In episode 59 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Demetre Daskalakis joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his career in public health and the turnover in leadership at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr Daskalakis is an infectious diseases physician who served in leadership roles at the CDC from 2020 to 2025. He was director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and was previously director of the Division of HIV Prevention at the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. In 2022, he was appointed deputy coordinator of the White House response to the mpox outbreak. Dr Daskalakis discusses his career in public health and leadership roles in infectious diseases. Dr Saag and Dr Daskalakis have a detailed discussion about applying lessons learned from the HIV epidemic in the national response to the mpox outbreak and they discuss Dr Daskalakis’s role at the CDC in response to the current measles outbreak. They also address ideologic-driven changes at the CDC under the direction of Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services including the firing of Dr Susan Monarez and Dr Daskalakis’ subsequent resignation. Finally, they discuss the current direction of the CDC and the outlook for public health without scientific leadership. They also discuss the possibility of a renaissance for public health in the future where it can be reimagined to focus on people instead of historic funding paradigms. 

0:00 – Introduction

1:21 – Career path in public health and leadership in infectious diseases 

4:01 – Applying lessons from the HIV epidemic in response to the mpox outbreak

9:48 – Transition to CDC and challenges with the new administration

13:50 – CDC role in response to the current measles outbreak

17:45 – Management of the CDC by Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services 

21:22 – The firing of Dr Susan Monarez from the CDC and Dr Daskalakis’s resignation

28:35 – The lack of scientific leadership remaining at CDC and future outlook 

Resources

Episode 50 - How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP – Dr Yvonne Maldonado

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

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In episode 58 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Khalil Ghanem joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss current challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis. Dr Ghanem is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr Ghanem’s research focuses on reproductive tract infections in particular syphilis and the vaginal microbiome. He was a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the development of the 2010 and 2015 Adult Syphilis Treatment Guidelines. Dr Ghanem discusses the history and current trends of syphilis, including the impact of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) on infection rates. Dr Saag and Dr Ghanem also address screening and testing for syphilis and the current issues faced in diagnosis and treatment including the management of penicillin G benzathine shortages. Finally, Dr Ghanem looks ahead to new research to address syphilis management, emphasizing the need for better diagnostics and treatment options, especially during pregnancy.

0:00 – Introduction

1:24 – Trends in the rates of syphilis, including recent updates on latest data 

4:24 – The role of DoxyPep in syphilis management

7:18 – Screening and testing for syphilis with new recommendations for screening during pregnancy

14:45 – Challenges in diagnosis and treatment and impact of new research 

22:54 – Recommendations for management of penicillin G benzathine shortages

26:39 – Future research in addressing challenges to management of syphilis

Resources:

Going anti-Viral – Episode 9: Apple Podcasts 

Understanding The Implementation of Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) and Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections with Dr Annie Luetkemeyer 

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

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In episode 57 of Going anti-Viral, Dawn Averitt joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss HIV advocacy and the importance of scientific research. Ms Averitt is a social justice advocate and founder of organizations focused on women with HIV and AIDS such as the Well Project and the Women’s Information Service and Exchange. Ms Averitt has served on several scientific and advisory committees, including 2 terms on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, and has been responsible for key achievements in guiding FDA labeling decisions and shaping research and policy priorities at the NIH. Ms Averitt discusses being diagnosed with HIV at age 19 in 1988 and her experience with early treatment. She shares how this experience led her to the AIDS Survival Project and the Atlanta Buyers Project where she was an advocate for access to HIV care and treatment. Dr Saag and Ms Averitt discuss the current focus of HIV activism at a time when scientific research is threatened and the importance of today’s HIV advocates to be a voice for research to the public at large.

0:00 – Introduction

1:17 – Ms Averitt’s personal journey with HIV

3:01 – How her treatment experience led to advocacy

8:36 – Her role with the AIDS Survival Project and the Atlanta Buyers Club 

17:12 – Current focus of HIV activism

25:44 – How to persuade the public to support HIV and scientific research 

Resources:

The Well Project: https://www.thewellproject.org/

The Women's Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI): https://www.thewellproject.org/hiv-information/wri-2025-evolving-landscape-women-and-hiv-cure

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 56 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Grinspoon joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss managing cardiovascular health in people with HIV. Dr Grinspoon is a clinician in the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center and faculty member at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is a clinical researcher who studies hypothalamic control of body weight and fat distribution in obesity and lipodystrophy with a focus on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of visceral fat accumulation. Dr Grinspoon provides an overview of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV including a review of the REPRIEVE study that evaluated if statin medication is effective to prevent heart disease among people with HIV. Dr Saag and Dr Grinspoon detail the REPRIEVE study results demonstrating that statins lower baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and discuss the cardiovascular health benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol levels. They discuss arterial plaque, how it is measured and whether plaque can regress individuals on statins. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Grinspoon discuss goals for follow-up studies to REPRIEVE and other studies looking into the benefits of statins in other populations.

