What does it take to lead in public health during a crisis and beyond? In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Dr. Richard Hoffman, longtime state epidemiologist and former Chief Medical Officer of Colorado, and Dr. Saad Omer, Founding Dean of the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern. Together, they explore what it means to serve the public, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they’re preparing the next generation of public health leaders. From vaccine breakthroughs to data-driven community outreach, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and purpose. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and Introductions 02:00 – What Is Public Health? 06:30 – How They Got Started in Public Health 10:00 – Excellence for Impact: Building the New School of Public Health 13:30 – The Challenges and Opportunities in Texas 18:30 – COVID-19: Lessons in Trust, Coordination, and Communication 24:30 – Science in Action: Wastewater Surveillance and Innovation 33:30 – The Speed of Vaccine Development and Public Health Progress 36:30 – Global Vaccines and the Case for a Universal Flu Shot 40:30 – Leadership, Mentorship, and Building a Skilled Public Health Workforce 46:30 – Mentorship Journeys and Paying It Forward 54:30 – Scholarship, Philanthropy, and the Power of Education 59:00 – The Future of Public Health: AI, Rural Access, and What’s Next 01:05:05 – Rapid Fire Questions Episode Details: Episode 5, Season 2 Host: Mason Smith | Steering Committee Member, The Cary Council; Vice President, Actium Group Guests: Saad Omer, M.P.H., Ph.D., M.B.B.S. | Inaugural Dean, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern Medical Center Richard Hoffman, M.D., | Trustee, Southwestern Medical Foundation; and Former Chief Medical Officer of the State of Colorado. Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com Disclaimer: The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.
