Contagious Conversations

When Dr. Evelyn McKnight was battling breast cancer in 2002, the last thing on her mind was hepatitis C. So when she and her husband Thomas learned she had contracted the virus from unsafe injection practices during her treatment, they were shocked. Now she's sharing the story of how she turned this tragic event into an ongoing campaign for patient safety. Dr. Evelyn McKnight, an audiologist and mother of three, is a nationally recognized patient safety advocate and survivor of one of the largest viral outbreaks in American healthcare history. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:16]  What drew Dr. McKnight to her career as an audiologist. [4:01] Dr. McKnight shares her journey battling a recurrence of breast cancer and learning she had been infected with hepatitis C while receiving treatment. [6:03] Dr. McKnight talks about receiving the diagnosis of hepatitis C. [7:33] Dr. McKnight describes the climate at the moment she and her husband, Thomas, formed the HONOReform Foundation. [9:33] There are still unsafe injection practices out there in America. [10:44] How would Dr. McKnight assess the evolution of patient advocacy, both in terms of awareness and resources for patients? [12:39] Dr. McKnight’s story has helped provide many resources for many people. [13:58] We still see lapses in infection control practices even today. How often do we see these lapses in the United States overall? [16:41] Patients need to be empowered and need to be engaged as members of their healthcare team. [17:01] Dr. McKnight talks about where these lapses might occur if someone is getting treatment like chemotherapy or maybe having surgery. [17:57] Dr. McKnight shares her work in helping start the Safe Injection Practices Coalition with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the CDC Foundation, and she also talks about the impact it has had on patient safety. [19:33] Who are some of the stakeholders that were engaged in the overall success of the coalition? [21:49] Dr. McKnight talks about her new fund, the Evelyn and Thomas McKnight Family Fund for Patient Safety. [22:27] Who is the first recipient of the McKnight Prize for Healthcare Outbreak Heroes? [24:55] Dr. McKnight shares her thoughts about how far she’s come since 2002. [26:03] As a patient, what can we do to protect ourselves when we are having medical treatment? [28:16] Dr. McKnight gives her advice for the future public health leaders of America.   Mentioned in This Episode: Injection Safety @ CDC.gov One and Only Campaign CDC Foundation Visit CDC.gov for detailed information about COVID 19

After a career in pediatrics and both public and private health leadership, Dr. Lauren Smith is now stepping into the new position of chief health equity and strategy officer at the CDC Foundation. In this episode, she discusses the perspectives on health equity, systemic racism and community resiliency that she's bringing to the role. Dr. Lauren Smith is the chief health equity and strategy officer for the CDC Foundation. In her new role for the foundation, Dr. Smith partners with senior leaders to develop and drive strategic efforts to embed health equity across COVID-19 response activities. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Dr. Smith shares her motivation to work as a pediatrician and how that choice shaped her career. [3:57] Dr. Smith talks about the impact of public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. [7:08] Dr. Smith explains why trust and credibility are part of the core mission of public health. [8:20] Dr. Smith talks about health equity and how it impacted her work. [10:40] Is there a greater awareness about the role racism plays in public health than before the pandemic? [12:40] COVID-19 has worked as a catalyst to bring racism and inequality to light. [14:05] Dr. Smith shares the topics she wants to address in her new position at the CDC Foundation. [17:10] Who are the key partners Dr. Smith is looking for? [18:56] What are the main messages to get out to the public about ways in which they can engage in the mission of public health? [21:00] Dr. Smith shares key tools to make sure important public health messages are communicated in accessible ways to communities. [23:22] What are the greatest challenges and opportunities to serve populations at risk? [26:25] What role should equity play in how the vaccine is rolled out? [28:20] How can the concerns of populations at risk be alleviated? [30:30] Dr. Smith talks about the different sectors of public health coming together to address the challenges presented by the current pandemic. [32:50] Dr. Smith talks about the involvement of the private sector. [34:08] What advice does Dr. Smith have for the future public health leaders of America?   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Visit CDC for detailed information about COVID 19

