In this episode of Philly Public Health Chats, we talk with Valerie Hughes and Ellen Matzer, two nurses on the front lines during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Valerie and Ellen discuss their backgrounds, their experiences during the early days of the epidemic, the societal challenges, and why they ultimately wrote the book ‘Nurses on the Inside.’

The episode highlights the personal and professional struggles they faced, the lack of support from the government during the Reagan administration, and the enduring impact of the epidemic. The discussion also touches on the importance of patient-centered care, the ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and initiatives such as World AIDS Day.

The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of getting tested and the advances in HIV treatment.

In this episode of Philly Public Health Chats, Dr. Najera discusses the implications of former President Donald Trump’s return to office on public health policy, primarily focusing on vaccination, with expert guest Brian Dean Abramson.

Abramson, a leading authority on vaccine law, elaborates on the president's potential influence and legal constraints relating to public health initiatives. They explore the intersections of federal and local powers, the impact of misinformation, and the possible future scenarios concerning vaccine distribution and public health measures.

The dialogue also touches on broader issues, such as federal versus state powers in healthcare, and offers insights into how the public can advocate for vaccination rights in an evolving political landscape.

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast and its episodes are those of the speakers, and they do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the speakers' institutional or professional affiliations.

In this episode of Philly Public Health Chats, we dive into the contentious topic of vaccines and autism with guest Kathleen Carmichael, a neuroscience PhD student at Brown University's NIH Graduate Partnerships Program.

Kathleen shares her insights into the origins and persistence of the vaccine-autism controversy, debunking myths and explaining the science behind vaccines.

We'll discuss the role of social media, cognitive biases, and influential figures in spreading misinformation, and explore how to better communicate scientific facts to the public. Join us as we unpack this critical public health issue and learn what we can do to build trust in vaccines.

In this episode of Philly Public Health Chats, Dr. René Najera explores the life and groundbreaking achievements of Emil von Behring, the first Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine.

Known for his revolutionary work on diphtheria serum therapy, Behring's contributions laid the foundation for modern immunology and saved countless lives.

The episode explores his collaboration with Kitasato Shibasaburo, accolades such as the Cameron Prize for Therapeutics of the University of Edinburgh, and the Nobel Prize. We also explore Behring's post-Nobel work, including founding Behringwerke and attempts to combat tuberculosis.

The episode also touches on his personal life and professional controversies, highlighting his strained relationship with Paul Ehrlich.

In this episode of Philly Public Health Chats, Dr. René Najera hosts Dr. Carlene Robinson, a senior epidemiologist and director of data and evaluation at the Alabama Department of Rehab Services.

The discussion focuses on Dr. Robinson’s career in public health, her specializations in rural health and social epidemiology, and the role mentorship has played in her professional journey.

The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, effective communication, and mentorship in bridging gaps within the field of public health.

Dr. Robinson also shares insights on how to seek and maintain mentorship opportunities and the challenges faced in maintaining these relationships.

The episode underscores the importance of mentorship as a two-way street that facilitates growth for both mentors and mentees.

Our Guest:

• Dr. Joseph Savino – A distinguished professor of anesthesiology and a trailblazer in cardiac care, Dr. Savino’s journey from a young immigrant in Philadelphia to a leading voice in his field is nothing short of inspiring. His expertise and passion for mentoring future generations of physicians make him an essential figure in the conversation about the future of medicine and medical education.

In This Episode:

Dr. Najera and Dr. Savino discuss the critical issue of attracting more students to medical schools, amidst projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges that the U.S. could face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Topics covered include:

• Dr. Savino’s Career Journey: From his early influences and mentors to his pioneering work in anesthesia and cardiac care, Dr. Savino reflects on what inspired him to pursue this specialty and the importance of role models in shaping his path.

• Encouraging Future Doctors: The conversation emphasizes the need to support students interested in medicine by creating opportunities and leveling the playing field, particularly for those from underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Mentorship and Diversity: Dr. Savino highlights the value of mentorship in his own career and the critical role it plays in helping students succeed. He also discusses the importance of diversity in medicine, sharing powerful stories that illustrate how diverse backgrounds contribute to better care and outcomes in communities with significant healthcare needs.

• The Evolving Landscape of Medical Education: With advances in technology and the integration of artificial intelligence, Dr. Savino provides insights into how medical education will evolve in the coming years. However, he emphasizes that human connection and hands-on care will always be at the heart of medicine.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship is key: Both mentors and role models are crucial in guiding and inspiring future generations of physicians.

• Diversity strengthens healthcare: A diverse workforce leads to better solutions and outcomes, especially in underserved communities.

