Shows
Public Health On Call962 - Buprenorphine Can Save Lives—If You Can Get ItAbout this episode: Buprenorphine is a highly effective medication used for treating opioid use disorder. But accessing this lifesaving prescription can be challenging. In this episode: Jeff Hom and Marlene Lira talk about the critical role of buprenorphine in reducing overdose deaths and the role pharmacies can play in improving access. Guests: Jeff Hom, MD, MPH, is the Medical Officer for Science and Policy in the Substance Use Services section of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. He is also a DrPH student in Health Policy and Bloomberg Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of...
2025-10-1318 min
Public Health On Call953 - Interpreting the Data on Tylenol, Pregnancy, and AutismAbout this episode: Does acetaminophen use during pregnancy cause autism in children? In this episode: Brian Lee, who led the largest study on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental outcomes, walks through the study's findings—as well as the challenges of researching the causal effects of medication use during pregnancy. Then, biostatistician Elizabeth Stuart discusses how she thinks about assessing potential cause-and-effect relationships when studies have different strengths and weaknesses. Guest: Brian Lee, PhD, MHS, is a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University. Elizabeth Stuart, PhD, is...
2025-09-2931 min
Public Health On Call948 - Recent “Expert Panels” Could Undermine the FDA’s CredibilityAbout this episode: The FDA has long convened scientifically rigorous advisory committees to review data and offer recommendations for regulating a range of food and drug products. However, it has recently pulled back and leaned heavily into ad-hoc “expert panels” that are not held to the same standards. In this episode: Caleb Alexander, an epidemiologist and drug safety expert who has served on over a dozen FDA advisory committees, raises concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in these new panels and suggests that their lax standards might undermine the agency’s credibility. Guest: Dr. G. Caleb...
2025-09-1716 min
Public Health On Call942 - Could One Health Prevent the Next Pandemic?About this episode: Animal-to-human transmission of bacteria and viruses have triggered outbreaks of diseases like avian influenza, COVID-19, and Ebola. A public health approach called One Health can help us to better understand these cases—and possibly help prevent future pandemics. In this episode: Professors Emily Gurley and Raina Plowright explain how One Health investigations work, why they’re an effective tool for addressing spillover events, and a new One Health Coursera course that you can preview for free: https://www.coursera.org/learn/one-health-investigations-of-outbreaks-and-spillover-events Guest: Emily S. Gurley, PhD, MPH, is a professor in Epidemiology at the...
2025-09-0417 min
Public Health On Call939 - Unfiltered Conversations to Restore Trust in Public HealthAbout this episode: Back-to-back crises of the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 have pummeled American communities, eroding trust in public health. But what if restoring that trust could start with a simple conversation? In this episode: Maggie Bartlett shares how she’s using her platform as co-host of the podcast, “Why Should I Trust You?”, to forge human connections with those who feel left out of public health conversations and to debunk misinformation about measles, vaccines, and corporate influence. Watch the video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zCx9YY9EBWk Guest: Maggie L. Bartlett, PhD, is an...
2025-08-2827 min
Public Health On Call936 - The New Reality Facing Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACAAbout this episode: The reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July is set to unravel key aspects of the Affordable Care Act that have expanded health coverage to millions of Americans. In this episode: One of the architects of the ACA, Liz Fowler, outlines how work requirements, truncated enrollment periods, and higher premiums will change health care for Americans on Medicaid and Medicare and for those buying coverage through their state’s marketplace. Guest: Elizabeth Fowler, PhD, JD, is a distinguished scholar in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and pr...
2025-08-2112 min
Public Health On Call934 - Sickle Cell Disease: Genetic Therapies and Treatment HurdlesAbout this episode: Sickle cell disease affects an estimated 100,000 people in the United States. Recent advancements in gene therapies and medicines like hydroxyurea are diminishing extreme pain, reducing strokes, and extending survival times for those afflicted by the disease. In this episode: leading sickle cell disease expert Dr. Mark Gladwin explains how revolutionary new treatments work and discusses the challenges to accessing life-saving care. Guest: Dr. Mark Gladwin is a physician-scientist and the Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His research focuses i...
2025-08-1825 min
Public Health On Call932 - Cuts to mRNA Vaccine DevelopmentAbout this episode: The Department of Health and Human Services has cancelled nearly $500 million in funding for the development of mRNA vaccines, including for vaccines against potential new pandemic threats. In this episode: Professor Bill Moss delves into the misinformation surrounding mRNA vaccines, explains their potential to treat diseases like cancer and HIV, and warns of the national security threats posed by cuts to development. Guest: Dr. Bill Moss, MPH, is an infectious disease specialist and the executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: ...
2025-08-1316 min
Public Health On Call929 - How To Spot Unregulated Pharmacies and Falsified MedicationsAbout this episode: Trying to save money on antibiotics, GLP-1 antagonists, or other medications using online pharmacies can pose serious health risks. These sites are flush with substandard and falsified drugs, which can cause adverse side effects, leave serious conditions untreated, and, in some instances, lead to death. In this episode: Dr. Henry Michtalik shares how providers and patients can spot unregulated suppliers and report counterfeit drugs. Guest: Dr. Henry Michtalik, MHS, MPH, is a hospitalist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and an assistant professor at both the School of Medicine and the Bloomberg...
2025-08-0617 min
Public Health On Call926 - A Disability Advocate Speaks Out on Medicaid CutsAbout this episode: Medicaid cuts from the recent budget reconciliation law are raising fears of cutbacks among Americans with disabilities who rely on the program for services that allow them to live independently. In this episode: Demi Eckhoff, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and who relies on Medicaid in North Carolina, explains the uncertainty and what people with disabilities are doing to advocate for themselves. Guest: Demi Eckhoff, MPH, is a disability advocate, a registered dietitian, and an incoming doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
2025-07-3114 min
Public Health On Call925 - Starvation in GazaAbout this episode: The World Health Organization is reporting thousands of cases of malnutrition and 74 civilian deaths resulting from mass starvation in Gaza in 2025. In this episode: Dr. Paul Spiegel discusses the origins of the crisis and recent developments and shares what this dire situation means for the future of the international humanitarian system. Guest: Dr. Paul Spiegel is a physician, epidemiologist and the director of the Center for Humanitarian Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr Spiegel has worked in humanitarian emergencies for the last 30 years. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein...
