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In this inspiring episode, Rino Rappuoli, PhD, a true pioneer in modern vaccinology and recipient of the 2025 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to explore his groundbreaking work in vaccinology. From his early days in Siena, Italy, to leading the development of life‑saving vaccines against meningitis, pertussis, and influenza, Rappuoli has transformed how vaccines are developed. He shares insights on mentorship, the origins of reverse vaccinology, climate change, and the future role of artificial intelligence in disease prevention. Tune in for a powerful conversation about science, innovation, and the unwavering drive to protect public health. 

Show Notes

Rappuoli is scientific director of the Biotecnopolo di Siena Foundation, Italy, honorary professor of Vaccinology at Imperial College, London, and senior professor of molecular biology at the University of Siena. He was previously head of external R&D and chief scientist at GSK Vaccines and founded the GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health. He earned his PhD in biological sciences at the University of Siena, Italy, and was visiting scientist at Rockefeller University and Harvard Medical School. 

An elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, he was awarded the Albert B Sabin Gold Medal in 2009. He is currently president of the International Union of Microbiological Societies. Rappuoli is among the world’s scientific leaders dedicated to the sustainability of global health and his work has contributed significantly to improving the quality of human life. 

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In this episode, Katelyn K. Jetelina, PhD, MPH, epidemiologist, data scientist, and founder of Your Local Epidemiologist, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to share her journey from statistical curiosity to science communication powerhouse. The conversation explores the importance of listening over lecturing, engaging with vaccine skeptics, and why empathy—not just evidence—is key to restoring public trust. From bungee jumping in South Africa to navigating burnout and motherhood, she reflects on modernizing public health and where she hopes to make the biggest impact.

Show Notes

Your Local Epidemiologist translates complex, evolving science into clear, actionable information—with more than 400 million views in more than 133 countries. Jetelina was recently named as a TIME100 Most Influential Person in Health. She lives with her husband and 2 young daughters in San Diego, CA.

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In this episode, Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Craig Spencer, MD, MPH, emergency physician and global health expert, about what it takes to lead in times of crisis. From treating Ebola patients in Guinea to navigating COVID-19 in New York, he reflects on the power of empathy, the importance of cultural understanding, and the pursuit of health equity. He also shares the personal sacrifices behind public service—and why the lessons of past pandemics must not be forgotten.

Show notes

Associate professor at Brown University School of Public Health, Spencer has nearly 2 decades of experience in global health and humanitarian response, having worked on critical public health issues across Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond, including leading epidemiological responses during the West African Ebola outbreak. His work focuses on the historical foundations of public health, humanitarian response, and pandemic preparedness. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New England Journal of Medicine, The Washington Post and more. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the Board of Advisors for Doctors Without Borders USA.

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Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a powerful conversation with Shavon Arline-Bradley, MD, MDiv, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), who shares her personal and professional journey as a public health leader, ordained minister, and advocate for equity. From her early days as a classically trained pianist and national sprinter to her current role leading an historic national organization, she discusses how faith, family, and community fuel her commitment to improving health outcomes. 

Show notes

She earned a master’s degree in public health from Tulane University and completed executive programs at Howard and Cornell Universities. A southern New Jersey native, she is a lover of all-things sports, music, and an avid resort traveler. Most important to her are her faith and her family.  

A nationally recognized community advocate, Reverend Arline-Bradley serves in leadership roles for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Social Action Commission, and the Oprah Winfrey Network initiative “OWN Your Health.” She is founding principal and CEO of R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions, a public health, advocacy, and executive leadership firm.  

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Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a fascinating conversation with cardiologist and renowned biomedical researcher Eric Topol, MD, on the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and healthcare. Topol shares how AI can help strengthen the patient-doctor relationship, enhance diagnostics, and reduce medical errors.

