In this special episode of Contagious Conversations, new CDC director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky joins CDC Foundation President and CEO Dr. Judy Monroe to discuss CDC's latest work to combat COVID-19, how public health professionals can help prepare communities for a new normal, and her vision for the future of the agency that works 24/7 to protect America's health, safety and security.

Dr. Walensky is an influential scholar whose pioneering research has helped to advance the national and global response for HIV and AIDS. She has served as chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Most recently, she served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted research on vaccine delivery and strategies to reach underserved communities.

For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:12] Dr. Walensky shares how she decided to work in the field of public health. 

[3:26] Dr. Walensky discusses the people and values that influenced her professionally and personally.  

[5:07] Dr. Walensky reflects on global efforts to fight infectious diseases since the 90s.  

[7:18] Dr. Walensky shares how she’s incorporating her experiences working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic into her work leading CDC.  

[9:19] How CDC is tackling the important challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

[11:45] Dr. Walensky shares how CDC works with public health partners to take on the current challenges, especially related to health equity. 

[15:53] Dr. Walensky explains how she responds to questions about life returning to normal: ‘When are things going to get back to normal?’  

[18:06] Dr. Walensky talks about rebuilding the agency’s infrastructure in public health, including increasing the workforce, updating systems for data modernization and investing in public health labs. 

[20:07] A discussion on how society’s view of public health can be changed.  

[22:04] Dr. Walensky reflects on the role of philanthropy in tackling health challenges. 

[23:28] Dr. Walensky gives advice to future public health leaders of America. 

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

• CDC Foundation 
• Visit CDC.gov for detailed information about COVID-19