In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rochelle Walensky, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We discuss the state of American public health infrastructure, the challenges it faces, and what we can do to improve it.
(00:00) Our introduction
(03:45) Interview begins
(09:32) Core challenges: Maintaining and growing the workforce
(18:41) Core challenges: Standardizing and modernizing data systems
(28:01) Core challenges: Reorganizing laboratory systems
(30:32) The problem of fragmentation
(44:55) Tradeoffs in communication; “following the science”
(52:57) Biggest lessons learned
(1:00:37) Public health infrastructure in the US vs. elsewhere
(1:07:34) Paths forward: public investment
(1:09:42) Paths forward: H5N1 and the scope of CDC’s authority
(1:15:32) Advice for aspiring public health professionals
Used or referenced:
Bio(un)ethical is a bioethics podcast written by Leah Pierson and Sophie Gibert, with editing and production by Ambedo Media (previous production support by Audiolift.co). Our music is written by Nina Khoury and performed by Social Skills. We are supported by a grant from Amplify Creative Grants.
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