Meet the man whose discovery has made it possible to save millions of lives. In this episode, Dr. Harvey Alter shares the story of his 50-plus year career and how his research led to the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. Dr. Harvey J. Alter is a Senior Scholar at the National Institute for Health and was just named the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work in discovering the hepatitis C Virus. Dr. Alter’s research focused on patients who developed chronic hepatitis from an unknown agent during blood transfusions. Dr. Alter was also the recipient of the 2015 CDC Foundation Fries Prize for Improving Health, which is an award that recognizes an individual who has made major contributions to improve health. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:35] Dr. Alter shares how he received the news about receiving the Nobel Prize in Medicine. [2:47] What drew Dr. Alter to the field of health research? [6:40] Dr. Alter talks about his career. [10:51] Dr. Alter shares his Aha! moment. [16:26] Dr. Alter talks about the moment when he realized he was on the cusp of something big. [18:38] Dr. Alter shares the lessons he learned in times of COVID-19. [22:45] Dr. Alter talks about the importance of organizations like NIH and CDC. [25:27] Dr. Alter talks about the main challenges in developing a vaccine for hepatitis C. [30:18] What is next in Dr. Alter’s career trying to eradicate hepatitis C? [32:35] What advice does Dr. Alter have for the future public health leaders of America?   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Visit CDC.gov for detailed information about COVID-19

In Season 6 of Contagious Conversations, you'll hear what it was like to discover Hepatitis C from recent Nobel Prize winner Dr. Harvey Alter, learn about the latest strategies for tackling health equity and systemic racism during the COVID-19 pandemic from Dr. Lauren Smith, and find out how advocates like Dr. Evelyn McKnight are working to save lives by preventing unsafe injection practices.

Chief Lynn Malerba has served as a registered nurse, as director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, as chairwoman of the Tribal Council and now as the first female Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. And she’s now drawing on this full history as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps disproportionately through the Native American population. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). About Chief Malerba: Chief Lynn Malerba the first female Chief in the modern history of the Mohegan Tribe, a sovereign, federally-recognized Indian tribe with a reservation in Southeastern Connecticut. Prior to becoming Chief, Malerba served as chairwoman of the Tribal Council and served in Tribal Government as executive director of Health and Human Services. Preceding her work for the Mohegan Tribe, Malerba had a lengthy career as a registered nurse and as the director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. Malerba is chairwoman of the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee of the Federal Indian Health Service, a member of the Justice Department’s Tribal Nations Leadership Council, a member of the Tribal Advisory Committee for the National Institute of Health and a member of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee.   Key Takeaways: [1:55] What led Chief Malerba to the field of nursing earlier in her career? [4:12] Chief Malerba talks about how she became the Director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. [5:19] Chief Malerba shares how she became Chief. [7:47] Chief Malerba talks about her main responsibilities as Chief. [10:24] You have to raise your voice for the ones you are advocating for. [11:13] Chief Malerba talks about the impact of COVID-19 on her community. [13:17] Chief Malerba shares the existing health challenges for Native Americans prior to the pandemic. [18:46] How has the budget process contributed to the health iniquities Native Americans face? [21:29] How did COVID-19 add to the already existing health challenges of Native Americans? [22:37] Do certain cultural traditions of tribes present potential challenges during this time of coronavirus? [25:29] Chief Malerba talks about ways that tribal nations have previously worked with the U.S. during public health emergencies. [27:59] Chief Malerba talks about tribal nations and their work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in providing preparedness and response resources for tribal leaders. [30:35] How has COVID-19 impacted Chief Malerba’s ability to do her work? [31:50] How are rural tribal communities overcoming challenges to ensure good information is shared with their citizens? [33:27] Chief Malerba talks about the best approaches for those in public health to reach tribal nations. [35:58] Chief Malerba shares the story she wants people to know about public health and tribal nations. [38:51] Chief Malerba gives her advice to the future public health leaders of America.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Visit CDC.gov for detailed information about COVID 19

