In this episode of A Moment in Health, Dr. Ashish Jha discusses the role Medicaid plays in treating adults with opioid use disorder and a new study comparing GLP-1 drugs tirzepatide and semaglutide. Graduating student commencement speakers Aliza Kopans and Akashleena Mallick join to reflect on entering a career in public health, exploring the mix of excitement, responsibility and hope they feel at this pivotal moment.

Dr. Jha discusses:

• Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity — NEJM

About the Guests

Aliza Kopans is a graduating Brown University senior from Arlington, Massachusetts. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public health and a certificate in intercultural competency focused on Spanish. Kopans will speak directly to members of the Class of 2025 as one of two senior orators at the University Ceremony on Sunday, May 25.

Akashleena Mallick is a trained physician-researcher from Kolkata, India, who completed her postdoctoral training at Mass General Hospital. She will receive her Master of Public Health as part of Brown’s Accelerated MPH for Clinicians program. She has been selected by the Graduate Student Council to address the Class of 2025 at the Master’s Ceremony on Saturday, May 24.

About the Host

Dr. Ashish K. Jha is the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.