A Shot in the Arm Podcast

Ben Plumley
  • 5.0 (16)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
A Shot in the Arm Podcast

Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we've released over 100 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore the intricate connections between everyday lives and biomedical research, tackling pressing issues like pandemic preparedness, climate disruption, and the impact of conflict. Tune in as we uncover the stories and insights that shape our collective health narrative, making complex topics both entertaining and accessible. Let's embark on this journey to improve lives, one episode at a time!

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Ebola, Bombs, and Migrants: A conversation with Dr. Joanne Liu

    Title: Ebola, Bombs, and Migrants: A conversation with Dr. Joanne Liu Host: Ben Plumley Guest: Dr. Joanne Liu, Pediatric Emergency Physician and Former International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) Episode Summary: In this episode, Ben Plumley interviews Dr. Joanne Liu, a pediatric emergency physician from Montreal, Quebec, and former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Dr. Liu discusses her new book, "L’Ebola, les bombes et les migrants," which delves into the interconnected crises of pandemics, conflict, and migration. The conversation covers her experiences and insights from her tenure at MSF, the impact of global crises on public health, and the importance of recognizing our common humanity. Key Topics: Introduction to Dr. Joanne Liu: Her background as a pediatric emergency physician and former president of MSF. New Book Discussion: "L’Ebola, les bombes et les migrants" and its exploration of the polycrises of pandemics, conflict, and migration. Pandemic Preparedness: Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of public health awareness, and the need for better preparedness for future pandemics. Climate Crisis: The impact of climate change on health and the emergence of new diseases. Migration: Dr. Liu's personal connection to migration, the challenges faced by migrants, and the need for a rights-based approach. Conflict and Health: The targeting of health facilities in conflicts, the importance of international humanitarian law, and the role of international institutions in addressing these issues. Call to Action: Dr. Liu emphasizes the need for individual and collective action to address global challenges and uphold our common humanity. Notable Quotes: "We need to recognize the humanity in the other person, the person we call other, because if we don't, we are denying our own humanity." "Wishful thinking is not a strategy, and it's not an operational plan." Production Team: Director and Producer: Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Raphael Links: Link to Dr. Liu's book https://editionslibreexpression.groupelivre.com/products/lebola-les-bombes-et-les-migrants Connect with Us If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate us five stars, and share the conversation on global health equity. For more updates, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. Facebook and Instagram: @ShotArmPodcast Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shotarmpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69XpqCLn9oL2yU3votRIlO?si=8c14b13f7b8b48b3

    53 min

  2. NOV 11

    Integrating Diagnostics for Global Health Equity with Dr. Ben LaBrot

    Ben Plumley sits down with Dr. Benjamin LaBrot to discuss innovation and equity in global health diagnostics, focusing on diagnostics' pivotal role in addressing HIV Disease. The conversation covers key themes in diagnostic integration, barriers in middle-income countries, and the critical role of diagnostics in disease prevention and management for other conditions as well, like hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Host: Ben Plumley, Global Health Strategist Guest: Dr. Benjamin LaBrot, Physician and Global Health Advocate, Roche Diagnostics Key Topics Covered Diagnostics and Patient Empowerment Diagnostics are essential for individual treatment and monitoring, especially for diseases like HIV. LaBrot emphasizes that diagnostics need to evolve to provide integrated testing options for a holistic patient approach. Integration in Global Health Services Dr. LaBrot highlights the need for integrated diagnostic services to reduce fragmentation in healthcare, where separate tests for HIV, STI, hepatitis, and TB are offered. This integration can streamline diagnosis and improve patient care, particularly in low-resource settings. Middle-Income Country Challenges Middle-income countries feel underserved in global health funding and support, often excluded from international resources aimed at lower-income nations. Dr. LaBrot advocates for a more inclusive funding approach, arguing these countries have the infrastructure to maximize benefits from increased diagnostic support. Advances in Diagnostic Technology Dr. LaBrot shares how innovative approaches like plasma data separation cards offer practical solutions for remote and low-resource settings, enabling stable blood sample transport without refrigeration. This innovation bridges the gap between point-of-care testing and lab-based diagnostics, crucial for rural and underserved areas. The Role of Influencers and Education in Health Communication Both Ben Plumley and Dr. LaBrot stress the importance of reaching patients through trusted community influencers and digital platforms. Highlighting Panama’s COVID-19 communication strategy, they underscore how trusted leaders and influencers can combat misinformation and promote health education effectively. Memorable Quotes “In a fragmented healthcare system, diagnostics integration is not just optimal; it’s essential for the effectiveness of any treatment.” - Dr. Ben LaBrot “Middle-income countries feel left out—too well-off to receive international aid but lacking resources to implement comprehensive healthcare.” - Dr. Ben LaBrot Connect with Us If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate us five stars, and share the conversation on global health equity. For more updates, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. Facebook and Instagram: @ShotArmPodcast Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shotarmpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69XpqCLn9oL2yU3votRIlO?si=8c14b13f7b8b48b3 Website: www.ashotinthearmpodcast.com Production Team Produced by Erik Espera (NewsDoc Media)  Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Rafael

