Welcome 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.

Meet the Hosts

Marla DaltonNFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, is chief staff officer of NFID, responsible for providing leadership and direction for the organization in furthering its mission to educate the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. She is a Certified Association Executive, a registered professional engineer, and the mom of 2 fully vaccinated twin daughters.

William Schaffner, MD, is a spokesperson and past medical director of NFID. He formerly served as NFID liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). A nationally known expert on infectious diseases, he was honored with the inaugural National Vaccine Program Office UpShot Award for excellence in vaccine communication. A professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, he has worked extensively on the effective use of vaccines in adult populations.

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Special Guest Richard E. Besser, MD on Infectious IDeas podcast

Achieving the Promise of Health Equity with Richard E. Besser, MD

S1, E11: Richard E. Besser, MD, is now a leading champion for health equity urging the US to embrace its potential and provide opportunities for all to thrive …

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Special Guest Katherine L O'Brien, MD, MPH on Infectious IDeas podcast

Championing Global Health Equity with Katherine L. O’Brien, MD, MPH

S1, E10: Katherine L. O’Brien, MD, MPH, discusses bringing communities around the world up to date on immunizations and creating an accord to improve the global response to the next pandemic …

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Special Guest Julie L Gerberding, MD, MPH on Infectious IDeas podcast

Breaking the Cycle of Crisis to Complacency with Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH

S1, E9: Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, led the CDC through 40 public health crises, and now advocates for change to strengthen US health security and break the cycle of crisis to complacency …

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Special Guest Walter A. Orenstein, MD on Infectious IDeas podcast

From Baseball to Epidemiology with Walter A. Orenstein, MD

S1, E8: Walter A. Orenstein, MD, reflects on lessons learned from smallpox, measles, polio, and how his love of baseball influenced a remarkable career in epidemiology and public health …

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Special Guest William H. Foege, MD, MPH on Infectious IDeas podcast

Eradicating Smallpox with William H. Foege, MD, MPH

S1, E7: William H. Foege, MD, MPH, tells the remarkable story of the eradication of smallpox and reflects on the lessons learned that are still relevant today …

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Special Guest Stanley A. Plotkin, MD on Infectious IDeas podcast

Recalling the Past and Predicting the Future with Stanley A. Plotkin, MD

S1, E6: Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, recalls the history of his work on life-saving vaccines for rubella and rotavirus, and discusses his predictions for the future …

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Special Guest Anthony S. Fauci, MD on Infectious IDeas podcast

Building Trust with Anthony S. Fauci, MD

S1, E5: Renowned scientist, Anthony S. Fauci, MD, reflects on his decades-long career overseeing US research efforts from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19 …

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Special Guest Paul A. Offit, MD on Infectious IDeas podcast

Mixing Politics and Public Health with Paul Offit, MD

S1, E4: Paul A. Offit, MD, talks about the humble heroes who inspired him, and shares his insights on mixing politics and public health—for better or for worse …

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