2025-07-3019 min
Public Health On Call924 - The Shocking Hazards of Louisiana's “Cancer Alley”About this episode: Since the 1980s, petrochemical production along an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River has designated the corridor as “Cancer Alley,” but recent research shows that the risks from air pollution in the region have been seriously underestimated. In this episode: Pete DeCarlo and Keeve Nachman of the Johns Hopkins University discuss their concerning findings about compounding chemical exposure on human health and explain what these conclusions mean for how the United States should regulate carcinogens. Guest: Pete DeCarlo, PhD, is an associate professor in Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of E...
2025-07-2816 min
Public Health On Call920 - Changes to the CDC's Vaccine Advisory CommitteeAbout this episode: The recent dismissal of all members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has stirred questions about vaccine safety and immunization protocols. In this episode: Dr. Grace Lee—a former ACIP chair—shares insights on the committee's crucial role in recommending vaccines uses, the importance of transparent decision-making, and dangers of abandoning strong processes. Guest: Dr. Grace Lee, MPH, is the Chief Quality Officer and the Christopher G. Dawes Endowed Director of Quality at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and Associate Dean for Maternal and Child He...
2025-07-1714 min
Public Health On Call915 - America's Caregiver CrisisAbout this episode: Caregivers—both paid and unpaid—are the silent backbone of the nation’s workforce, providing crucial support to America’s young, aging, and disabled populations. But 24 states stand on the precipice of crisis with looming threats to caregiver stipends, salaries, and other resources. In this episode: what led to this tipping point, how proposed cuts to Medicaid could make it worse, and how to build a more supportive system for caregivers, patients, and loved ones. Guest: Stacey B. Lee, JD is a professor of Law and Ethics at Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School, wi...
2025-07-0215 min
Public Health On Call912 - The Correlation Between Movement and Health As We AgeAbout this episode: Consumer wearables like Fitbits track a lot of our activity, from time spent standing to estimates of calorie expenditure. What if they could also alert us to possible health issues as we age? In this episode: How movement patterns change with aging, and how researchers are examining ways to measure those patterns to determine what’s normal and what may be associated with cognitive decline and other neurological issues. Guest: Jennifer Schrack is the director of the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, autho...
2025-06-2616 min
Public Health On Call909 - From the Archives: Reflecting on Juneteenth with Janice BowieAbout this episode: Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021 but many people don’t know the history or how to recognize the day. In this episode: a look back at a 2022 conversation with Janice Bowie about how to celebrate, reflect, and recommit to social justice this Juneteenth. Guest: Janice Bowie is a Bloomberg Centennial Professor in Health, Behavior, and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research focuses on health equity and disparities. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Ho...
2025-06-1810 min
Public Health On Call907 - Humanitarian Health in Gaza and BeyondAbout this episode: Humanitarian health systems provide relief like food, water, and medicine in crisis situations. They operate within a carefully organized framework built on core principles including impartiality and neutrality. In this episode: what's happening with humanitarian aid in Gaza and the importance of a new framework for global humanitarian efforts. Guest: Dr. Paul Spiegel is a physician, epidemiologist and the director of the Center for Humanitarian Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr Spiegel has worked in humanitarian emergencies for the last 30 years. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean...
2025-06-1618 min
Public Health On Call904 - Tariffs on PharmaceuticalsAbout this episode: Would it be a good idea to have tariffs on pharmaceuticals? In this episode: a conversation about the rationales for tariffs as well as potential downsides—like higher drug prices—and what could really help with supply and pricing issues. Guest: Dr. Mariana Socal studies the pharmaceutical market and is an associate professor in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty memb...
2025-06-0914 min
Public Health On Call903 - Violence Against Health Care in Conflict: 2024 ReportAbout this episode: A new report from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition documents incidents of violence against health care facilities and workers in conflict zones around the world. In this episode: why it’s important to track these trends, how incidents are reported and investigated, and a look at the 2024 report with examples from various conflict zones around the world including Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza. Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University. Guests: Joe Amon is the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Pu...
2025-06-0518 min
Public Health On Call902 - Gun Violence Awareness Month: Safe Storage Saves LivesAbout this episode: June is Gun Violence Awareness Month with a focus on safe storage, a key factor in preventing gun-related injuries and deaths. In this episode: a look at how safe storage saves lives, evidence-based tools and tips for lawmakers, gun owners, parents, pediatricians, and more; and how to normalize conversations about safe storage in everyday life. Guests: Dr. Katherine Hoops, is a pediatrician and the director of Clinical Practice at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. Cass Crifasi is the co-executive director at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
2025-06-0415 min
Public Health On Call897 - Interview With A Graduate: A Doctor of Health Policy Looks At AI and Health InsuranceAbout this episode: It’s graduation time at the Bloomberg School! Doctoral candidate Jeff Marr joins the podcast to talk about how an economics major and an early internship at a health care system led to an interest in examining how health care markets and public policy work. Soon-to-be Dr. Marr discusses his dissertation looking at how predictive algorithms lead to decisions about care coverage. Guest: Jeffrey Marr is a healthcare economist and doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In July 2025, he will join Brown University as an Assistant Professor of Health Se...
2025-05-2113 min
Public Health On Call896 - World No Tobacco Day: Unmasking the Appeal of New ProductsAbout this episode: While cigarette use has radically declined in the U.S., many still die from smoking here and around the world. World No Tobacco Day—celebrated annually on May 31 since the 1980s—has helped expose tobacco industry tactics and highlight progress in global tobacco control. This year, a look at how manufacturers are increasing efforts to hook younger users on new products like e-cigs with fun packaging, new flavors, fashionable designs, and gimmicks including video games and social media integration. Guests: Kevin Welding is an economist studying corporate influence on public health at the Institute for...
2025-05-1916 min
Public Health On Call895 - The Executive Order on Prescription Drug PricingAbout this episode: This week, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. In this episode: a look at why the U.S. spends three to four times more for drugs than many peer countries, its current approach to drug pricing policy, the directives laid out in the Executive Order, and how other countries negotiate their prices. Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University. Guest: Dr. Gerard Anderson is an expert in health policy and a professor in Health Policy and M...
2025-05-1616 min
Public Health On Call892 - Health Policy in Trump’s First 100 DaysAbout this episode: A look back at health policy in the first 100 days of Trump’s second presidential administration including global health, vaccines, and the Department of Health and Human Services restructuring—plus a few things to keep an eye on for the future. Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University. Guest: Dr. Josh Sharfstein served in a number of political roles in his career including as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, the Principal Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug...