0:00 – Introduction

1:28 – Overview of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV 

3:23 – Overview of the REPRIEVE study, which evaluated if statin medication is effective to prevent heart disease among people with HIV

10:51 – REPRIEVE study results lowering baseline LDL cholesterol                       

13:26 – Follow-up studies in people who do not have HIV

16:20 – How plaque is measured in the arteries

19:40 – Regression of plaque in patients using statins

 21:15 – Top goals for follow-up studies to REPRIEVE

Resources:

 REPRIEVE Study: https://www.reprievetrial.org/ 

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 55 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Darcy Wooten joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss navigating HIV care with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Dr Wooten is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University in St. Louis. Her clinical interests are HIV primary care, HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and general infectious diseases. Dr Wooten is also a national leader in medical education. Dr Wooten provides an overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists including their history of use for the treatment of diabetes and more recent use for treatment of weight loss. Dr Saag and Dr Wooten discuss the challenges that patients have in getting insurance coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists and review the 2 most common drugs that are used as treatment, tirzepatide and semaglutide. They discuss the patient experience with the injectable medication and review the possibility of oral versions of the medications in the future. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Wooten discuss the long-term management of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a part of overall primary care for patients with HIV.

0:00 – Introduction

1:11 – Overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists

3:46 – How GLP-1 receptor agonists became used for weight management and patient eligibility criteria

6:14 – Challenges of insurance coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists

8:32 – Differences between theGLP-1 receptor agonists tirzepatide and semaglutide and other benefits of the medications beyond weight loss

12:04 – Patient experience with the injectable formulations and possible adverse effects of use

14:36 – Long-term use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and possibility of oral versions of these drugs

17:36 – Managing GLP-1 receptor agonists as a part of primary care for patients with HIV including treatment of some substance use disorders

20:22 – Predictions for future management of GLP-1 receptor agonists and Dr Wooten’s hope for more research into incorporating lifestyle modifications into patient care 

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 54 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ellen Eaton joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the treatment of substance use disorder in an in-patient setting. Dr Eaton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr Eaton provides and update on a recent termination of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant that provided overdose prevention education and treatment. She discusses the impact that a recent executive order on unhoused individuals that may have on access to care. Dr Eaton addresses a recent “bad batch” alert warning of contaminated street drugs leading to serious overdose events, and the most common reasons that people are admitted for in-patient care and review treatment of substance use disorder-related infections. They review acute withdrawal in the hospital and Dr Eaton shares her ideal response to substance use disorder in a hospital setting. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Eaton look forward to the next 10 years of care for people with substance use disorder.

0:00 – Introduction

1:19 – Update on current issues including access to naloxone and a recent executive order on unhoused individuals

4:43 – Update on recent “bad batch” alert regarding serious overdose events

7:27 – The most common reasons why people are admitted for in-patient care 

11:03 – Treatment of substance use disorder-related infections particularly where prolonged antimicrobial therapy is needed and discussion of the use of a PICC line

16:07 – Treatment and preventing acute withdrawal in the hospital including administration of buprenorphine

21:46 – The ideal response to substance use disorder in a hospital setting

27:00 – How treatment of substance use disorder may improve in the next 10 years

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 53 of Going anti-Viral, Dr George Rutherford joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on emerging infectious diseases. Dr Rutherford is a Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics and History at the University of California San Francisco and of the Center for Global Strategic Information and Public Health Practice at the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences. Dr Rutherford discusses his experience during the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shares lessons learned. Dr Saag and Dr Rutherford also discuss the success of Operation Warp Speed in accelerating the development, manufacture, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. They also review new emerging infections like influenza A (H5N1) and arthropod viruses like West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya. Dr Saag and Dr Rutherford review efforts by the federal government to dismantle public health programs and discuss the potential impact of these cuts on future pandemics. 