How much do you really know about contact tracing? And would you have what it takes to be a successful contact tracer? Dr. Joshua Sharfstein of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health takes listeners through the essential ins and outs of contact tracing during a public health crisis like COVID-19. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). About Dr. Sharfstein: Dr. Joshua Sharfstein is the vice dean for public health practice and community engagement, as well as professor of practice in health policy and management, at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Sharfstein is also director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. His previous roles have included secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, principal deputy commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, commissioner of health for Baltimore City, and health policy advisor for Congressman Henry A. Waxman.   Key Takeaways: [1:26] Dr. Sharfstein shares what motivated him to join the field of public health. [2:21] Dr. Sharfstein talks about his favorite aspect of being a pediatrician. [3:22] Dr. Sharfstein taught a course titled “Crisis and Response in Public Health Policy and Practice” and he shares the most common questions his students had as the pandemic unfolded. [6:14] Dr. Sharfstein’s steps to follow while in a health crisis: acknowledge there is a crisis; communicate consistently; have knowledgeable people as the lead communicators; and centralize a response process where everybody knows their role. [7:45] Dr. Sharfstein shares his perspective on how COVID-19 has influenced people to get a better understanding of the role of public health workers. [9:36] The core functions of a contact tracer. [11:38] What kind of infrastructure is needed to help contact tracers? [13:10] Dr. Sharfstein talks about the biggest misconceptions about contact tracers. [13:46] A contact tracer is someone from the health department who is reaching out to help you and the people around you to stay safe. [14:40] Where are contact tracers needed the most? [16:29] Key skills to be a successful contact tracer. [18:42] Dr. Sharfstein shares some of the successes seen in combating public health emergencies using contact tracing. [21:35] Public health is collaborative work. [22:33] Key leaders who need to be part of the collaborative work in public health. [23:26] Public Health On Call is a podcast produced by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. [26:24] Dr. Sharfstein’s advice to the future public health leaders of America.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Visit CDC.gov for information about COVID-19

Daniel E. Dawes is the director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine, an institute laser-focused on advancement of health equity. Now Dawes sits down to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color and marginalized populations, and the importance of understanding political determinants of health in the context of American history. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). About Daniel Dawes: Daniel Dawes is a widely respected leader and scholar in the health equity movement and has led numerous efforts to address health policy issues impacting vulnerable, under-resourced, and marginalized populations. Dawes has been instrumental in shaping major federal health policies including the Mental Health Parity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, and the Affordable Care Act, where he led the largest network of leaders committed to prioritizing health equity and federal and state public policies. Dawes is the author of two books published by Johns Hopkins University Press: 150 Years of ObamaCare and The Political Determinants of Health.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Daniel Dawes talks about his background and early career. [7:52] Daniel Dawes defines health equity. [8:05] Health equity is not the same as health equality. [8:54] Dawes describes the landscape when he first began working in health equity. [12:42] COVID-19 is hitting communities of color disproportionately. [14:05] The biggest challenge is the political determinants of health. [14:50] People of color are disproportionately harmed by COVID-19. [18:25] Daniel Dawes shares the core themes of his book The Political Determinants of Health. [20:50] COVID-19 is not affecting all equally because our economic and social politics have not been benefiting all equally. [23:39] The pandemic has opened the eyes of many to the political determinants of health. [24:46] Dawes talks about the priorities of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine. [26:51] The new partnership between the CDC Foundation and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute. [28:17] A COVID-19 data consortium will be created that should ensure the standardization of COVID-19 data at federal, state and national levels. [30:33] The Satcher Health Leadership Institute received a $1 million grant from Google to study the disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on communities of color. [32:36] Daniel Dawes talks about the successes that served as blueprints for more inclusive health policies to face pandemics, epidemics and social crises. [38:01] How are different sectors of public health coming together to face the challenges coming along with the pandemic? [38:54] Daniel Dawes gives his advice for the future public health leaders of America.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Visit CDC.gov for information about COVID-19 The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine

In the fifth season of Contagious Conversations, each of our episodes takes a deep look at the COVID-19 pandemic from a different perspective. Our guest experts discuss health equity and COVID-19's disproportionate impact on people of color, the challenges and opportunities facing tribal nations in the time of coronavirus, what's really involved in contact tracing, and more.

