PHEC 429: Bridging Science and Society

In this roundtable discussion, Dr. Huntley is joined by Deborah Shomuyiwa and Jessie Meyer to answer a surprisingly complex but essential question: What is public health? Using plain language and relatable examples, they each break down how public health impacts our everyday lives. From drinking clean water and wearing seatbelts to shaping community policies and creating environments that support healthier choices. Together, they highlight how public health is often quiet when it's working well, why it's different from medicine, and how personal experiences in pharmacy, emergency medical services, and advocacy can all tie back to broader population health. This episode underscores the need to better communicate, celebrate, and "sell" public health so the public can recognize its value long before a crisis hits.   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Dr. Huntley welcomes back Dr. Kristi McClamroch, epidemiologist, entrepreneur, disruptor, and founder of Courageous Public Health. This episode dives deep into the power of courage—what it means, why it matters, and how public health professionals can lean on courage as a practice and pathway to resilience during times of uncertainty and upheaval. Drawing from her journey as a mom, scientist, leader, and creator, Dr. McClamroch shares actionable guidance for individuals and organizations striving not just to survive but to transform and rebuild public health in 2025's rapidly shifting environment.   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes   ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This episode features Dr. Tista Ghosh, a public health physician, epidemiologist, author, and senior VP for Employee Health at a global medical device company. Dr. Ghosh shares her journey from discovering public health late in medical school to her impactful roles at the CDC, state government, and private industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights her book Before the Next Crisis, which captures frontline workers' stories, and addresses critical challenges like disinformation and distrust in public health. She offers valuable insights on the evolving field, storytelling, public-private partnerships, and advice for listening deeply to communities.   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This insightful episode with Dr. Jimmie Hayes Smith explores his journey from clinical medicine to public health leadership, showcasing his dedication to community-centered healthcare, equity, and collaboration. As the administrator for Macon Bibb County Health Department in Georgia, Dr. Smith offers practical advice on navigating public health challenges, building partnerships, and empowering diverse communities across county and regional lines. His warm stories and thought-provoking tips provide inspiration to listeners at any stage of their public health careers.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Today we continue our new series dedicated to answering a crucial question: "What is Public Health?" This series was created to energize and demystify a field that's often misunderstood, undervalued, and underfunded. Each episode features candid conversations with inspiring leaders, who use compelling storytelling and plain language to explain their focus areas, no heavy jargon allowed. In this episode, Dr. Huntley welcomes Visha Patel, an oncology nurse, cancer epidemiology researcher, and passionate public health advocate. Visha shares her personal journey from bedside nursing to population-level impact, unpacking how public health works behind the scenes to protect and uplift communities. Together they explore the definition of health, the many dimensions of public health work, the value of plain language communication, and the vital role of empathy, conversation, and storytelling in elevating public health's value for everyone.   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This episode marks the launch of our dynamic new series designed to answer one simple but crucial question: "What is Public Health?" This series was created to illuminate a field that is all too often misunderstood, undervalued, and underfunded. Inspiring leaders will join us to demystify public health by sharing their unique focus areas through compelling stories always in plain, engaging language with no heavy scientific jargon. In this premiere episode, Dr. Huntley sits down with Allie Murphy, Masters of Public Health student at the University of Texas Medical Branch, to unpack the real meaning of public health in a globalized world. From the triumphs and challenges of infectious disease control to the essential role of empathy and collaboration, this conversation turns public health from an abstract concept into an accessible and actionable force for every community. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered as we kick off a series committed to making public health relevant for everyone.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This dynamic episode with Santiago Ojeda Sainz spotlights his journey as a Master of Public Health student and passionate advocate for social and behavioral sciences, immigrant health, and micro-mobility safety. Santiago's story, leadership roles, and future ambitions illustrate the new wave of public health professionals driving innovation and collaboration to address real-world challenges in diverse communities. The episode explores mentorship, student empowerment, and urgent road safety issues, inviting listeners to take part in mentoring the next generation and advocating for safer, more equitable public health.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes   ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This episode features an engaging and heartfelt conversation between Dr. Charlotte Huntley and Parnia Roghani-Shareef, highlighting her inspiring career journey, leadership in public health, and commitment to workforce development and behavioral health. The discussion covers actionable strategies and personal insights about building resilience, combating burnout, and fostering collaboration across the public health sector. Listeners are provided with networking advice, mentorship resources, and a glimpse into innovative overdose prevention initiatives, making this episode essential listening for public health professionals, students, and anyone interested in strengthening communities through public health action.     Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Dr. Huntley sits down with Annee Morris Reed, Policy Director at the Funders Forum on Accountable Health and lecturer at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health. The conversation explores Anne's inspiring career spanning senior policy roles within the federal government, her dedication to community-driven, multi-sector partnerships, and the impact of landmark legislation like the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill (the "one big beautiful bill"). Together, Dr. Huntley and Anne unpack the vital differences between public health and healthcare, highlight actionable strategies for advocacy, and empower listeners to create positive change in their communities. Even in challenging political climates.   Resources 📲 Join the PHEC Podcast Community App ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This episode features an inspiring conversation between public health visionaries Dr. Charlotte Huntley and Dr. Marissa Levine, delving into the evolving landscape of public health leadership. Centered around the concept of regenerative leadership, the discussion explores how adaptive, systems-thinking approaches are transforming both individuals and organizations to better serve communities amid ongoing complexity. With decades of leadership experience, from serving as Virginia's State Health Commissioner to advancing work in academia, Dr. Levine offers practical strategies to strengthen emotional intelligence, collaborative cultures, and sustainable change in public and community health. Whether for aspiring leaders, health professionals, or anyone passionate about social impact, this episode offers rich insights and practical tools to nurture resilience and adaptability in today's challenging environment.   📲 Join the PHEC Podcast Community App ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting