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
Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, is executive director and chief executive officer of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Alvania provides leadership and direction to advance the NFID mission to educate and engage the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. She has extensive experience in scientific communications, strategic planning, and global public health. Alvania began her career in media communications and held leadership roles working with scientific journals and professional societies.
Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, is NFID medical director and chief medical spokesperson. He previously served as chair of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee to the US Department of Health and Human Services and chair of the American College of Physicians Immunization Committee. Hopkins is a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics and past chief of the division of general internal medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He was recognized as a 2024 Healio Honoree as a strategic, yet humble leader who has shaped US vaccine policy and helped build vaccine confidence.
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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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Flu Season Predictions with Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH
S1, E3: NFID Vice President Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, shares predictions for the upcoming flu season and her thoughts about the politicization of vaccine science …
Building Vaccine Confidence among Patients and Parents with Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP
S1, E2: NFID President Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, shares her insights on storytelling and effectively responding to parent and patient concerns about vaccines …