Dr. Jim Curran has served as dean and professor of epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University since 1995, following 25 years of leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Curran is co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research and he holds faculty appointments in the Emory School of Medicine and the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. In this episode, Dr. Curran discusses our nation’s need for the next generation of the public health workforce and how our universities, associations and employers are preparing individuals to meet those demands. Dr. Curran also discusses his work at CDC during the very early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, how far the world has come since that challenging time and the road to eliminate the disease. Key Takeaways: [1:21] Dr. Jim Curran shares what sparked his interest in public health [2:23] How the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University has evolved to become the largest school of public health in the world. [3:33] Dr. Curran talks about the most intriguing current research taking place at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. [4:51] How deeply the public health workforce shortage in the USA should be addressed [7:08] How is Emory University working to strengthen the workforce for the future? [8:24] Dr. Curran shares his view related to the greatest human resource needs to tackle some of the current challenging health threats. [9:13] Dr. Curran talks about the biggest challenges he faced while working in the field of HIV/AIDS at CDC 40 years ago. [14:50] Dr. Curran explains how the discovery of retroviral therapy changed the life quality of patients with HIV/AIDS as well as it is proven to reduce the transmission of the virus to other people. [17:25] The audiences that are harder to reach with HIV prevention messages [19:18] Dr. Curran talks about the opportunities and challenges with the future of public health [22:03] The challenges presented by an increasing aging population [23:57] Dr. Curran extends his advice for those thinking of pursuing a career in public health [24:59] Dr. Curran talks about how the role of collaboration can make a difference in improving the work of public health Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Answer this episode’s question: What is the best career advice you ever received? Share your experience with us. Just email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and you'll have the chance to win some CDC Foundation merchandise. For more information about this episode go to Contagious Conversations.

Dr. Georges Benjamin is the executive director of the American Public Health Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of public health professionals. Dr. Benjamin also previously served as a secretary at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For the last 20 years he has been actively practicing public health at the local, state and national level with expertise in the areas of emergency preparedness, administration and infectious diseases. In this episode, Dr. Benjamin discusses our nation’s health and how public health has changed over time, he also shares insights on how disparities impact health, how data informs decisions, and how we can bring many diverse fuse together to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time. Key Takeaways: [1:19] Dr. Benjamin shares how he started his professional career in public health. [2:31] The American Public Health Association and its role in public health and how public health has changed over time. [5:15] APHA brings diverse voices together to advocate for health issues. [5:51] APHA priorities: Access to care;health equity; and building public health infrastructure. [6:56] Resources and timing are everything to improve the health of the public. [7:23] 80% of what makes you healthy happens outside the doctors office. [9:20] Dr. Benjamin shares an example of how APHA has elevated the importance of the social determinants of health. [10:57] Dr. Benjamin talks about how data impacts the creation of a healthier population from a chronic and infectious disease perspective as well as how it helps addressemerging health threats. [14:22] The greatest needs at local and state health levels, and how they need to be tackled.  [17:29] The significance of the government’s approval of funding for research on gun violence. [20:36] What are the biggest needs in the public health profession from a human capital perspective? [23:42] Public health is now popular as an undergraduate degree. [25:05] Dr. Benjamin reflects on the opportunities to bring health and public health together in an effective way to improve health overall. [28:15] Dr. Benjamin talks about how collaboration is making a difference in improving the field of public health and the health of people overall. Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Answer this episode’s question: What does Public Health mean to you? Share your experience with us. Just email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and you'll have the chance to win some CDC Foundation merchandise. For more information about this episode go to Contagious Conversations.

Dr. Rasha Khoury is a physician in the Bronx, New York, with a focus on global maternal health. Dr. Khoury has completed six Doctors Without Borders surgical missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone. She also serves on the organization's U.S. board of directors. In this episode, Dr. Khoury shares her experiences with Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization that provides medical aid where it's most needed. Doctors Without Borders is the recipient of the CDC Foundation's Fries Prize for Improving Health presented at the American Public Health Association annual meeting. Key Takeaways: [1:30] Dr. Khoury shares the principles of Doctors Without Borders. [3:02] Dr. Rasha Khoury talks about her motivation to join Doctors Without Borders even though this implies potentially putting herself at risk. [6:22] Dr. Khoury shares her experience during her first mission at Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak. [10:06] Challenges faced when delivering children and caring for pregnant women in Khost, Afghanistan. [13:30] Dr. Khoury shares a memorable story while working in Afghanistan. [16:33] Dr. Khory talks about how her perspective changed now that she is on the organization’s U.S. board of directors. [19:18] Dr. Khoury identifies herself as a field worker. [21:18] Two destinations where Dr. Khoury hopes to do more field work. [22:23] Dr. Khoury extends her advice to people with an interest in serving for Doctors Without Borders. [23:53] The importance of seeking opportunities to work out of your comfort zone. [24:56] The role of collaboration in improving the health of patients. [29:28] Maintaining institutional memory through collaborative work. Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Answer this episode’s question: Have you ever worked in another country to help address a local health or humanitarian need? If so, share your experience with us. Just email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and you'll have the chance to win some CDC Foundation merchandise. For more information about this episode go to Contagious Conversations.