2025-05-1216 min
Public Health On Call891 - B’More For Healthy Babies: A Look Back at 15 Years of Infant Mortality Reduction in BaltimoreAbout this episode: In the early 2000s, babies in Baltimore were dying at an alarming rate. In this episode: a look at Baltimore’s enormously successful health program to reduce infant mortality and close unacceptable disparities in infant death and how it has developed into a program that offers support and resources for individuals and families across the lifespan. Guests: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is the vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a former Baltimore City Health Commissioner. Rebecca Dineen is the assistant comm...
2025-05-0725 min
Public Health On Call890 - What's Happening to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)?About this episode: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services with a mission to protect the nation’s workforce from occupational hazards and illnesses. Their work includes setting policy and best practices around safety standards for things like exposure to toxic chemicals, firearms in the workplace, and even protecting workers’ data. NIOSH is among the many Centers that suffered personnel and funding cuts under HHS’s recent restructuring. In this episode: a look at NIOSH’s work and how the cuts may impact worker safety—particularly at a time...
2025-05-0515 min
Public Health On Call889 - Zyn Nicotine PouchesAbout this episode: Zyn nicotine pouches are suddenly everywhere. What are they and how can they impact health? In this episode: A look at the popular products, what they are and how they work, how they’re marketed, and what we know—and don’t yet know—about their long-term health impacts or whether they could be a tool to help people quit tobacco products. Guest: Meghan Moran is an associate professor in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a researcher who studies how communications from advertis...
2025-04-3018 min
Public Health On Call887 - It’s Tick Season!About this episode: May is Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Awareness Month. In this episode: Dr. Nicole Baumgarth talks all things ticks including how climate change is increasing their territory, the diseases they spread such as Lyme and Heartland virus, disease prevention, and the latest on vaccines and treatments. Guest: Dr. Nicole Baumgarth is the director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the largest center...
2025-04-2816 min
Public Health On Call886 - An Accord For A Global Pandemic TreatyAbout this episode: Since 2021, countries have been drafting a treaty to help the world better prevent and respond to pandemics. On April 16, the WHO announced an agreement for the world's first pandemic treaty. In this episode: a look at what it took to get here, what provisions were included and excluded, and what it means that the U.S. was not at the table for negotiations and will not be a signer. Guest: Alexandra Phelan is an expert in global health law and an associate professor and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
2025-04-2413 min
Public Health On CallBONUS - The Case For Planetary Health—Can We Change?About this episode: In honor of Earth Day, we bring you a special episode of Public Health On Call: an essay read by Sam Myers, director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health. In his essay, he explores the incredible human evolution and technological innovation that has brought us to a moment in time where our own ascendance is threatening our future well-being on this planet. It’s time to face a crucial question: Can we change? Guest: Sam Myers is the founding director of the Planetary Health Alliance and the faculty director at the brand ne...
2025-04-2208 min
Public Health On Call884 - Why Biosafety Standards Vary Around The WorldAbout this episode: News about HKU5, a new bat coronavirus with the ability to spread to humans, was met with concerns in the scientific community—mostly because of how the research was done. In this episode: Johns Hopkins virologist Andy Pekosz talks about the different levels of biosecurity in laboratories where scientists study some of the world’s most dangerous viruses, how these standards vary worldwide, and what that could mean for studying future viruses with pandemic potential. Guest: Dr. Andy Pekosz is a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with appointments in Mole...
2025-04-2115 min
Public Health On Call883 - How An Advocate is Thinking About Family PlanningAbout this episode: Innocent Grant is a family planning advocate from Tanzania. In this episode: How Grant’s experiences approaching mis- and disinformation about sexual and reproductive health at home are now helping him to frame this work as the U.S. threatens to cut a portion of its global funding of family planning. He also discusses the threats to major progress in outcomes like maternal mortality and the economic empowerment of young families—and how advocates can find common ground rooted in evidence. Guest: Innocent Grant is a family planning advocate and an MSPH student at the...
2025-04-1616 min
Public Health On Call876 - Preventing Mpox Transmission in the Democratic Republic of the CongoAbout this episode: Amidst an ongoing outbreak of a deadly clade of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs has been part of the response team. Working with local partners, CCP has developed community outreach and strategic communications campaigns to help protect people, reduce transmission, and get the outbreak under control. When USAID funding was abruptly canceled, the program was granted a waiver to continue work. But now, as the waiver faces expiration, the program’s future is uncertain which could put the DRC, Africa, and even the world at risk of...
2025-03-3116 min
Public Health On Call874 - The Potential Impacts of Cuts To MedicaidAbout this episode: Medicaid helps make health care accessible to millions of adults and children in the U.S. In this episode: a look at the potential impacts of federal budget cuts on states, hospitals, physicians, and the beneficiaries themselves. Guests: Dr. Gerard Anderson is an expert in health policy and a professor in Health Policy and Management and International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Jennifer Wolff is an expert in policy relating to the care of persons with complex health needs and disabilities, the Eugene and M...
2025-03-2619 min
Public Health On Call873 - Drowning As A Public Health IssueAbout this episode: According to the WHO, there are an estimated 300,000 drowning deaths worldwide each year and a quarter of them are children under 5. But because the risk factors are so diverse—from backyard swimming pools to monsoons to the fishing industry—preventing drowning deaths requires viewing the problem through a public health lens and investing in a multitude of approaches, many of which turn out to be beneficial to communities beyond basic water safety. Guest: Caroline Lukaszyk is a technical officer for injury prevention at the World Health Organization. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a fo...
2025-03-2415 min
Public Health On Call872 - Ketamine and EsketamineAbout this episode: Ketamine is in the news again. In this episode: a conversation about the differences between ketamine and esketamine—an FDA-approved medicine for treatment-resistant depression—why we’re hearing so much about ketamine right now, and the importance of administering esketamine in a clinical setting as part of a broader comprehensive mental health strategy. Guest: Dr. Paul Kim is a psychiatrist and director of the Johns Hopkins Treatment Resistant Esketamine Antidepressant Targeted (TREAT) Depression Clinic. Dr. Paul Nestadt is a psychiatrist and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Treatment Resistant Esketamine Antidepressant Targeted (TREAT) Depres...
2025-03-2017 min
Public Health On Call871 - A Potentially “Game-Changing” Approach to Preventing Ovarian CancerAbout this episode: For some people with a high risk of ovarian cancer, a standard approach has been full removal of the reproductive organs. But new research points to a far less invasive procedure called a salpingectomy, or removal of the fallopian tubes, as a potential “game changer” in ovarian cancer. In this episode: understanding high grade serous carcinoma—the most common type of ovarian cancer—the lack of screening tools, and why fallopian tube removal isn’t yet available to more people. Guest: Dr. Rebecca Stone is an OBGYN, a professor in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Department...