• AI will enhance, not replace, human care: While technology and AI will play a larger role in medical education and diagnostics, hands-on patient care will remain vital.

Resources:

• The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projections on the physician shortage

In this episode, Dr. René Najera sits down with Ed Singer, former Health Officer for Carroll County, Maryland, and current manager of the Local Management Board. Ed shares his journey from the military to public health leadership, reflecting on his work addressing public health challenges, from environmental health to leading the county’s response during the opioid crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen in as they discuss the pivotal role of health officers, the importance of community partnerships, and Ed’s unique perspective on leadership—drawing from both his public health experience and military service.

Despite some audio challenges due to Zoom, this half-hour conversation is rich with insights on how public health leadership impacts entire communities.

Tune in to hear about Ed’s experiences, the critical role of data in public health, and what aspiring leaders can learn from his career in navigating crises and building consensus.

In this episode of Philly Public Health Chats, Dr. René Najera welcomes licensed clinical social worker Megan Driesbach to discuss an important and sensitive topic in recognition of September as Suicide Awareness Month. With over 11 years of experience, Megan has a deep understanding of crisis intervention, suicide risk assessments, and therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Our Guest:

• Megan Driesbach, LCSW – Megan is a seasoned clinical social worker with a master’s degree in social work from Colorado State University. Her extensive experience spans working in hospitals, primary care clinics, and community programs. She specializes in mental health crisis intervention and has worked extensively in emergency departments and partial hospitalization programs. Megan’s insight and experience make her an invaluable resource in today’s conversation on suicide prevention and awareness.

In This Episode:

Dr. Najera and Megan dive deep into the complexities surrounding suicide, addressing critical topics such as:

• Understanding Suicidal Ideation: From passive death wishes to active suicidal thoughts, Megan explains the spectrum of suicidal ideation and how it progresses from thoughts to plans and intent.

• Recognizing Warning Signs: Learn about the key signs that indicate someone, particularly children and teens, may struggle with suicidal thoughts, including withdrawal from activities, making suicidal statements, and changes in behavior.

• The Role of Social Media: Megan discusses the influence of social media on mental health and suicide risk, especially among teenagers, as well as the dangers of exposure to harmful content online.

• Firearms and Suicide Risk: With firearms being a significant factor in suicide deaths, Megan shares the importance of removing access to firearms and other means of self-harm when someone experiences suicidal thoughts.

• How to Help: Whether it’s a child, coworker, or loved one, Megan offers advice on how to approach and support someone who may be struggling. She emphasizes the importance of asking direct questions about suicidal thoughts and getting professional help.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t ignore warning signs: Changes in behavior, withdrawal, and talking about suicide should be taken seriously, especially in teenagers.

• Access to lethal means: If someone experiences suicidal thoughts, it’s critical to remove access to firearms, medications, or other dangerous objects.

• Support resources: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource, offering confidential support to anyone in crisis.

Resources Mentioned:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You can also dial 911 if there is an immediate danger.

• QPR Training: Learn more about QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, which teaches people how to recognize and respond to suicidal warning signs. More information here: https://bit.ly/4eICtNX

Hey there, Philadelphia! Welcome to another quick update from Philly Public Health Chats. We're popping in with some exciting news and a heads-up for you all.

Summer is upon us, and we're taking a short break to recharge and gear up for more amazing content. But don't worry, we'll be back in September with the second season of Philly Public Health Chats!

Our upcoming season will feature incredible people and organizations doing impactful work right here in Philly. We'll also highlight those making a difference beyond our city, tackling public health challenges that hit close to home. From influencers to behind-the-scenes heroes, we can't wait to bring these stories to you.

Philly is brimming with inspiring individuals, and we're excited to share their journeys and insights with you. Until then, we wish everyone a joyous and safe summer. Remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, and most importantly, have lots of fun!

Thank you for being a part of our community. We appreciate each one of you and can't wait to reconnect in September with a brand-new season full of fresh perspectives and important conversations. So, mark your calendars and get ready for more *Philly Public Health Chats*. Stay tuned, stay healthy, and we'll see you soon!

This week, we talk with Laura Vargas about the needs of friends and loved ones of people who die from a drug overdose. While we often focus on the prevention of such deaths, there are many gaps in the help and services needed by those left grieving for their loved ones.

Ms. Vargas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of Outreach Programs at SADOD, where she has developed and expanded grief support initiatives for communities affected by the overdose crisis.

With a career dedicated to creating culturally sensitive services in behavioral health, she has impacted over 2,000 individuals through programs like Philly HEALs, which she founded in Philadelphia.

A native Spanish speaker, fluent in French, Laura is certified in grief counseling, trauma treatment, and cognitive behavior therapy. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.