Contagious Conversations features compelling interviews with people who are making the world safer and healthier for us all. In season 4, our guest experts share their perspectives on some of the world's toughest health challenges, including global maternal health, the evolution of public health in America, and what it takes to be part of the next generation of the public health workforce.

For our tenth episode, we sit down with the CDC Foundation's own president and CEO, Dr. Judy Monroe. Dr. Monroe has also previously been deputy director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Indiana State Health Commissioner, and president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. In this episode, Dr. Monroe shares shares stories from her recent trip to West Africa: meeting Ebola survivors and the many individuals who are making an impact on global health, the progress made since the 2014-15 Ebola outbreak, and the ongoing challenges and needs in the region. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). Key Takeaways: [1:20] Dr. Monroe talks about her recent trip to West Africa. [2:47] Stories from West Africa and the many individuals who are making an impact. [4:58] Why listening to the community is critical. [6:10] What is contact tracing? [7:31] Ebola survivor story. [9:24] Making connections in West Africa. [13:02] Dr. Monroe’s visit to Nigeria. [15:04] Infant and mother mortality in Nigeria. [17:10] The current situation with the Ebola outbreak. [18:15] What is Global Health Security? [19:14] Public health infrastructure is needed to identify emerging diseases. [20:05] Global Health Security agenda. [21:22] Other priorities in Global Health Security. [23:14] Working domestically vs. globally. [25:48] Dr. Monroe’s background as a family physician. [26:55] How the donations during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic are making a difference. [29:33] How vaccines make an impact in global health. [32:45] Parents today don’t see the diseases that have been prevented because of vaccines. [33:31] Longer and healthier lives thanks to vaccines. [34:07] Dr. Monroe shares her excitement about the future of global health. [35:08] The world needs creative minds.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation The Global Health Security agenda Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Answer this episode’s question: Have you ever taken a trip that really impacted your life? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and win some CDC Foundation Merchandise.

Dr Michael McGinnis is an epidemiologist, health policy expert and Leonard D. Schaeffer Executive Officer at the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. McGinnis is well regarded both for his program and policy leadership and his research and publications on population health and life expectancy. Dr. McGinnis was also the recipient of the 2018 Fries Prize for improving health. In this episode, Dr. McGinnis discusses his role leading a team that worked on eradicating smallpox, his pivotal work related to causes of death in the United States, and how he created some of the world's most influential approaches for highlighting the importance of prevention efforts to address disease threats. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations).   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Dr Michael McGinnis talks about his early career. [4:55] Research on population health and the root causes of mortality. [5:27] The essence of prevention. [8:16] Addressing the urgent and also what is preventable. [9:55] The causes of morbidity and mortality in 1990 vs. today. [13:11] Medical errors. [14:11] The decline of sexual behavior as a cause of mortality. [17:18] The impact of social determinants of health. [18:12] The main goals of the Healthy People process. [21:01] Celebrating the absence of disease. [22:08] Improving data systems. [23:25] Participating in the Smallpox eradication program in India. [26:45] Evolution of the practice of public health protection in the last four decades. [30:29] More work to be done. [31:39] Improving the human condition for both the population and for the individual. [32.18] What Dr. McGinnis is grateful for. [33:15] Make it easier for the right thing to happen. [33:48] Advice for future public health leaders of America.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Healthy People 2020 Answer this episode’s question: What are you most proud of in your career? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org to win some CDC Foundation merchandise.

