Infectious IDeas

Infectious IDeas

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.

Episodes

May 7, 2025 17 mins

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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 ...

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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.

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A practicing cardiologist, Topol is chair and pr...

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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...

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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 Vanderbi...

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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...

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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 ...

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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 po...

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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 tr...

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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 vaccinol...

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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 signif...

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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, ...

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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 lea...

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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 concer...

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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 h...

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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 a...

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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 less...

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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.

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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...

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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 tool...

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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 cl...

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