Seeds of Doubt - The Politicization of Public Health with Matthew Jacob and Dr. Brian Castrucci

Today's show focuses on disinformation and its connection to public health and policy.

With the recent news that President-elect Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., known not only for his family ties but primarily for his strong opposition to vaccinations and commitment to debunked conspiracy theories, and controversial views on supplements and food preparation practices, to take the lead at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we invited two seasoned public health experts to join us for a conversation to discuss the impact of disinformation and the spread of misinformation on public health and what that could mean for public health policy.

Michelle begins the show with Matthew Jacob, a communications consultant who advises dental health organizations, children's advocates, and health foundations.  He has consulted with diverse stakeholders, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the California Department of Public Health, and the Michigan Public Health Institute.  Matt is a subject matter expert on communication for the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors.  He has authored nearly a dozen dental health policy and communication articles published in peer-reviewed journals.  Matt has delivered presentations about health communication to numerous audiences, including the National Academy of Medicine and the World Congress on Public Health. 

During this conversation, Matt Jacob and Michelle discuss the pressing challenges facing public health leaders as they navigate a rapidly changing landscape. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication, building trust through community engagement, and the need for public health professionals to adapt their messaging strategies to resonate with diverse audiences, particularly in rural areas. Jacob also highlights the significance of advocacy and collaboration in ensuring the sustainability of public health initiatives.

In part two of this episode. Michelle speaks with Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, President and Chief Executive Officer of the de Beaumont Foundation. He is an epidemiologist, public health practitioner, and fierce advocate for the public's health. Brian joined de Beaumont as its third employee in 2012 and assumed the role of president and chief executive officer in 2018.

Michelle and Dr. Castrucci discuss the intersection of public health and policy, and the impact on rural America. He emphasizes the importance of the Senate's role in vetting health nominees, the challenges rural health systems face, and the critical need for health equity. Dr. Castrucci also addresses the impact of medical misinformation on public health, public health as an economic indicator that affects community health and offers advice for rural public health officials on advocacy and community engagement.