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a pediatrician and a public health advocate whose research helped expose the Flint water crisis. Dr. Mona is founder and director of the Michigan State University and the Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, an innovative and model public health program in Flint, Michigan. In this episode, Dr. Mona shares how she became an advocate for the people of Flint during the water crisis, and discusses the community-centered work that is creating a better future for families and children in Flint today. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations).   Key Takeaways: [1:12] Dr. Mona discusses her background and career path. [3:13] A pediatrician’s job is to be an advocate. [3:50] What Mona loves the most about being a pediatrician. [5:01] Becoming an advocate during the water crisis in Flint. [8:20] Why is lead so dangerous for children? [9:22] There is no safe level of lead. [11:22] Lead as an environmental injustice. [12:04] Alice Hamilton, a hero in the battle against industrial poisons. [13:40] Why the story of Hamilton resonated with Dr. Mona. [18:13] What the Eyes Don’t See, Dr. Mona’s book. [20:54] Dr. Mona talks about her work at Michigan State University. [21:28] The Flint water crisis: a crisis of trust. [25:11] The success of the nutrition prescription program. [26:25] All kids need great nutrition, early education resources and access to health. [27:03] How can we inspire people to play a larger role in improving the health of their community? [28:05] Community work in Flint and how this is making an impact. [30:15] How is the situation in Flint today? [32:15] Other health challenges Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha wants to tackle in the near future.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance and Hope in an American City Answer this episode’s question: How have you made an impact on your community? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and win some CDC Foundation merchandise.

Dr. Robert Redfield is the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Prior to becoming CDC’s Director, Dr. Redfield had a long and distinguished career in public health, including researching and contributing to the early scientific understanding of HIV, serving as the chief of infectious diseases and vice chair of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and serving on the president’s advisory council on HIV/AIDS from 2005 to 2009. In this episode, Dr. Redfield shares his thoughts on eliminating HIV in the United States by 2030, why opioid disorder is the public health crisis of our time, and what it’s like to work with a team that puts science and data into action to improve the human condition. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations).   Key Takeaways: [1:21] Dr. Redfield’s career path. [3:11] Dr. Redfield in his early years working with HIV. [6:45] Starting at CDC. [7:19] Three priority areas at CDC. [10:21] A plan to eliminate HIV in the USA by 2030. [11:10] Prevention strategies are critical to public health. [14:09] Progress made in opioid addiction. [15:05] Drug use disorder as a medical condition and not a moral failing. [15:51] The challenge with drug use disorder is confronting stigma. [16:13] Where we are doing to address opioid addiction. [19:18] Using data to address public health challenges. [22:47] Dr. Redfield’s ambitious goals during his term at CDC. [23:25] The most challenging part of being director of CDC. [24:28] The most rewarding part of being CDC’s director. [26:16] The biggest misconception about CDC’s work. [28:26] The impact of CDC’s work globally. [30:19] The importance of global health security. [32:33] Public-private partnerships accomplish key goals. [35:35] What Dr. Redfield has learned over the past year about CDC’s team. [36:34] CDC’s team and being on the frontlines of public service.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America PEPFAR Answer this episode’s question: How has the work of CDC impacted your life? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and win some CDC Foundation merchandise.

Carol Pandak is the director of PolioPlus, Rotary International’s global effort to eradicate polio. Pandak has served in this role since 2000, where she leads day-to-day operations and oversees the program's administration, advocacy efforts, grants, finances and volunteer engagement. In this role she also works closely with global program partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In this episode, Carol shares the progress we've made in polio eradication and how health workers are making an impact in their communities. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). Key Takeaways: [1:20] What led Carol Pandak to this point in her career? [1:55] What drove Carol Pandak to work in polio eradication? [2:34] Why did Rotary International get involved in polio eradication? [4:16] Progress in polio eradication since 1988. [4:55] How are we going to eradicate polio? [6:17] The biggest challenge to eradication is building community trust. [7:06] The reality for the ones working in the field. [8:11] How do you become a community mobilizer? [9:45] What is the biggest danger for community mobilizers? [10:54] The psychology behind vaccine hesitancy. [11:53] How can we overcome vaccine hesitancy? [12:57] Powerful stories. [15:11] Women at the frontlines. [15:49] Carol Pandak's career advice for future public health leaders. Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Answer this episode’s question: Do you know someone that has been impacted by polio? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and participate to win some CDC Foundation merchandise.

