Infectious IDeas

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
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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.

  1. vor 2 Tagen

    Days, Not Years: Reimagining Vaccine Development with Richard J. Hatchett, MD

    What will it take to better prepare the world for the next pandemic, and why are vaccine equity and disease surveillance critical to that effort? In this episode of the Infectious IDeas podcast, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, have a candid conversation with Richard J. Hatchett, MD, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and recipient of the 2026 NFID Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award. He shares his thoughts on the 100 Days Mission, the lessons of Ebola epidemic, and why he sees pandemic preparedness as a matter of conscience as much as science.   Hatchett traces an unlikely path from a medical residency during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, to Ebola fieldwork in Gabon, to volunteering at Ground Zero after September 11 — the same instinct, he says, that later led him to help found CEPI in response to the West African Ebola epidemic. He discusses the current Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the chronic underfunding of disease surveillance, and why he considers CEPI's commitment to equitable vaccine access more significant than any of his own technical contributions.  Follow NFID on social media

    Days, Not Years: Reimagining Vaccine Development with Richard J. Hatchett, MD

  2. 5. Aug.

    Building a Legacy of Health Equity with Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH

    What does it take to eradicate a disease like polio, and why does vaccine equity matter as much as scientific innovation? In this episode of the Infectious IDeas podcast, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, welcome Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, of the Gates Foundation and recipient of the 2026 NFID John P. Utz Leadership Award, for a lively discussion on global immunization policy, disease surveillance, and the effort to eradicate polio.  Neuzil reflects on the people who shaped her career, advances in vaccine science, the funding and communication challenges facing public health today, and why health equity must be central to any eradication effort. She also shares why she remains optimistic that the next generation can build a healthier, more equitable future.  Follow NFID on social media

    Building a Legacy of Health Equity with Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH

  3. 1. Juli

    Listening to Learn with Heidi J. Larson, PhD

    How do we build trust in an era of misinformation, social media, and artificial intelligence? In this episode of Infectious IDeas, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with Heidi J. Larson, PhD, director of the Vaccine Confidence Project and professor of anthropology, risk, and decision science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.  Drawing on decades of research and experience, Larson explains why vaccine hesitancy is often a relationship challenge rather than simply an information problem. She discusses the importance of active listening, the evolving role of digital platforms and AI, and the central role of trust-building in public health.  The conversation explores how healthcare professionals can foster meaningful dialogue, why communication deserves greater investment, and what gives Larson hope for the future.  Follow NFID on social media

    Listening to Learn with Heidi J. Larson, PhD

  4. 3. Juni

    Public Health in a Divided America: A Conversation with Asa Hutchinson

    What happens when public health becomes politicized? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, are joined by former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson for a wide-ranging conversation on public health leadership, vaccine confidence, and crisis communication. Drawing on his experience in state and federal governments, including leadership roles during COVID-19 and the SARS outbreak, Hutchinson reflects on how emergency preparedness, public trust, and cultural differences shape public health policy and response.  The discussion explores the growing politicization of vaccines, the challenges of balancing federal guidance with state-level decision-making, and why regional public health collaborations have emerged in response to fractured national policy. Hutchinson also shares lessons learned from leading Arkansas through the pandemic, including the importance of transparent communication, daily public briefings, local medical partnerships, and education over mandates in a state skeptical of government intervention. The episode closes with a candid look at the nation’s current preparedness for future public health emergencies and why declining trust in institutions may be one of the greatest vulnerabilities moving forward.  Follow NFID on social media

    Public Health in a Divided America: A Conversation with Asa Hutchinson

  5. 6. Mai

    Science at Risk: The Future of US Biomedical Research with Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH

    Is the US losing its edge in biomedical research—and what does that mean for the future of infectious diseases? In this episode, Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and former leader at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joins hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, for a timely, thought-provoking discussion on the future of public health and scientific research.  From the early days of HIV to today’s complex public health landscape, Marrazzo shares a candid look at the forces reshaping infectious diseases, including threats to scientific integrity, shifting research funding, vaccine confidence, and declining public trust. The conversation also explores what’s at stake for US leadership in biomedical research, the impact on global health, and why patient advocacy and strong scientific voices are critical now.  Follow NFID on social media

    Science at Risk: The Future of US Biomedical Research with Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH

  6. 1. Apr.

    Public Health Reporting in the Misinformation Age with Lena H. Sun

    How do journalists help the public make sense of complex health issues? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with veteran health journalist Lena H. Sun of The Washington Post. Drawing on decades of reporting—including front-line coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic—Sun reflects on how the media landscape has changed in the age of social media, misinformation, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the challenges of communicating nuanced science in a polarized environment, what makes experts effective sources for journalists, and why clear, accessible explanations matter more than ever. Sun also shares memorable reporting experiences from global infectious disease investigations and offers her perspective on the future of vaccine confidence, public health trust, and the stories that may shape the next decade. A candid, timely conversation about truth, trust, and the future of public health.  Follow NFID on social media

    Public Health Reporting in the Misinformation Age with Lena H. Sun

  7. 4. März

    From Emergency Medicine to Public Health Champion with Georges C. Benjamin, MD

    How does a career in the ER lead to shaping national public health leadership? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with Georges C. Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of medicine, policy, and community health, Benjamin explains why trust is built through relationships, transparency, and consistent action over time. The conversation explores misinformation and “alternative facts,” communicating prevention more effectively, strengthening community engagement, rebuilding public health systems, and preparing the next generation of the workforce.   Show Notes As APHA’s leader since 2002, Benjamin has championed prevention, health equity, and strong public health systems nationwide. A board-certified internist and respected voice in public health leadership, he previously served as Maryland’s health secretary and has held clinical, academic, and military medical roles. Benjamin has authored more than 200 publications and is widely recognized for his expertise in preparedness, policy, and population health—bringing decades of real-world insight to conversations about protecting communities.  Follow NFID on social media

    From Emergency Medicine to Public Health Champion with Georges C. Benjamin, MD

  8. 4. Feb.

    Communicating Science in a Misinformation Age with William Schaffner, MD

    How do we rebuild trust in vaccines and public health—and why aren’t facts alone enough? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with infectious disease expert William Schaffner, MD, about vaccine confidence, public trust, and the growing impact of misinformation. Drawing on decades of experience, Schaffner explains why effective science communication must reach hearts as well as minds to change behavior. The conversation explores vaccine hesitancy, social media’s role in shaping beliefs, the importance of listening to patients, and why public health education must start early. A thoughtful discussion for clinicians, public health professionals, and anyone concerned about the future of prevention.  Show notes A longtime advocate for disease prevention, Schaffner is a trusted science communicator whose clarity, perspective, and calm guidance have helped shape public health conversations for decades. He is a professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and he has worked extensively on the effective use of vaccines in adult populations. He previously served as NFID president, medical director, liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and host of the NFID podcast. In 2013, NFID honored him with the John P. Utz Leadership Award in recognition of his extraordinary service to NFID and the infectious disease community.  Follow NFID on social media

    Communicating Science in a Misinformation Age with William Schaffner, MD
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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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  • Erstellt von
    National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
  • Jahre aktiv
    2022 - 2026
  • Folgen
    49
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    © 2026 Infectious IDeas
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