    48 min

  3. NOV 7

    Post Election Blues & Reds

    In this episode, Ben reflects on the recent US Presidential Election and its implications for democracy and global health. Key points discussed include: Democracy in Action: The election showcased the importance of daily democratic engagement in a divided country. Transition Team Priorities: The new administration must focus on health, including rebuilding trust in medical science, pandemic preparedness, and funding frontline services. Global Risks: The triple threats of pandemics, climate change, and conflict pose unprecedented risks to our way of life. AIDS Response: Concerns about the US investment in PEPFAR and the Global Fund, and the need for shared global responsibility to end AIDS. Future of AIDS Response: Plans to launch a dedicated podcast series addressing the long-term AIDS response post-2030, costs, and protecting vulnerable communities. Digital Technology's Role: The significant impact of digital technology and social media on our lives and the need to understand and utilize them effectively. Call to Action: Join Ben, Eric, and the team on this essential journey. Stay tuned for ways to get involved and support their mission. Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

    5 min
  4. Global Health Diplomats: The 2024 US Election

    NOV 3

    Global Health Diplomats: The 2024 US Election

    In this special episode of the Global Health Diplomats, hosted by Ben Plumley and Professor Eric Goosby, the focus is on the upcoming US presidential election and its implications for global health diplomacy. The discussion covers the lack of attention to global health in the current election campaigns, the potential future of global health diplomacy under different administrations, and the critical issues facing global health - the polycrises of pandemics, climate and conflict, as well as the ongoing demands of the global response to AIDS. Key Topics Discussed: US Election and Global Health Diplomacy: The lack of attention on global health in the campaigns. The importance of global health for US security and global stability. Future Administration's Role: The risks of vaccine skepticism and hostility to evidence-based decision making that could fundamentally undermine over 50 benefits to society from biomedical research. How realistic is bipartisan support and the challenges in achieving it. Global Health Challenges: The ongoing threat of pandemics and climate-related diseases. The emergence of new and existing infections due to climate change. HIV/AIDS Response: The future of the AIDS response post-2025 and 2030. The need for sustainable funding and local resource mobilization. Ethical and Policy Considerations: The ethical implications of withdrawing support for HIV/AIDS treatment. The importance of evidence-based decision-making in health policy. Call to Action: If you haven't already voted, make a plan to vote and ensure your friends and family do the same. Your vote is crucial for the future of global health and beyond. Production Team: Director and Producer: Erik Espera, NewsDoc Media Production Coordinator and Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Rafael Closing Remarks: Ben and Eric emphasize the importance of voting and staying safe. They promise to return with more discussions on what needs to happen next in global health diplomacy. Listen to the full episode for an in-depth discussion on these critical issues and more. You can also watch the video at youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast or on Spotify.

    50 min

  5. OCT 14

    Africa’s Forgotten Mpox Outbreaks

    We are Sharing The Mic again with Frontline AIDS to highlight the latest mpox outbreaks that have started in the Democratic Republic of Congo, spread to Burundi and beyond. From lack of access to accurate, updated information, diagnostics - and of course - vaccines, communities - particularly partners of Frontline AIDS - are calling out for urgent, concerted action from governments, and international agencies, including the WHO. Joining Ben are: Ntombizodwa Mthembu, Programs Adviser, Frontline AIDS Aggrey Aluso, Pandemic Action Network, Director, Africa Region, Kenya Dr. Egide Haragirimana, Co-Founder & Co-Chair Village Health Action, Burundi. https://frontlineaids.org https://www.pandemicactionnetwork.org https://www.vh-a.org #mpox #vaccineaccess #commodities #communityleadership #healthequity

    50 min

  6. OCT 12

    UN-Fit for Purpose?

    At the end of September’s UN events fest at the UN in NY, Ben and friend of the pod, Wame Jallow, catch up and ask, was it worth it? Lots of talking, lots of walking, declarations on the future, on anti-microbial resistance, and a dizzying number of receptions sprinkled across Manhattan, did we really learn anything more than we’re facing trouble ahead? And don’t forget the MTV Shuga Prep Fairy! https://youtu.be/fxxsfrTFN3E?si=W9W17-aw29QLSFDn https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/09/26/default-calendar/un-general-assembly-high-level-meeting-on-antimicrobial-resistance-2024 https://restlessdevelopment.org/youthpowersummit/ https://mtvstayingalive.org #UN #AMR #summitofthefuture #polycrises #climate #conflict #pandemics #youth #fitforpurpose #prepfairy

    35 min

  7. OCT 6

    Made in Africa mRNA Vaccines: A talk with Dr. Petro Terblanche of Afrigen Biologics & Vaccine

    Ben recently sat down with Dr. Petro Terblanche, the head of Afrigen, Africa’s first mRNA vaccine researcher and manufacturer. From the calamities of COVID-19 vaccine populism, the African public health community & its allies swore that never again would Africa be last in the line when it came to life saving pandemic vaccines, and Petro sets out how this can - and is - being achieved, notwithstanding a wide array of challenges - and opposition. https://www.afrigen.co.za https://medicinespatentpool.org https://www.who.int/initiatives/the-mrna-vaccine-technology-transfer-hub https://www.gavi.org https://cepi.net//home-page #mRNA #vaccines #access #equity #platformtechnology #mRNAhub

    34 min

  8. JUL 26

    WHO at AIDS 2024

    Jeff Sturchio catches up with friend of the pod, Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s Director of HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. It has been a busy week at the Munich AIDS Conference for the World Health Organization, and Jeff gets Meg to unpack their conference program, particularly the release global data on HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs.

    21 min
See All (137)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we've released over 100 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore the intricate connections between everyday lives and biomedical research, tackling pressing issues like pandemic preparedness, climate disruption, and the impact of conflict. Tune in as we uncover the stories and insights that shape our collective health narrative, making complex topics both entertaining and accessible. Let's embark on this journey to improve lives, one episode at a time!

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Plumley
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 A Shot in the Arm Podcast with Ben Plumley
  • Show Website
    A Shot in the Arm Podcast

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada