Infectious IDeas Podcast By National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) cover art

Infectious IDeas

Infectious IDeas

By: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
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About this listen

You are listening to Infectious IDeas, a podcast presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), that goes beyond the science to explore the personal stories behind the people doing the work. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with inspiring leaders and humble heroes making a powerful impact on public health. Through their experiences, we uncover the human side of infectious disease prevention and treatment—all driven by a shared vision of healthier lives for all.

© 2025 Infectious IDeas
Biological Sciences Natural History Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • From Shark Dreams to Global Health with Craig Spencer, MD, MPH
    Jun 4 2025

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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 fight for 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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    35 mins
  • Keeping the Faith with Shavon Arline-Bradley, MPH, MDiv
    May 7 2025

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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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    18 mins
  • Technology Enhancing Humanity with Eric Topol, MD
    Apr 2 2025

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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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    22 mins
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