PHEC 414: Finding Strength Through Service
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
Release Date: 07/22/2025
PHEC 431: Milwaukee's Fight For Its Children, With Micheal Totoraitis, PhD
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this powerful episode, Milwaukee’s Health Commissioner Michael Totoraitis joins Dr. Charlotte H. Huntley to share an insider’s view of navigating a citywide public health crisis and the evolving realities of public health leadership in 2025. Mike recounts how discovering a severe lead crisis in Milwaukee’s schools exposed systemic vulnerabilities while underscoring the urgent importance of community engagement, open information sharing, and cross-sector partnerships. Their conversation highlights lessons learned from the frontlines, both in leading crisis response and in the broader...
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PHEC 430: Communicating Public Health with Elizabeth Green, PhD
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this insightful episode, Dr. Charlotte Huntley welcomes Elizabeth Green, Communications Director at the Big Cities Health Coalition, for a deep dive into the art and science of public health communication. Elizabeth brings a unique perspective with her background as a history of science professor and public health communications expert. They explore how to tell compelling public health stories that connect emotionally and intellectually with audiences, overcome jargon and misinformation, and advocate effectively for funding and policy. Elizabeth shares real-world examples like Milwaukee’s...
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PHEC 429: Bridging Science and Society
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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...
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PHEC 428: How Courage Transforms Public Health Leadership, With Kristi McClamroch, Phd, MPH
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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...
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PHEC 427: Battling Disinformation & Building Trust With Tista Ghosh, MD, MPH
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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,...
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PHEC 426: Building Better Health Departments with Jimmie Smith, MD, MPH
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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 ...
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PHEC 425: The Heart of Public Health with Visha Patel
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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...
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PHEC 424: Rethinking Public Health for a Connected World, With Allie Murphy
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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...
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PHEC 423: Empowering the Next Generation With Santiago Ojeda Sainz
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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...
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PHEC 422: Mentorship, Innovation, and Stigma Reduction with Parnia Roghani-Shareef, MPH, CPH
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
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...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt episode, Dr. Huntley shares her journey through personal and professional challenges. Drawing from her work facilitating leadership and resilience workshops for public health professionals, especially with the Tribal Epidemiology Centers, Dr. Huntley explores the vital principle that "you can't pour from an empty cup." She opens up about her own struggles with grief, professional uncertainty, and the realities of working in a strained public health environment. Through a story of service and renewal, Dr. Huntley emphasizes the power of community, self-care, and adapting our resilience strategies during difficult times.
Resources
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