Public Health On Call

Latest Episodes:

697 - The 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

After two World Wars and the Holocaust, the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 was a milestone for humanity. But 75 years later, the document remains both an inspiration and a measure of failure. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about the origins of the document, its role in "stating the obvious," and why the world has fallen woefully behind in upholding it. Learn more: https://research.un.org/en/udhr75

696 - Peacebuilding to Help Mend A Broken World Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Peacebuilders work to help solve violent conflicts and rebuild societies through nonviolent means. Michael Shipler, vice president of Search for Common Ground, an international peacebuilding NGO, talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about the remarkable work the organization has done amidst some of the most intractable conflicts around the world. They discuss what factors drive violent conflict, the goals and processes of peacebuilding as a practice, and how everyone can adopt a peacebuilding mindset.

BONUS: What We Know—And Don't Know—About Atypical Canine Respiratory Disease Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

A mysterious respiratory disease is affecting dogs across the country, in some cases causing serious illness and even death. Veterinarian Dr. Meghan Davis returns to the podcast to talk with Stephanie Desmon about what we know and don't know about these cases so far, and how data collection and surveillance will be key to learning more. They also discuss One Health, a public health approach bridging human, animal, and environmental health for surveillance against novel threats.

695 - The Shortage of Stimulant Medications for Kids with ADHD Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Stimulant medications can significantly increase the quality of life for kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Johns Hopkins psychiatrist Dr. Rheanna Platt talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about how a shortage of these meds is impacting patients and their families. They discuss what's behind the shortages and address questions about whether overuse of these drugs among adults is a contributor.

694 - World AIDS Day: Why The World's Most Lifesaving AIDS Program is in Danger Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

PEPFAR, or the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, was initiated by President Bush in 2003 is credited with saving 25 million lives over the past 20 years and remains the largest commitment to a single disease in history. But the global bipartisan program is now at the mercy of American politics. Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Duke Global Health Institute and a member of the scientific advisory board for PEPFAR, returns to the podcast to talk with Stephanie Desmon about why PEPFAR's reauthorization is in jeopardy and what the failure of reauthorization could mean for global health.

693 - DoxyPEP: A "Morning-After Pill" for STIs Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

An alarming rise in sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonnorhea, and syphilis in the US calls for new prevention and treatment tactics. Dr. Matthew Hamill, a Johns Hopkins clinical researcher specializing in HIV and STIs, talks with Stephanie Desmon about DoxyPEP, or the use of antibiotic doxycycline after sexual contact. They discuss its effectiveness and availability, use in the context of antibiotic resistance, and why DoxyPEP isn't a silver bullet in the prevention of STIs.

692 - How Migration Affects Human Health Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Our individual health is shaped by the environments we live in. So what does that mean for the more than 280 million people worldwide who have moved across country borders from the place of their birth? Johns Hopkins Health Policy and Management assistant professor Catherine Ettman, who recently edited the book Migration and Health, talks with Stephanie Desmon about the many factors that impact the health of migrants, including whether they've moved by choice or to escape conflict or natural disaster.

691 - Maryland's Public Defender Works to Keep Young People Out of Trouble Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

As Maryland's Public Defender, Natasha Dartigue's office sees 90% of criminal cases in the state. In addition to the mission of representing individuals with criminal charges, there are new efforts underway to keep young people from getting into trouble in the first place. She speaks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about the office's new outreach and collaborations to close critical gaps for families and help young people thrive.

690 - A Conversation With Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams talks about his new book, "Crisis and Chaos, Lessons From the Front Lines in the War Against COVID-19" with Dr. Josh Sharfstein. On the topic list: his compelling personal story, the "emotionally jarring" experience of leading during a highly politicized pandemic, and his efforts to advocate for health as a bipartisan priority.

689 - Do Overdose Prevention Sites Make Their Communities Less Safe? Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

Overdose prevention sites—places where people can use illicit drugs under supervision—are extremely controversial and many cities are opposed to them because of the belief that they'll invite disorder and crime to the communities where they're operating. Dr. Brandon del Pozo, assistant professor of medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown, talks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about a new study that put this question to the test and what they observed in the areas around two OPCs in New York City. Read the JAMA paper here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2811766

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected