For the first time, the WHO released a report of fungal “priority pathogens” that are causing invasive diseases in humans and are becoming more prevalent and more resistant to treatment. Dr. Hatim Sati, technical leader of the report, talks with Stephanie Desmon about why fungi pose such a threat to human health, the lack of diagnostics and treatments, and how better research and surveillance can help.

Guest host Bilal Khan, a Johns Hopkins public health student who recently worked as an advisor to senior public health leaders in Pakistan, talks with Dr. Rabika Fatima, a Karachi-based doctor volunteering at medical relief camps near the floods, about what’s happening on the ground in the aftermath of Pakistan’s devastating floods. Organizations working on the front lines include: JDC Foundation, Al Khidmat Foundation, IMI Pakistan, and The Indus Hospital. 

Unintentional injuries like auto and firearm accidents, drownings, and poisonings, are the leading causes of death in US children over age 1. Dr. Sadiqa Kendi, Division Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Boston Medical Center and a Bloomberg Fellow, talks with Lindsay Smith Rogers about her work on the Mass PIER project and some insights they’ve gained from reviewing pediatric injuries. Learn more about the project findings here.

COVID-19 infections may look different in 2022 than they did in 2020, thanks to vaccines, infection-induced immunity, and new treatments—but that doesn’t mean we can rest easy. Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of infectious diseases at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about the overall state of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, what we still don’t know about this virus, and why it’s important to stay vigilant. 

Medications to treat opioid use disorder in pregnant people can decrease the chances of an infant being born too early and reduce risks of maternal overdose and death. But with a fractured and underfunded system of OUD treatment, as well as stigma around drug abuse in pregnancy and siloed maternal health care, how can pregnant people access this lifesaving care? Dr. Stephen Patrick, pediatrician and former senior policy advisor at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, returns to the podcast to talk with Lindsay Smith Rogers about a new report that lays out suggestions for lifting barriers to OUD treatment for pregnant people. Read the report here.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, or SANEs, are specially trained advocates and care providers for survivors of sexual violence in ERs and other clinical settings. In addition to providing medical care and counseling, they can collect forensic evidence at the critical moment following a sexual assault. Oregon SANE Savannah Powell talks to Lindsay Smith Rogers about the important role SANEs play in survivors’ healing and the unique challenges the field faces in the context of the nation’s nursing crisis and post-Roe policies. This episode was co-produced by intern Hannah Bennett.

Thanksgiving dinner can bring tension alongside turkey and this year may feel especially stressful given a highly polarizing political environment. Dr. Consuelo Amat, an expert in peace building at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins, talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about some ground rules for peace-building and dialogue, and how to meaningfully engage in difficult conversations with people we love.

During the midterms, Oregon voters passed Measure 114 which restricts magazine capacity for firearms and requires purchasers to obtain a permit which includes a background check and safety training. Cass Crifasi, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, talks with Lindsay Smith Rogers about why this measure is a lifesaving win not only for gun violence solutions and public health, but also for evidence-based advocacy. They also discuss where the measure falls in the context of the Supreme Court's Bruen Decision and what Crifasi hopes to see happen next.

Today’s episode is all about the liver. Thelma Thiel, founder and chair of The Liver Health Initiative, talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about this “silent organ” that, among many roles, removes toxins from what you eat, breathe, and absorb through your skin. They also discuss Thiel’s efforts in advocacy and education—including her talking about the "football-sized" liver with an NFL team.

For the first time, a physician—Dr. Rahul Gupta—is directing the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. Dr. Gupta talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about the national strategy to address addiction and overdose, emphasizing treatment and harm reduction, not criminalization.