human side of infectious disease prevention and treatment—all driven by a shared vision of healthier lives for all.
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Send us a text 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: Pat...
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Anne E. Goldfeld, MD—physician-scientist, humanitarian, and recipient of the 2025 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award—joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to reflect on a remarkable career in medicine, science, and global health. From treating patients in refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodian border to conducting groundbreaking research at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, Goldfeld shares the path that led...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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 bur...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 c...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 c...
Send us a text 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 br...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 vac...
Send us a text 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 b...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 N...
Send us a text 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 do...
Send us a text 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 ch...
Send us a text 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 mo...
Send us a text 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 diseas...
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