What is Public Health with Dr. Kee Chan

Did you know that 1 in 10 people worldwide live with a rare disease? Many of these conditions go undiagnosed for years, leaving families searching for answers. But thanks to newborn screening, early detection is saving lives before symptoms even appear.   In this special episode on Rare Disease Awareness Day (which occurs on the last day of February every year) and the Power of Newborn Screening ,...

Reimagining Research Funding: Navigating the 15% Indirect Cost Cut in NIH Funding with Dr. Giovanni Filardo Public health research is facing a major funding shift—but what does the 15% indirect cost cut mean for researchers, and how can we adapt? In this episode, with Dr. Giovanni Filardo, a leading epidemiologist, health services researcher, and NIH/AHRQ-funded Principal Investigator, we will exp...

In this episode of "A USAID Insider’s Perspective on the Future of Global Health" on the What Is Public Health Podcast, we will dive deep into the shocking dismantling of U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID)—a move that is reshaping the future of public health. Joined by Dr. Gretchen De Silva, former Senior Policy Advisor at USAID, we unpack how this pivotal shift will impact...

Heart disease is still the #1 killer—but let’s be real, making heart-healthy choices isn’t as easy as doctors make it sound. Why is fast food cheaper than a salad? Who has time for the gym when life is already packed? And what’s actually new in heart health research? In this episode, we break down the latest science on inflammation, the polypill, and cutting-edge treatments, plus real-life barrier...

Public health is evolving faster than ever in 2025! In this episode, we break down the  Top 10 Public Health Trends shaping our world—from AI in healthcare to climate change’s impact, mental health innovations, and the future of pandemic preparedness. Join us as we explore real-world case studies, expert insights, and actionable solutions to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of public heal...

The world has changed. Have we? Five years ago, when this podcast started, a global pandemic forced us to ask hard questions about public health. It was in the headlines. It was in our homes. It changed the way we lived, worked, and cared for one another. A pandemic reshaped our lives, and public health became front-page news. Then… silence. But public health never stops. And now, neither do we. N...

How can I get and stay physically fit while staying indoor because of the Coronavirus Pandemic and/or because the weather is getting chilly, wet and snowy?  In this episode, you’ll learn very easy to implement tips to get and stay physically fit while staying indoors because of the cornovairsu pandemic or because the weather is getting cooler, wet, or snowy wherever you are.   Coach Andy and Mary...

- Why did people buy up all the toilet papers at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic? then the hand sanitizers, and then face masks?   - How does chaos impact our sound decision-making?   - Can we learn to make better decisions with money when we panic?  To understand how our behavior influence what we do with our wallet, in this episode, you’ll learn why we buy&nbsp...

- Does climate change really exist? - What are the truths and misconceptions about climate change?  - Are you the only one worrying about climate change?  In this episode, you’ll learn the different causes of climate change and how climate extreme, such as too hot or too cold, can impact your health and what you can do about it? We also dive into the policy-makin...

- Are you putting a bandage to your illness, fatigue and physical exhaustion? - Do you rather know the root cause of your illness so you can live a life with ease without “dis-ease”? - Perhaps it is the time to explore lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, and functional medicine, a whole-person approach to health and wellness . In this episode, you’ll learn what defines functional medicine an...

- Is stress overwhelming your life?  - Is anxiety clouding your mind from being engaged with your day-to-day activity?  - Do you want to learn how to live mindfully in midst of chaos?  In this episode, you will learn the difference between mindfulness and meditation and why both are important and unique skills to help you live a conscious and engaged life.  Jesse will also lead us through a mindfu...

How do you maintain your peace in midst of chaos? "I direct my energy using my internal compass to direct my wellness map, my wellness plan” - Dr. Kee Chan.  In this episode, Dr. Kee Chan, the host of the podcast "What is Public Health?" will cover the seven dimensions of the wellness and how you can design your life your way.  Dr. Chan is the author of the "The Wellness Plan",...

Are you struggling to put food on the table (during this coronavirus pandemic)?  Do you need resources for your family because you are recently unemployed?  Are you tired of being isolated and need an outlet to contribute back to your community (without leaving your home)?  Then, listen to this episode, Benjamin Holt who is the Director of Philanthropy at the Silver Spring...

- Have you just been furloughed or lay-off and need to find a new job FAST?  - Has the 'extra time' away from work given you time to reset your career goals, and now what's next?  - Are you interested in starting your own business?  In this episode, you will learn very effective tips on getting job in the times of uncertainty, how to reinvent yourself, and how to make you stand out as a candidate...

Have you given your child ‘the Talk’ lately?  You’re probably thinking that the "The Talk" is about the ‘birds and the bees', preparing your daughter for womanhood or your son for manhood. But in this episode, you will learn that there is a different type of "Talk", where communities of color are telling their children. It is when a Black Father tells his Black Son how to behave, live, and react i...

Did you know that 27 millions people are victims of human and sex trafficking in the world? In the US, at least 100,000 women are “sold” every year.   In this epsiode you will get a glimpse how pervarsive the world of human and sex trafficking and domestic violence in the US and globally.  The House of Overcome, founded by Vericia Miller, is a safe space for women victim of human and sex trafficki...

In the United States, the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program provides support to all mothers, children and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their families.  The mission of Title V MCH is to improve the health and well-being of mothers, infants, children, and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their famili...

 “Let food be thy medicine” - Hippocrates, the Greek founder of western medicine.   In this episode, you will learn the art and science of using food as medicine, and how doctors can prescribe home-cooking and lifestyle changes to prevent, treat and manage disease from our guest speak, Dr. Rani Polak. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in lifestyle medicine with a focus on culinary medicine...

When was the last time you visit your Human Resources (HR) Department beside the hiring process? There are many ways to optimize your professional development to improve your productivity at work by optimizing the application of your benefits at your HR department. In this episode, Manny Lara, a HR Specialist, will demystify the HR benefits and how you can take advantage of your benefits to do you...

Why is team building important to boost overall performance management in a public health organization?  In this episode, you will get real-world tips about creating effective teams, and why strategy and performance management are keys to public health implementation success. Sometimes, we can be so passionate about our causes that we lose sight what is priority given the circumstance, the ne...

Get Ready for Public Health Genetics Week May 26-29, 2020!  In this episode, Dr. Mat Edick will share how he pivoted his career as a scientist into the public health arena. He will tell us more about the Public Health Genetics Week which the last week of May 26-29, 2020. What purpose of the public health week? What is public health genetics services?  Be sure to check out all the fun act...

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness. In this episode, Dr. Samantha Meints, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, will share her career path as a clinical psychologist and tell us how the body and mind react to the physiological and psychological pain and stress and how does stress impact our immune system.  She will share timeless tips on pai...

In this episode, you will get a glimpse of how the healthcare system in other country are handling the coronavirus and what we can learn from Poland. Dr. Dominika Dulak will share her insights on the how the government is handling the coronavirus and her message to all of us: They stay at work, so we can stay at Home. Dr. Dominika Dulak, who is a medical gra...

Health Vector APP - Get your medical records, track your habits, and assess your pain management all in one place.  Let's Health Vector be your 'guide' to your best health on your own personal map!  In this epsiode, Dan Mirica, the CEO of the Health Vector App, will discuss this company Health app called the Health Vector which is an application to help you better plan your doctors visit...

If you’re pregnant and you want to personalize the birth of your child by having a home delivery then in this epsdioe, Katie Krebs, who is the Executive Director of Birthwise Midwifery School in Maine, will discuss the roles of midwives and doulas and how they use a holistic approach to prenatal care, during pregnancy, and post-pregnancy. She will also speak about the education and training in bec...