Dr. Rebekah Gee is the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Dr. Gee is an OB-GYN and brings a caregiver's perspective to the people she serves. She is also a trained policy expert who has served in numerous state and national policy roles, and in 2017, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Prior to her role as secretary, Dr. Gee served as the director for the Birth Outcomes Initiative, where she led the charge to decrease infant mortality and prematurity statewide.  In this episode, Dr. Gee shares her inspiring path to becoming the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, and how she is working to fight health challenges such as Hepatitis C in Louisiana.  For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). Key Takeaways:  [1:21] What inspired Dr. Gee to become a physician?  [2:50] The caregiver perspective.  [4:00] Nothing about me, without me.  [4:31] What led Dr. Gee to her current position at the Louisiana Department of Health.  [5:50] Prioritizing the safety of the public.  [7:25] Hepatitis C in Louisiana.  [10:05] Understanding and preventing Hepatitis C.  [13:25] Infant mortality and protecting babies and mothers.  [14:45] Maternal mortality and implicit bias.  [16:06] Medicaid expansion.  [18:22] The most complicated part of Dr. Gee’s role as Secretary of the Department of Health.  [20:23] The greatest public health challenges in Louisiana.  [21:23] Dr. Gee’s career advice for the future public health leaders of America.  [22:43] Delivery system and public health need to be married for optimal results.  [22:52] Advice for women who want to be public health leaders.    Mentioned in This Episode:  CDC Foundation  Answer this episode’s question: What is the best career advice you have ever received? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org and win some CDC Foundation merchandise.

Dr. Richard Besser is the president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, former acting director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and former chief health and medical editor at ABC News. At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Besser leads the largest private Foundation in the country devoted solely to improving the nation’s health. The Foundation’s work is focused on building a comprehensive culture of health that provides everyone in America with a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible.  In this episode, Dr. Besser shares his career path, some takeaways from his CDC leadership experience, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s vision for building a culture of health.  For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). Key Takeaways:  [1:27] What led Dr. Richard Besser to this point of his career.  [2:16] Key influences in Dr. Besser’s career.   [5:40] Joining the Epidemic Intelligence Service.  [6:20] Dr. Besser’s favorite aspect of being a pediatrician.  [7:42] Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s approach to building a culture of health.  [9:26] Health equity.  [10:14] When parents know what their kids need but may not have access to a safe environment.  [11:47] Key takeaways from Dr. Besser’s leadership experience that shaped his views about health.  [14:05] The H1N1 response at CDC.  [14:28] Public health’s identity challenge.  [15:57] Defining moments of Dr. Besser’s tenure at CDC.  [18:05] The most interesting person Dr. Besser interviewed at ABC News: President Obama.  [20:15] 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa.  [21:20] Partnerships and philanthropy.  [23:45] Your zip code and your life expectancy are linked.  [24:55] 500 Cities Project.  [25:50] The one key initiative that Dr. Besser would like to accomplish at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  [27:19] Investing in leaders.  [28:32] Career advice for future public health leaders in America: Work to change the world.    Mentioned in This Episode:  CDC Foundation  Answer this episode’s question: What does public health mean to you? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org to win some CDC Foundation merchandise. 

Maryn McKenna is an independent journalist and author who specializes in public health, global health and food policy. She is a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Human Health at Emory University, and the author of the 2017 bestseller BIG CHICKEN: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats, as well as the award-winning books Superbug and Beating Back the Devil: On the Front Lines with the Disease Detectives of the Epidemic Intelligence Service. In this episode Maryn shares her unique career journey, describes why storytelling matters, and tells us what it’s like to cover stories on the front lines of disease outbreaks. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). Key Takeaways: [1:04] How Maryn became a journalist. [2:27] Immersion in the public health field. [4:01] Falling in love with investigative journalism. [5:04] Realizing the need to become a storyteller. [6:02] The unique challenges of public health storytelling. [6:18] The role of journalism in increasing awareness. [7:40] On the frontlines of a health response. [10:32] Why did Maryn get interested in the area of antibiotics resistance? [13:53] Seeing statistics about how we use antibiotics in livestock compared to medicine led to a new book. [14:24] Why chickens? [16:50] An experience in France that changed Maryn forever. [19:33] Does Maryn still eat chicken? [21:18] Disease X. [23:15] Acute flaccid myelitis, new epidemic in the USA. [24:10] Concerns about U.S. public health in response to epidemics. [26:14] Antibiotics development is expensive and challenging . [26:48] The role of public-private partnerships in public health. [29:12] Maryn’s advice to young people pursuing journalism. [31:05] Journalism’s openness to people from other fields today.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Answer this episode’s question:Have you ever had chicken or any food in another country that changed your life? Email info@cdcfoundation.org to win a signed copy of Big Chicken