2025-03-1919 min
Public Health On Call868 - COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma: From Emergency to EverydayAbout this episode: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when there were no vaccines or treatments, convalescent plasma—antibody-containing blood from people who recovered from COVID—saved countless lives through Emergency Use Authorization. In this episode: special guest host Thomas Locke of MMI Monthly: From Bench To Breakthrough discusses the evolution of CCP therapy, from emergency use during the pandemic to now, nearly five years later, crossing the finish line with recent FDA approval as a potential treatment for immunocompromised patients. Guest: David Sullivan is a professor in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and a researcher at t...
2025-03-1312 min
Public Health On Call866 - Vaccines 101: Understanding the Vaccines on the Childhood Vaccination ScheduleAbout this episode: In another episode in our series on vaccines: the different types of vaccines and how they work, and the logic and timing of the childhood vaccination schedule. Also: A conversation about measles vaccinations for children younger than 1 year. Guest: Dr. Bill Moss is the executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg...
2025-03-1120 min
Public Health On Call864 - The Measles Outbreak in Texas and BeyondAbout this episode: A measles outbreak that started in west Texas has sickened more than 150 people and killed a child. In today’s episode: the scope of the outbreak and how it’s spreading, the challenges of trying to control it, and claims about treatments including vitamin A, steroids, and antibiotics. Guest: Dr. Bill Moss is the executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the...
2025-03-0715 min
Public Health On Call863 - The NIH-Funded Autism Study Hoping to Pinpoint Gene-Environmental InterplayAbout this episode: A large-scale, multi-country autism study involving more than 175,000 individuals is hoping to find interplay between genes and the environment that may influence autism diagnosis and symptoms. But proposed NIH funding cuts could imperil the study’s future. In this episode: A look at an NIH-funded study that hopes to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their caregivers, and find better tools for diagnosis and treatment. Guests: Christina Ladd-Acosta is the vice director at the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, and associate director for epigenomic analysis at the Envir...
2025-03-0615 min
Public Health On Call861 - Ending Neglect of Tropical DiseasesAbout this episode: Neglected diseases like mycetoma, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis impact more than a billion people worldwide every year and kill hundreds of thousands. In this episode: Why these illnesses don’t get widespread attention or the resources needed for prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and how in a shifting global funding landscape, cross-sector collaboration is key to alleviating suffering. Guests: Delali Attipoe is the North America director of the Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi). Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Jo...
2025-03-0415 min
Public Health On Call858 - A Safer Gun Buying ProcessAbout this episode: Firearm purchaser licensing laws that have provisions such as enhanced background checks and in-person applications curb homicides and suicides, they’re bipartisan, and a majority of Americans—including gun owners—support them. In today’s episode: A look at a new report with recommendations for building a safer gun-buying process and why now is the time to implement these solutions. Guests: Josh Horwitz is co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center For Gun Violence Solutions. Silvia Villarreal is the director of research translation at the Johns Hopkins Center For Gun Violence Solutions. Host:
2025-02-2616 min
Public Health On Call857 - The Concepts Behind The Language of EquityAbout this episode: In today’s episode: A discussion with Dr. Lisa Cooper, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, about opposition to the terms "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion." Guests: Dr. Lisa Cooper is a public health physician, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins and a winner of a MacArthur genius grant for her work to understand and reduce health disparities. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a ped...
2025-02-2516 min
Public Health On Call856 - The Unequal Impacts of Abortion BansAbout this episode: Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, some states have imposed severe restrictions on access to abortion. In this episode: New research on what's happened to infant death and birth rates in these states. Guests: Suzanne Bell is a Johns Hopkins demographer the department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. Alison Gemmill is a Johns Hopkins demographer and perinatal epidemiologist in the department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and...
2025-02-2416 min
Public Health On Call855 - Can The CDC Communicate More Transparently With The Public?About this episode: During the pandemic, CDC recommendations about masking and other issues were the source of controversy. Some have asked whether the agency can better communicate the basis of its recommendations — and even seek public input along the way—to increase public understanding and acceptance. In today’s episode, Johns Hopkins cardiologist Dr. Joseph Marine and Dr. Peter Lurie of the Center for Science in the Public Interest join the podcast to discuss how the CDC can communicate more transparently to build more public trust. Guests: Dr. Joseph Marine is a cardiologist and a professor of medicin...
2025-02-2118 min
Public Health On Call854 - The Worst Flu Season In A DecadeAbout this episode: There’s a lot of flu out there right now, but just how bad is it and by what measures is it “bad”? In today’s episode: How this year’s flu season stacks up against years past, some factors that could be driving such high rates and severe disease, and how bird flu is further complicating things. Also: It’s not too late to get a flu shot! Guests: Dr. Erica Prochaska is a pediatric infectious disease physician at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist...
2025-02-2019 min
Public Health On Call851 - Policing With a Public Health Lens in South DakotaAbout this episode: Traditional police work has struggled to meet the needs of cities like Rapid City, South Dakota. Often, police are called to address situations that are related to mental health crises, homelessness, and substance use. In this episode: Rapid City’s Chief of Police, Don Hedrick talks about what it means to police with public health in mind, the success of partnerships and outreach, and how a nontraditional approach helped Rapid City address an influx of violent crime. Guest: Don Hedrick is the Chief of Police of Rapid City, South Dakota an...
2025-02-1418 min
Public Health On Call846 - Vaccines 101: Vaccine Safety ScienceAbout this episode: Today, in the next episode in a series of podcasts exploring vaccine basics: the science of vaccine safety. In this episode, a look at what’s unique about vaccine safety compared to the safety of other medical products, and how experts tell the difference between an adverse effect that is "causal" and one that is "coincidental." Guest: Dan Salmon is the director of the Johns Hopkins Institute For Vaccine Safety. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Jo...
2025-02-0516 min
Public Health On Call845 - Tuberculosis in the U.S.About this episode: A tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas City is one of the largest in recent history. Risk to the general public remains low, but the outbreak itself could be a signal of a seriously strained public health system. In today’s episode: an overview of tuberculosis including how it spreads and who is most at risk, and what the Kansas City outbreak means for public health. Also: How the U.S.’s departure from the WHO could impact the fight against the world’s leading infectious disease killer. Guest: Dr. David Dowdy is an...
