Five years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Michigan School of Public Health looks back at how our world has changed and the lessons learned from this unprecedented global health crisis. On this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, we hear from Michigan Public Health faculty reflecting on their experiences and research during the pandemic, including Mary Janevic, who developed resilience programs for older adults, and Nancy Fleischer, who leads the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study. Their stories illustrate both the pandemic's long-lasting impacts and the innovative public health responses that continue to support communities today.

In this episode of Population Healthy, join University of Michigan School of Public Health emeritus professor John Piette as he engages in a compelling conversation with Kate Monti, a Michigan Public Health alumna and co-founder of Avela.

Monti shares her unique journey from her  work with Workit Health, an innovative platform focused on substance use disorder treatment, to founding Avela, an online-based program designed to support families navigating neurodivergent conditions. Delve into the parallels between addiction and neurodivergence, the role of technology in expanding access to care, and how Monti's multidisciplinary background informs her work in health equity. Gain insights into the challenges and successes of offering tailored interventions that prioritize community, empathy, and evidence-based practice.

Listen to a sneak peek of new, upcoming episodes of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Join our faculty experts as they unravel pressing public health issues and share breakthrough research.

The new episodes start dropping March 4th!

In this special podcast episode, hosted by F. DuBois Bowman, dean of  the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we sit down with Gina McCarthy, the inaugural White House Climate Advisor and former EPA Administrator. McCarthy discusses her journey into public health and environmental advocacy, highlighting her experiences working across political divides and emphasizing the importance of environmental justice. As a seasoned leader in climate policy, McCarthy shares her insights on tackling climate change, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and preparing the next generation of public health leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable lessons and forward-thinking strategies to drive meaningful change in public health and environmental sustainability.

In this live episode of Population Healthy, Dean F. DuBois Bowman sits down with Amir Dan Rubin, MBA ‘96, MHSA ‘96,  a transformational leader in the healthcare industry. From leading the rapid growth of One Medical to forming a groundbreaking partnership with Amazon, Rubin shares his journey and insights into making healthcare more accessible, personalized, and efficient. Now leading Healthier Capital, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Tune in to hear Rubin’s valuable advice on leadership, the importance of continuous learning, and his vision for the future of healthcare.

In this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, get a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of epidemiology. Join two of the University of Michigan's leading epidemiologists, Arnold Monto and Emily Martin, as they discuss groundbreaking moments in the history of infectious disease research, and highlight the challenges and triumphs that have shaped public health practices. Hear about historic breakthroughs, like the development of the polio vaccine, and gain insights into current challenges, such as emerging infectious diseases and combating misinformation, with these influential infectious disease experts.

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued a national health advisory on loneliness. According to the advisory, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” In this episode, discover the surprising impacts of loneliness on our physical and cognitive health with Lindsay Kobayashi, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She’ll delve into the roots and repercussions of long-term loneliness and examine how it can lead to serious health issues like memory decline and increased mortality risk — as well as the impacts on population health. We’ll also explore research-backed interventions and policy solutions that can help combat the loneliness epidemic.

In this episode of Population Healthy, we dive into the groundbreaking research of the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) study, led by University of Michigan researchers Dr. Lewis Morgenstern and Dr. Lynda Lisabeth. Every 40 seconds, someone in the US experiences a stroke, a leading cause of long-term disability and death, particularly among older adults. Drs. Morgenstern and Lisabeth have dedicated nearly 25 years to understanding stroke, with a special focus on health disparities faced by Mexican Americans in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Join us as we explore how their collaborative and community-centered approach has illuminated key aspects of stroke epidemiology, the significant burden on Mexican Americans, and the critical role of health equity. Learn about the study's evolution, intriguing findings on stroke recurrence and mortality, and the project's innovative use of big data to enhance patient outcomes.
We'll also discuss their recent work on the link between stroke and sleep apnea, the logistical challenges of managing a long-distance research project, and the prestigious recognition they've received for their impactful contributions. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in public health, neurology, and health equity.

Cancer disparities manifest as differences in cancer incidence, outcomes, or mortality across various demographic groups—whether by gender, age, location, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. For instance, Black women in the US face a significantly higher mortality rate from breast cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive and hard-to-treat subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer, than their white or Asian American counterparts. The underlying causes of these disparities are complex and multifaceted.

In this episode of Population Healthy, we explore the pressing question: Why are certain populations unequally impacted by chemical exposures, and how do these exposures contribute to cancer disparities? Our guest, Justin Colacino, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, delves into the intersection of pollution, environmental exposures, and cancer disparities. Discover how everyday factors like air, water, food, and household products might influence chronic diseases, shedding light on the broader implications for public health.

Listen to a sneak peek of the new season of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. This season, join our faculty experts as they unravel pressing public health issues and share breakthrough research related to loneliness, cancer, stroke, and infectious disease.