0:00 – Introduction

1:05 – Dr Rutherford’s experience during the early onset of COVID-19 

5:36 – Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

8:30 – The success of Operation Warp Speed

10:14 – Review of new emerging infections: H5N1 influenza A and arthropod viruses like West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya

17:40 – The impact on public health of misinformation on social media and the recent dismantling of public health programs

22:12 – Steps needed to respond to future pandemics and how can public health continue to provide services in the face of budget cuts 

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 52 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Carlos del Rio joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the topic of providing care to foreign-born individuals. Dr del Rio is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine. He has held numerous positions at Emory University including as co-Director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and co-PI of the Emory-CDC HIV Clinical Trials Unit and the Emory Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit. He has worked more than a decade with hard-to-reach populations including people with substance use disorders to improve outcomes of those with HIV and to prevent infection with those at risk. Dr del Rio discusses steps his clinic has taken to provide care to hard-to-reach populations including understanding why patients miss appointments. Dr Saag and Dr del Rio also discuss the unique challenges that foreign-born individuals have in accessing care and the impact of current immigration enforcement on people in need of care and on the broader healthcare workforce. Dr del Rio shares his personal family history with immigration to illustrate the diverse nature of foreign-born people in the United States. Dr Saag and Dr del Rio close by emphasizing the need for clinicians to be passionate in providing care and compassion to their foreign-born patients at a time of immigration enforcement actions by federal authorities.

0:00 – Introduction

1:48 – Defining hard-to-reach populations 

5:45 – How clinicians can provide access to care for hard-to-reach populations

9:01  – Unique challenges that foreign-born individuals have in accessing care

15:38 – Impact of current immigration enforcement on individuals in need of care and on the healthcare workforce

19:08 – Diversity of foreign-born individuals in the US and Dr del Rio’s personal family history with immigration

25:57 – The importance of passion and compassion to ensure foreign-born individuals feel welcome in the clinic 

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 51 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Peter Hotez joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on the measles outbreak in the US and discuss the role that anti-science plays in threatening public health. Dr Hotez is a Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. He is the author of more than 700 scientific papers and four books and is an ardent vaccine advocate and “science explainer” who combats anti-science and antisemitism in America, and globally. Dr Hotez and Dr Saag provide an overview of the current measles outbreak in the United States and the high rate of transmission. They discuss efforts to increase rates of vaccination, especially in a climate of misinformation about the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine. Dr Saag and Dr Hotez discuss the origins of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a discussion of the incentives of health and wellness influencers to spread false information. They also discuss how best to distribute accurate health information about vaccines on social media. They conclude by reviewing the successful history of childhood vaccination programs and the risk of future pandemics in a climate of disinformation about vaccination. 

0:00 – Introduction

1:56 – Measles and risk of transmission 

6:24 – Efforts to increase rates of vaccination and discussion of anti-vaccine sentiment  

10:40 – Growth of anti-vaccine sentiment during COVID-19 and health and wellness influencers distributing false health information 

17:46 – How to best to distribute accurate health information on social media 

22:35 – Conflict of interest among anti-vaccine influencers 

27:47 – The success of childhood vaccination and the risk of future pandemics given vaccine disinformation 

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 50 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Yvonne Maldonado joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and the vaccine approval process in the United States. Dr Maldonado is a Professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine where she has achieved national and international recognition for her scholarship in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. She has served on several national and international committees including, until recently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag provide an overview of RSV including the history of RSV vaccine research and development and provide an update on the availability of RSV vaccine in adults but not in children. They also discuss the risk of severe disease in children and the limited treatments available. Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag also discuss the process for vaccine approvals in the United States. Specifically, they review the role of the ACIP committee in vaccine approvals and provide an update on the recent dismissal of all of the prior members of the committee, which included Dr Maldonado. They discuss the potential impact that this will have on the review of all vaccines and the overall impact on public health.
 
0:00 – Introduction
 
1:30 – Overview of RSV including the history of RSV vaccine research and development
 
5:08 – Status of RSV vaccine availability in adults and children
 
8:15 – Discussion of the length of RSV vaccine protection and the differences in RSV respiratory disease between children and adults
 
10:17 – Risk of severe disease from RSV in children
 
12:22 – Overview of the vaccine approval process in the United States and how the CDC ACIP committee operates
 
19:27 – Discussion of the recent dismissal of all members of the ACIP including Dr Maldonado and her concern for the process of vaccine approval moving forward
 
23:54 – The vetting process for new members of the ACIP and assessment of newly appointed members
 
27:20 – How the recent personnel changes at the ACIP and other federal agencies impact public health
 
32:08 – Discussion of the public commitment and support for vaccination moving forward

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
X
Facebook
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...