2025-02-0418 min
Public Health On Call842 - Polio and the Polio VaccineAbout this episode: Thanks to vaccines, most people under a certain age have no memory of the devastation and terror caused by the poliovirus. Although widely eliminated, polio still poses a threat in certain countries around the world. Waning vaccination rates in pockets of the U.S. mean some communities are at risk of a resurgence. In this episode: a look back at polio before vaccines, and how technology has evolved—including a discussion about a previous version of the vaccine that did, in rare instances, actually cause paralytic polio. Guest: Dr. Bill Mo...
2025-01-2924 min
Public Health On Call841 - The U.S. & The World Health OrganizationAbout this episode: President Trump’s executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO could have lasting implications on the health and wellbeing of the world, and on the American people. In today’s episode, the essential roles that the WHO plays both for the U.S. and around the globe, America’s imperfect relationship with the institution, and the potential consequences of a U.S. exit. Guest: Dr. Judd Walson is an infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, and the chair of the department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomb...
2025-01-2818 min
Public Health On Call840 - Vaccines 101: The Basics of Vaccines and VaccinationAbout this episode: The first of a series of podcasts about vaccine basics from the molecular level to global policy and everything in between. What actually are vaccines and how do they work? In this episode: back to basics on vaccines and immunology with Dr. Arturo Casadevall and Dr. Josh Sharfstein, including a discussion on why we still don’t have a vaccine for HIV. Guest: Arturo Casadevall is chair of the department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an infectious disease physician with more th...
2025-01-2716 min
Public Health On Call839 - The First Week's Executive OrdersAbout this episode: In the first few days of President Trump’s second term he signed a blitz of executive actions. In today’s episode: a look at some of the actions and memos that take aim at key public health policies including the communications pause for health and science agencies, a pause on NIH study sections, immediate posturing on DEI initiatives, exiting the Paris Agreement and WHO, and more. Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University. Guest: Dr. Josh Sharfstein served in a number of p...
2025-01-2414 min
Public Health On Call838 - Book Club—Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting OutbreaksAbout this episode: Throughout history, humans have been engaged in public health work. In a new book, epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers shares lessons from past outbreaks, what’s changed since COVID-19, and how, at a difficult moment for public health, she’s thinking about the future and keeping a watchful eye on mpox, H5N1, and more. Guest: Caitlin Rivers is an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who specializes in preparedness and response for epidemics and pandemics. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and...
2025-01-2214 min
Public Health On Call834 - Bird Flu Is EscalatingAbout this episode: The U.S.’s first reported human death from bird flu is another sign that the virus is not going away anytime soon. In this episode: why it’s time to double down on efforts to limit H5N1 transmission among cattle and birds, concerns about cats and other mammals, and how response measures need to scale up quickly and more broadly to try and prevent the virus from gaining a foothold in humans. The experts also discuss why bird flu poses an existential threat to the dairy industry. Guests: Dr...
2025-01-1419 min
Public Health On Call833 - Why Are Americans Dying So Much Earlier Than Some Of Their Counterparts?About this episode: A new report from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative finds that the U.S. lags behind many other high-income countries in life expectancy. In this report, researchers found that babies born 40 years ago in the U.S. and U.K could expect to live to the same age. Today, however, life expectancy is nearly three years shorter for those on our side of the Atlantic Ocean. In this episode: a look at the four main causes of death driving this gap—all of which are preventable—and how one of the world’s richest countr...
2025-01-1315 min
Public Health On Call830 - Advancing Public Health in Uncertain Political TimesAbout this episode: On December 3, the Bloomberg American Health Initiative held its annual summit. This year, the theme really marked the moment: Advancing Public Health in Uncertain Political Times. In today’s episode, you’ll hear three conversations from the Summit about how public health can provide a roadmap for making needed progress. First: how public health data and evidence provide context for judicial decisions. Then, how a public health lens is helping to address the issue of gun violence. And finally, how to find common ground on mental health and addiction. Host: Linds...
2024-12-1826 min
Public Health On Call829 - Do Mammograms Save Lives?About this episode: For decades, regular mammograms to detect breast cancer have been recommended for women ages 50-75. In 2024, the age range dropped to include women 40-49 as well. But what do we really know about mammography as a tool to save lives? Are all scans created equal? What is the risk/benefit analysis to upping the number of screenings a woman is recommended to receive in her lifetime? In today’s episode: a deep dive into the evidence around mammography, and a look at the new guidelines—including the controversy around them. Guest: Dr...
2024-12-1620 min
Public Health On Call828 - Public Health is a Human RightAbout this episode: The day after the 2024 presidential election, Joe Amon—the brand new director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights—was set to give a speech for a panel about health discrimination. But the one he’d prepared wasn’t going to cut it for a moment suddenly marked by uncertainty and change. He pivoted to a different message: one that acknowledges that public health doesn’t have everything figured out, and that it works best when it’s viewed as a social movement. In this episode: a moment of reflection for the fiel...
2024-12-1115 min
Public Health On Call827 - The Rise in Pediatric Cases of Walking PneumoniaAbout this episode: Well into the respiratory illness season, there’s been a rise in cases of walking pneumonia compared to recent years, particularly among children. In this episode: an overview of walking pneumonia; how it’s tested, treated, and prevented; and what parents and caregivers should look out for in children. Guests: Dr. Anna Sick-Samuels is an associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of medicine and a pediatric infectious disease epidemiologist for Johns Hopkins Hospital. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of t...
2024-12-0917 min
Public Health On Call825 - The Future of the Environmental Protection Agency Under TrumpAbout this episode: Lingering environmental policy legacies from Trump’s last administration may be harbingers for what’s to come in 2025. Concerns include widespread deregulation leading to increased use of fossil fuels and a lack of vigilance around protecting drinking water and air quality. But it isn’t just the EPA itself that’s in peril: Major shift towards the politicization of climate change, and the disempowering of scientists and agencies in the court system could create lasting—and even irreversible—impacts to human health. In this episode: a look at what Trump’s second term may mean for envir...
2024-12-0214 min
Public Health On Call824 - Avian Influenza (H5N1) UpdateAbout this episode: Outbreaks of H5N1 continue to rise in dairy cattle and poultry, and human cases are also starting to creep up including a Canadian teen who was hospitalized in critical condition. In this episode: the latest on viral sequencing and patterns of spread, the potential for economic impacts and interruptions in the food supply, risks to the general public, and concerns about how an administration change in January may impact public health’s ability to mount a sufficient response. Guest: Dr. Meghan Davis is a veterinarian and public health researcher at...