Show notes

A practicing cardiologist, Topol is chair and professor of Translational Medicine at Scripps Research. One of the most cited researchers in medicine, he has published several bestselling books on the future of medicine, including a new book that explores research transforming human longevity and chronic disease. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and was commissioned to lead a review of the UK National Health Service. Additionally, he is the editor-in-chief of Medscape and publishes the Substack newsletter, Ground Truths. Known for his groundbreaking studies on AI in medicine, genomics, and digitized clinical trials, Topol was named to the TIME100 Health list of the most influential people in health in 2024.  

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Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with medical journalist Elizabeth Cohen, who has dedicated her career to empowering patients and caregivers to be better advocates. A well-known author and former senior medical correspondent for CNN, she has made it her mission to help others navigate the often-complex US healthcare system. She shares personal insights, including her own journey from the NICU to the newsroom, and reflects on critical healthcare topics including access to care, maternal mortality, the polarization of public health, and the power of storytelling.

Show notes

Cohen has won multiple awards for her coverage of breaking medical news and health consumer reporting, from the Ebola outbreak in Liberia to COVID-19.She received the outstanding alumnus award from Boston University, where she received her master’s degree in public health, and from Columbia College in New York City, where she received her bachelor’s degree in history. She and her husband are the proud parents of 4 daughters.

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Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, a renowned expert in childhood respiratory diseases and vaccine safety. Edwards shares her journey from a budding chemist to a trailblazer in the prevention of pediatric infectious diseases and an advocate for ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy in the US. 

 Show notes

While at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, her passion for disease prevention brought her to lead efforts evaluating vaccines against pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease, smallpox, anthrax, and other infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served on vaccine safety and monitoring committees and helped address questions about adverse events. In 2018, NFID recognized her extraordinary accomplishments by awarding her the Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement. 

A native of Williamsburg, IA, Edwards graduated from the University of Iowa  School of Medicine, and did her residency, fellowship, and postdoctoral training in Chicago, IL. Now (mostly) retired, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her beloved grandchildren. 

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In this special compilation episode of Infectious IDeas, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, revisit some of the most compelling moments from past episodes. Hear from leading public health experts as they share their biggest concerns, hopes for the future, and strategies for tackling critical public health challenges. From addressing vaccine misinformation and health disparities to improving global collaboration, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of public health.

Tune in for wisdom and inspiration from these thought leaders:

• William H. Foege, MD, MPH
• Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD
• Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH
• Richard E. Besser, MD
• Seth F. Berkley, MD
• Paul A. Offit, MD
• Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD
• Tom Frieden, MD, MPH
• Anthony S. Fauci, MD
• Reed V. Tuckson, MD
• Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH
• Michael Osterholm, PhD

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Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Reed V. Tuckson, MD, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and chair of the board of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science. Tuckson explores the vital role of community-based public health initiatives and the urgent need to rebuild trust in science and health, particularly in underserved communities. From his early roots to his latest efforts tackling misinformation, he shares lessons in leadership, collaboration, and hope for the future.

Show notes 

An amateur photographer and jazz drummer, Tuckson shares thought-provoking ideas to restore trust in public health along with advice for the next generation of healthcare professionals. A former commissioner of public health for the District of Columbia and past president of the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, he has held leadership positions at UnitedHealth Group, the American Medical Association, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, and is currently managing director of Tuckson Health Connections, LLC. 

He is a graduate of Howard University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania General Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship Programs, where he was also a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar studying at the Wharton School of Business.

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Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a provocative discussion with renowned epidemiologist Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota. Osterholm shares his vast experience in pandemic preparedness, reflecting on his work with HIV, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. He also voices concerns about the increasing politicization of public health and the potential implications of the 2024 US elections.  

Show notes

An internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology who warned for years that the US was ill-prepared for a pandemic, he has advised governors, senators, and presidents, and has written several best-selling books on the most pressing infectious disease threats. He also hosts Osterholm Update, a podcast featuring discussion and analysis on the latest infectious disease developments. He is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the Council of Foreign Relations. An avid swimmer who attempted to swim the English Channel several times, Osterholm now strives to make the world a better place for his 6 grandchildren.

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