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...

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 div...

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 ep...

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 languag...

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 div...

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...

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 legisl...

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...

In this deeply moving and energizing episode, Dr. Huntley interviews Shanthi Hegde, a rare disease advocate, board leader, and soon-to-be public health student at Brown University. Shanthi shares her powerful journey as a young woman of color living with multiple rare bleeding disorders and an immune dysregulatory syndrome, and she details the systemic barriers patients like her face at every leve...

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Huntley welcomes Robyn Bussey, a self-described "health equitist" and Health Equity Director at the Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE). With deep roots in rural Georgia and a passion for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, Robyn shares her personal journey from growing up as the daughter of a beloved rural public health nurse to leading innovative,...

Dr. Huntley sits down with Abby Tighe, a former CDC public health advisor and co-founder of the Fired by Fighting coalition. Together, they share an insider's look at the nationwide impact of the 2025 mass firing of thousands of CDC and HHS professionals and the dangerous dismantling of America's public health infrastructure. They also highlight how a grassroots movement is fighting back. Abby det...

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Huntley, shares her heartfelt journey one year after the tragic loss of her son, Nicholas, in a motorcycle accident. Dr. Huntley opens up about her struggle to channel her grief and frustration into meaningful action and advocacy, seeking the support, ideas, and expertise of the public health community and podcast listeners. The episode se...

In this special episode of the PHEC Podcast, Dr. Huntley shares her experience moderating the American Public Health Association's (APHA) Policy Action Institute in Washington, DC, June 2025. She engaged with a multidisciplinary group of professionals including policymakers, legislators, lawyers, medical doctors, nonprofit leaders, and business owners, each contributing to a robust conversation at...

In 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...

In this episode, Dr. Huntley offers a deep dive into the world of community health assessments. She explores the identity crisis surrounding these assessments, the interdisciplinary nature of public health, and the challenge of industry silos. Dr. Huntley breaks down the five most common types of community health assessments, discusses their critical functions, and highlights what sets her firm ap...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dannette R. Smith discuss the evolution of behavioral health services in Colorado, reflecting on personal and professional transitions, the importance of gratitude, and the challenges faced in public health. They emphasize the need for collective action and vulnerability in leadership to effectively serve communities, especially in times of change and...

In this episode, Dr. Huntley sits down with Dr. Megan Weis, Director of Connecting Communities at the SC Center for Rural and Primary Health Care. Dr. Weis shares her journey into public health, the pivotal role of mentorship, and her passion for bridging academia, practice, and policy. The conversation dives into the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health, the importance of community...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley speaks with Allison Rapp, the president of the Florida Public Health Association. They discuss Allison's journey into public health, her personal experiences that shaped her career, and her passion for mental health and neurodiversity. The conversation also highlights the diverse challenges faced in Florida's public health landscape and the importance of...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Scott JN McNabb as he takes us on a fascinating journey through his public health career — from the lab bench to leadership roles at the CDC and Emory University. Discover how mentorship fueled his passion for tackling some of the world's toughest health challenges, including those in conflict zones. Dive deep into the cutting-edge world of public hea...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Nicole D. Vick discuss the evolution of public health, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced within the healthcare system. Dr. Vick shares her personal journey, including her experiences with workforce development and psychological safety, as well as the support she received during her recovery from a serious injury. The discussio...

In this conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Dixon discuss the current state of community health, focusing on what is working and what is not in public health. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, resilience among public health professionals, and the challenges posed by recent cuts to public health programs. The discussion highlights the need for data transparency, emergency prepare...

In this conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Oscar Alleyne discuss the current state of public health in the United States, focusing on the challenges faced by professionals in the field and the importance of resilience and community engagement. They explore how individuals can take action at the local level, emphasizing the need for advocacy, networking, and maintaining a positive mental attitude am...

In this episode, Dr. Huntley welcomes back Zoila Reyna, founder of Public Health Hired, to discuss the current state of public health careers amidst political changes and the pandemic's aftermath. Zoila shares her journey into public health, the inception of her career coaching platform, and the challenges faced by job seekers in the current market. They explore actionable steps for those affected...

In this conversation, our guest, Dr. Michelle Taylor shares her journey into public health, highlighting the importance of mentorship, her transition from pediatrics to public health, and her passion for health equity. She discusses her experiences in medical training, the challenges of balancing motherhood and a medical career, and her commitment to educating her community about health disparitie...

This conversation focuses on amplifying voices in public health, particularly during National Public Health Week. The panelists discuss their roles as public health entrepreneurs and the importance of community engagement, joy, and data representation in advocacy. They emphasize the need for resilience and collaboration in the face of challenges, highlighting the power of collective action and the...