2024-11-2618 min
Public Health On Call823 - Special Episode—The Fight For A Swimmable Harbor in BaltimoreAbout this episode: Baltimore’s iconic Inner Harbor is like a highway for massive ships. It’s also been a dumping ground for chemicals and pollutants, and every time it rains, stormwater runoff brings sewage and trash from miles inland. But in 2010, a coalition announced the Healthy Harbor initiative—a plan to make Baltimore’s famous waterfront swimmable and fishable by 2020. In June 2024, the city held its first public swim in the harbor in more than 40 years. It took nearly a decade and a half to pull it off—and some say, it’s only the beginning. In this spec...
2024-11-2537 min
Public Health On Call818 - An Update On Measles, Pertussis, Mpox, and Other Vaccine-Preventable DiseasesAbout this episode: In this episode: an update on the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and pertussis (whooping cough) in the U.S. Globally, a look at the mpox vaccine and exciting news about two brand new vaccines for malaria and TB in the pipeline. Guest: Dr. Bill Moss is the executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights...
2024-11-1322 min
Public Health On Call817 - What’s Behind All The Food RecallsAbout this episode: From frozen waffles to deli meat and even fast food burgers, outbreaks of foodborne illnesses seem to be everywhere. But are they happening more often or is our surveillance system just getting better? And how do bacteria like listeria and E. coli survive the manufacturing process, and persist long enough to sicken and even kill consumers? In today’s episode: a look at foodborne pathogens and how they persist, the U.S. food safety system, and how you can take precautions at home and when you go out to eat. Guests: ...
2024-11-1116 min
Public Health On Call815 - How To Run For Congress As A Public Health Official (Even If You Lose)About this episode: Dr. Jirair Ratevosian was a high level global health official in the State Department—a job he left to pursue a Congressional seat in California’s 30th district. In this episode, he details what it takes to run for Congress (including knocking on more than 30,000 doors) and how he talked about public health with voters. Spoiler alert: He didn’t win, but he did learn a lot and is hopeful that Congress can again be a place where people go to solve problems. Guests: Dr. Jirair Ratevosian is an associate resear...
2024-11-0418 min
Public Health On Call813 - The Perilous State of Women’s Health Care, Post-RoeAbout this episode: Since the 2022 Dobbs decision, women’s healthcare in the U.S.—which was already underperforming in everything from access to maternal mortality rates—has faced a new set of challenges. In today's episode: All about a Commonwealth Fund report that updates the status of women’s health care and reproductive health across the nation and why even services not related to reproductive care—like cancer screenings and having a primary care provider—have been disrupted. Guests: Dr. Sara Collins is senior scholar and vice president for health care coverage and access and t...
2024-10-2816 min
Public Health On Call811 - The 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women ActAbout this episode: In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act—the first comprehensive federal legislation to recognize the often-overlooked dangers of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other gender-based violence. In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, researchers Tiara Willie and Michelle Decker join the podcast to talk about the legislation’s initial goals, why gender-based violence is still a neglected issue 30 years later, and how far we still have to go in truly protecting all women from violence. Guests: Tiara Willie is a Bloomberg Assistant Professor of American Health in ment...
2024-10-2116 min
Public Health On Call810 - 2024 Election Series: What’s At Stake For Immigrants and ImmigrationAbout this episode: What will the Presidential election mean for immigration—and for immigrants? A look at how each administration might approach one of the most polarizing issues on voters’ minds. Please note that the opinions expressed in this episode belong solely to those interviewed. As a nonprofit entity, the Johns Hopkins University cannot take a position for or against any candidate running for elected office. Information is being provided solely for academic or educational purposes and is not an endorsement of any individual candidate. Guests: Kiara Álvarez is an immigration and behavioral healt...
2024-10-1614 min
Public Health On CallBonus - All About Marburg VirusAbout this episode: An outbreak of Marburg virus, one of the deadliest viruses in the world, has been reported in Rwanda. In this episode: an overview of the rare, hemorrhagic fever with an 88% mortality rate and how it's impacting Rwanda, and why we’re seeing more and more instances of zoonotic disease spillovers. Guest: Kari Debbink is a virologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center fo...
2024-10-1513 min
Public Health On Call809 - The Grand Opening of the Great Plains Hub for the Center for Indigenous HealthAbout this episode: The grand opening of a new research hub in Rapid City, South Dakota marks an exciting moment for the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. The Hub will bring together community members and researchers to advance the Center’s lifesaving work in a central—and meaningful—location. In this episode: a look at some of the Hub’s first projects including lung cancer and diabetes research, and the Center’s approaches through the lenses of scientific rigor and unique cultural strengths. Guest: Dr. Donald Warne is co-director of the Johns Hopkins Ce...
2024-10-1416 min
Public Health On Call808 -2024 Election Series: What’s At Stake For Gun Violence PreventionAbout this episode: Gun violence is a top-of-mind issue for Americans and there are evidence-based solutions for prevention. In this episode: a focus on the stark differences between potential Trump and Harris presidencies when it comes to addressing gun violence. Please note that the opinions expressed in this episode belong solely to those interviewed. As a nonprofit entity, the Johns Hopkins University cannot take a position for or against any candidate running for elected office. Information is being provided solely for academic or educational purposes and is not an endorsement of any individual candidate. Guests:
2024-10-0918 min
Public Health On Call805 - 2024 Election Series: What’s At Stake For Health Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, and Drug PricingAbout this episode: What will the Presidential election mean for health care? A look at the candidates’ priorities and track records for the future of the Affordable Care Act and health care coverage and cost. Please note that the opinions expressed in this episode belong solely to those interviewed. As a nonprofit entity, the Johns Hopkins University cannot take a position for or against any candidate running for elected office. Information is being provided solely for academic or educational purposes and is not an endorsement of any individual candidate. Guest: Gerard Anderson, PhD, is...
2024-09-3017 min
Public Health On Call804 - 2024 Election Series: What’s At Stake For Abortion AccessAbout this episode: Abortion access is on the ballot nationwide this November. In this episode: a look at proposed bans and protections across the state and federal levels, and the long-term implications of judicial decisions. Please note that the opinions expressed in this episode belong solely to those interviewed. As a nonprofit entity, the Johns Hopkins University cannot take a position for or against any candidate running for elected office. Information is being provided solely for academic or educational purposes and is not an endorsement of any individual candidate. Guest: Joanne Rosen is...
