The Host Response: A FirstcallID Podcast

In this episode of The Host Response , Dr. Paul Bunce dives into the art and science of writing infectious diseases consult notes that get read, understood, and acted upon. Learn how to craft clear, concise recommendations that not only answer the clinical question but also reveal your clinical reasoning — all while fostering collaboration with the care team. Whether you’re an ID trainee or a seas...

Why do some decisions in ID haunt us months later? In this episode of The Host Response , Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine specialist Dr. Paul Bunce explores the role of anticipated regret in Infectious Diseases consultations. From empiric TB therapy to culture-negative PJIs, learn how to navigate uncertainty, avoid common traps, and make decisions your future self won't curse you for. Pe...

Infectious diseases is a specialty built on inference, nuance, and—not infrequently—doubt. In this episode, Paul Bunce reflects on the uncertainty baked into ID practice, from ambiguous diagnoses to the risks of overconfidence. Why are we rarely sure, even after years of training? How do we keep moving forward without pretending we’re certain? The practice of Infectious Diseases isn’t always about...

Antibiotics might be the headliners in ID—but there’s a whole supporting cast of medications quietly influencing outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Paul Bunce explores the non-antibiotic drugs that affect infection risk, immune response, and antibiotic safety. From warfarin and DOACs to steroids, biologics, QT-prolongers, and methadone, it’s a tour through the meds that should catch your eye on a medi...

Before you can treat an infection, you need to define the syndrome. In this episode, Paul Bunce unpacks the foundational ID skill of naming the clinical syndrome — the key that unlocks investigations, management, and meaningful recommendations.

Welcome to The Host Response , a FirstCallID podcast for clinicians navigating the uncertainties of infectious diseases. In this opening episode, Dr. Paul Bunce introduces the mission behind FirstCallID — to help clinicians feel more grounded, confident, and less overwhelmed when facing ID questions. Unlike the structured teaching tools on the website, this podcast offers space for reflection, cli...