2024-09-2518 min
Public Health On Call803 - 2024 Election Series: What's At Stake For Global HealthAbout this episode: The 2024 presidential election lands at a critical time in global public health. In this episode: a look at the potential implications for the U.S.’s future relationships with global health institutions like the World Health Organization and funding of initiatives on HIV and other challenges. Also covered: the connection between US domestic policy and US global health engagement. Please note that the opinions expressed in this episode/event belong solely to those interviewed. As a nonprofit entity, the Johns Hopkins University cannot take a position for or against any candidate running for elected of...
2024-09-2319 min
Public Health On Call802 - Safer Supply: A Novel Approach to Reducing Overdose DeathsAbout this episode: Safer supply is a harm reduction tool that involves making regulated pharmaceuticals available for people who use drugs. In today’s episode: The safer supply model explained, and why some experts are saying it is time to give it a try. Guests: Becky Genberg is an epidemiologist studying the intersection substance use and infectious diseases. Danielle German studies drug use and harm reduction. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and th...
2024-09-1822 min
Public Health On Call799 - How An Online Gaming Community Is Helping To Prevent Veteran SuicidesAbout this episode: Playing video games has long been seen as an isolating activity, but the world of online gaming is anything but. Platforms like Twitch and Discord are home to thriving communities of players who connect over games and strategies. Researchers are also finding that they offer unique opportunities for peer support and mental health programs. In today’s episode: A study looked into how one online gaming community, the Stack Up Overwatch Program, is providing mental health and crisis support—including suicide prevention—for military members and veterans. Guest: Michelle Colder Carras...
2024-09-0916 min
Public Health On Call798 - When Should I Get My COVID/Flu Shot? And Other Queries To Kick off Respiratory Virus SeasonAbout this episode: When should you get your COVID/flu shots? How long can a COVID vaccine really protect you from infection? Why do we have summer waves of COVID but not flu or RSV? Will we ever see a flu/COVID combo shot? A virologist answers questions as we gear up for respiratory virus season. Guest: Andy Pekosz is a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with appointments in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Environmental Health and Engineering. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a...
2024-09-0417 min
Public Health On Call796 - An Update on PEPFAR And The Reality of Ending HIVAbout this episode: Now in its 21st year, PEPFAR—the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief which launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush—still has ending the HIV epidemic in its sights. It’s now at a critical juncture with an expanding toolbox of exciting treatments and, simultaneously, eroding bipartisan support from Congress. Guest: Dr. Mike Reid is the Chief Science Officer in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice a...
2024-08-2815 min
Public Health On Call795 - The Discovery of a New Clade of Candida Auris—A “Critical Pathogen”About this episode: The discovery of a new clade of C. auris—a fungus the WHO has declared a “critical pathogen”—has ignited new fears about the fungi’s ability to evolve beyond infection control measures. C. auris already poses significant—and lethal—risks to hospitals and patients worldwide and, with global warming, medicine should expect more emerging fungal infections that are resistant to existing treatments. In today’s episode: C. auris’s evolution, the climate change factor, and what’s needed to prevent infections before treatment options fail. Guest: Arturo Casadevall is chair of the departm...
2024-08-2616 min
Public Health On Call794 - Does A Really Cause B? How a Biostatistician Thinks About CausalityAbout this episode: When evaluating programs, policies, and interventions, how do you know if they’re working? In today’s episode: The science (and art!) of biostatistics, and an exploration of the question: How can we design studies to find out if there really is a relationship between A and B? Guest: Elizabeth Stuart is the chair of the department of Biostatistics at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloo...
2024-08-2318 min
Public Health On Call793 - What It’s Like To Be America’s Chief Health DiplomatAbout this episode: Health diplomacy is how countries work together to advance global health. What does health diplomacy look like in 2024—a post-pandemic time marked by multiple violent crises and zoonotic disease outbreaks? Loyce Pace is America's top health diplomat within the Department of Health and Human Services. In today’s episode: a conversation about the agenda for US and global health. Guest: Loyce Pace is the Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Pace is an alum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of P...
2024-08-2118 min
Public Health On Call790 - How Violence Reduction Councils Can Prevent Homicides and ShootingsAbout this episode: Violence Reduction Councils review huge quantities of data to pinpoint how homicides and shootings can be prevented. They include diverse stakeholders from a city or community including first responders, community-based organizations, and elected officials—all of whom come together to review cases and identify policies or interventions to prevent future violence. A new toolkit supported by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative can help groups get started, sort and store data, form cross-divisional partnerships, and more. Guest: Mallory O’Brien is an associate scientist with the Center For Gun Violence Solutions.
2024-08-1418 min
Public Health On Call788 - SCOTUS—Not The EPA—Is Now Regulating Environmental ProtectionAbout this episode: Environmental protection has a long history of entanglement with the court system. But the supermajority conservative Supreme Court could now become the primary influence in how water, air, and chemicals are regulated, displacing evidence and recommendations from scientists. From the Good Neighbor Rule to the Chevron case, SCOTUS is disempowering environmental protection at a time when the U.S. desperately needs better and more informed regulation for things like air quality, forever chemicals, and major impacts on climate change. Guests: Dr. Tom Burke is an emeritus professor at Johns Hopkins and...
2024-08-0918 min
Public Health On Call786 - A Psychologist’s Review of The Film “Inside Out 2”About this episode: This “Inside Out 2” has quickly become the highest-grossing animated film of all time with parents and their kids alike praising the movie for its wit, storyline, and—for some—very realistic depictions of complex themes like puberty, anxiety, and emotional intelligence. But how accurate are these depictions and how helpful are they in helping parents and teens relate to a time of incredible, and often chaotic, change? Note: You do not have to have seen the film to enjoy this conversation. Guests: Dr. Laura Murray is a clinical psychologist and senior s...
2024-08-0514 min
Public Health On Call782 - Everything You Need to Know About SunscreenAbout this episode: Choosing the right sunscreen for you can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. This episode debunks common myths and uncovers essential facts about sunscreen, explaining the differences between UVA and UVB coverage, mineral vs. chemical sunscreens, and why European sunscreens are often considered superior to American-made ones. We address concerns about sunscreen safety and discuss the importance of sun protection for all skin tones all year round. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins...
2024-07-2613 min
Public Health On Call780 - The Mental Health of Migrant ChildrenAbout this episode: Maryland receives the greatest number of unaccompanied migrant children of all U.S. states. Many have experienced significant trauma, underscoring the need for enhanced mental health services and improved language access in healthcare for this group. Guests: Sarah Polk is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her areas of clinical expertise include general pediatrics and adolescent medicine, with a particular focus on adolescent mental health and sexually transmitted infections. Kiara Alvarez is an assistant professor in the department of Health, Behavior...
2024-07-2214 min
Public Health On Call778 - The White House’s New Rules Around Gain-of-function ResearchAbout this episode: Gain-of-function research involves altering a virus to make it more transmissible or deadly in order to develop vaccines, therapies, and perform other research. But the practice has long raised concerns about safety. In May, the White House released new policies around gain-of-function research hoping to shore up both safety measures and trust in this field of research. In this episode: a breakdown of the new policies and their general reception among scientists and the public. Guests: Gigi Gronvall is a senior scholar at the Center for Health Security and an...
2024-07-1714 min
Public Health On CallBonus Episode - Mifepristone and EMTALA SCOTUS Rulings: A Holding PatternAbout this episode: The Supreme Court has issued decisions in the two major abortion cases on its docket this year. For the time being, the drug mifepristone remains on the market and a federal law requiring that emergency rooms provide life-saving abortions even in states banning the procedure is upheld. But the court’s decisions—both upholding the status quo—all but guarantee both cases will be back, putting mifepristone and EMTALA once again under fire. Guests: Joanne Rosen is an expert in public health law and a co-director of the Center for Law and...
2024-07-0319 min
Public Health On Call776 - The Invisible Shield—Public HealthAbout this episode: Public health saved your life today and you didn’t even know it. But while public health makes modern life possible, efforts are frequently underfunded, undervalued, and misunderstood. Today we bring you a special episode from Follow the Data, a podcast by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, that discusses "The Invisible Shield," a four-part documentary series on PBS. The series delves into the often unseen public health infrastructure that supports our daily lives and highlights the field’s significant achievements. Guests: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health prac...
2024-07-0332 min
Public Health On Call775 - How to Make Cities More Mental Health Friendly for Adolescents and Young AdultsAbout this episode: Our mental health and well-being are shaped by our environment: access to green space can be beneficial, while cities with high population density can affect the risk for mood, anxiety, or even substance use disorders. A recent study explores how cities can be more mental health-friendly for adolescents and emphasizes the importance of life skills, open-minded interpersonal relationships, safe public spaces, secure employment, and youth-inclusive policy-making. Guest: Dr. Pamela Collins is a Bloomberg Centennial Professor and chair of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
2024-07-0116 min
Public Health On Call773 - More Consequences of Abortion Restrictions: Increases in Infant Deaths in TexasAbout this episode: In 2021, Texas passed the extremely restrictive Senate Bill 8 which bans most abortions with very few exceptions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected—as early as five or six weeks of pregnancy. 2022 data suggested a noticeable uptick in infant mortality in Texas. A new study looked into the connection between the two and is among the first to show evidence evaluating the impacts of abortion bans and how other places with severely restrictive laws could also see more infant deaths as a result. Guests: Dr. Suzanne Bell is an assistant pr...
2024-06-2612 min
Public Health On CallBONUS - Allegations of War Crimes By Leaders of Hamas and Israeli Officials before the International Criminal CourtOverview: The International Criminal Court, a justice system inspired by the Nuremburg tribunals after World War II, holds individuals responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In May 2024, the Court's chief prosecutor requested arrest warrants for three leaders of Hamas and, separately, for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for alleged crimes on October 7, 2023 and in the war in Gaza that followed. Len Rubenstein is Distinguished Professor of the Practice and Interim Director of the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In this episode, h...
2024-06-1817 min
Public Health On Call770 - Juneteenth in 2024Overview: Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021 amidst a national reckoning with race. Four years later, the observation finds us at a time of continued polarization and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Reflecting on the historical significance of Juneteenth can help us think about how to celebrate and observe the day, and how to recommit to healing and social justice work as individuals, communities, and society. Guest: Joel Bolling is the assistant dean for Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-racism, and Equity at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. ...
2024-06-1718 min
Public Health On Call766 - The Legacy of Dr. Levi Watkins: Heart Surgeon and ActivistAbout this episode: June 8 would mark the 80th birthday of Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Johns Hopkins known for being part of the first team to implant an automatic defibrillator in a human patient. But Dr. Watkins was so much more: a civil rights and political activist, a champion of Black and other people who are underrepresented in medicine, and a snappy dresser with a great sense of humor. Today, two people who knew and worked with Dr. Watkins share their memories as we celebrate his legacy. Guests: Dr. Lisa...
2024-06-0719 min
Public Health On Call765 - The Rise of Colorectal Cancers Among Younger PeopleAbout the episode: Colorectal cancers are rising among people under age 50. There are a number of theories as to why and also promising data around early detection. In today’s episode: A deep dive into the epidemiology of colorectal cancers including who is most at risk, a look at the screening tools currently available, and why blood tests may be even more valuable than costly and invasive colonoscopies. Guest: Dr. Otis Brawley is a globally-recognized expert in cancer prevention and control whose work focuses on developing cancer screening strategies and ensuring their effectiveness. He...
2024-06-0518 min
Public Health On Call764 - Am I Taking Too Many Medications? Polypharmacy, Interactions, and Drug CascadesAbout this episode: One in five U.S. adults is taking five or more prescription drugs at a time, often for years without reassessment of need, dosage, or possible interactions. Today, a look at polypharmacy and why it’s important for physicians to periodically check in with patients about all the prescription—and nonprescription—drugs they’re taking. The guests also discuss the importance of considering non-pharmaceutical treatments like physical or talk therapy, and empowering patients and their care partners to ask questions about what they’re being prescribed. Guests: Dr. Cynthia Boyd is a geria...
2024-06-0315 min
Public Health On Call762 - Interview With a Graduate: A New Doctor of Epidemiology Connects Physical Activity to Cognitive HealthIt’s graduation time at the Bloomberg School! Doctoral candidate Francesca Marino joins the podcast to talk about how her interest in neuroscience led her to pursue a degree in epidemiology, and about her research looking into whether and how daily patterns of physical activity tracked through a wearable device could indicate cognitive health or decline. Guest: Dr. Francesca Marino is a recent graduate of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health whose research focuses on the epidemiology of aging. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at...
2024-05-2213 min
Public Health On CallBONUS - An Opportunity For a Full Scholarship to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Through the Bloomberg Fellows ProgramToday, we’re releasing a special bonus episode with what might be an opportunity for you or for someone you know—a chance for a full scholarship to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The program is called the Bloomberg Fellows Program and it's part of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. You may be eligible to apply if you work in the United States now on one of these issues: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, or violence. The deadline to apply for the program is December 1. Learn more at americanhealth.jhu...
2020-10-1226 min