Welcome to a special live episode of Population Healthy, recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience at the University of Michigan. We mark a historic moment—70 years since the game-changing announcement of the polio vaccine's success on April 12, 1955, right here in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at Rackham Auditorium, led by the groundbreaking work of Thomas Francis, Jr., and Jonas Salk.

We invited two renowned experts: Professor Matt Boulton, and Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, to explore the development and impact of the Salk polio vaccine and its ongoing relevance. Join us as we reflect on that pivotal day and the global joy and relief that followed, as polio's devastating effects could finally be curtailed.

In this episode of Population Healthy, researchers Dr. Sarah Reisner and Dr. Daphne Watkins and prosecutor Eli Savit engage in a dynamic discussion on gender and health equity, recorded at the University of Michigan. In a panel discussion moderated by Justin Colacino, associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Michigan Public Health, they explore strategies for advancing gender equity amidst a rapidly evolving political landscape, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and community-driven approaches. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary communities, systemic inequities in mental health, and legislative policies impacting health outcomes. Listeners will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for advocacy and action from experts in epidemiology, social work, and law. Whether you're a public health professional, a student, or an individual interested in social justice, this episode offers essential perspectives on creating more inclusive and equitable practices.

In this episode of Population Healthy, we bring you an engaging conversation with Admiral Rachel Levine, MD, USPHS (Ret.), former Assistant Secretary for Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services. Recorded at a recent live event as part of The Exchange: Critical Conversations with Michigan Public Health, Dr. Levine joins Dean F. DuBois Bowman in a conversation about gender and health equity and shares her experience and vision for achieving health equity. She offers an inspiring call to action for public health professionals and advocates, emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, and highlights the need for collaboration across political and social divides. The discussion also touches on her leadership journey, strategies for navigating partisanship in public health, and the challenges and opportunities in providing healthcare for transgender individuals. Listen in for a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary health issues and the pathways to health equity.

In this episode, University of Michigan urban planning and public health experts  Margaret Dewar and Roshanak Mehdipanah delve into the complex challenges of housing access and stability. They examine factors contributing to housing inequity, discuss the nationwide housing crisis affecting cities like Detroit, and shed light on innovative approaches to achieving housing equity. The research team shares insights from their interdisciplinary partnership, highlighting the benefits of collaboration between urban planning and public health expertise to address housing issues that affect health.

Five years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Michigan School of Public Health looks back at how our world has changed and the lessons learned from this unprecedented global health crisis. On this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, we hear from Michigan Public Health faculty reflecting on their experiences and research during the pandemic, including Mary Janevic, who developed resilience programs for older adults, and Nancy Fleischer, who leads the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study. Their stories illustrate both the pandemic's long-lasting impacts and the innovative public health responses that continue to support communities today.

In this episode of Population Healthy, join University of Michigan School of Public Health emeritus professor John Piette as he engages in a compelling conversation with Kate Monti, a Michigan Public Health alumna and co-founder of Avela.

Monti shares her unique journey from her  work with Workit Health, an innovative platform focused on substance use disorder treatment, to founding Avela, an online-based program designed to support families navigating neurodivergent conditions. Delve into the parallels between addiction and neurodivergence, the role of technology in expanding access to care, and how Monti's multidisciplinary background informs her work in health equity. Gain insights into the challenges and successes of offering tailored interventions that prioritize community, empathy, and evidence-based practice.

Listen to a sneak peek of new, upcoming episodes of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Join our faculty experts as they unravel pressing public health issues and share breakthrough research.

The new episodes start dropping March 4th!

In this special podcast episode, hosted by F. DuBois Bowman, dean of  the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we sit down with Gina McCarthy, the inaugural White House Climate Advisor and former EPA Administrator. McCarthy discusses her journey into public health and environmental advocacy, highlighting her experiences working across political divides and emphasizing the importance of environmental justice. As a seasoned leader in climate policy, McCarthy shares her insights on tackling climate change, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and preparing the next generation of public health leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable lessons and forward-thinking strategies to drive meaningful change in public health and environmental sustainability.

In this live episode of Population Healthy, Dean F. DuBois Bowman sits down with Amir Dan Rubin, MBA ‘96, MHSA ‘96,  a transformational leader in the healthcare industry. From leading the rapid growth of One Medical to forming a groundbreaking partnership with Amazon, Rubin shares his journey and insights into making healthcare more accessible, personalized, and efficient. Now leading Healthier Capital, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Tune in to hear Rubin’s valuable advice on leadership, the importance of continuous learning, and his vision for the future of healthcare.

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued a national health advisory on loneliness. According to the advisory, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” In this episode, discover the surprising impacts of loneliness on our physical and cognitive health with Lindsay Kobayashi, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She’ll delve into the roots and repercussions of long-term loneliness and examine how it can lead to serious health issues like memory decline and increased mortality risk — as well as the impacts on population health. We’ll also explore research-backed interventions and policy solutions that can help combat the loneliness epidemic. 

In this episode of Population Healthy, we dive into the groundbreaking research of the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) study, led by University of Michigan researchers Dr. Lewis Morgenstern and Dr. Lynda Lisabeth. Every 40 seconds, someone in the US experiences a stroke, a leading cause of long-term disability and death, particularly among older adults. Drs. Morgenstern and Lisabeth have dedicated nearly 25 years to understanding stroke, with a special focus on health disparities faced by Mexican Americans in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Join us as we explore how their collaborative and community-centered approach has illuminated key aspects of stroke epidemiology, the significant burden on Mexican Americans, and the critical role of health equity. Learn about the study's evolution, intriguing findings on stroke recurrence and mortality, and the project's innovative use of big data to enhance patient outcomes.
We'll also discuss their recent work on the link between stroke and sleep apnea, the logistical challenges of managing a long-distance research project, and the prestigious recognition they've received for their impactful contributions. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in public health, neurology, and health equity.

Cancer disparities manifest as differences in cancer incidence, outcomes, or mortality across various demographic groups—whether by gender, age, location, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. For instance, Black women in the US face a significantly higher mortality rate from breast cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive and hard-to-treat subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer, than their white or Asian American counterparts. The underlying causes of these disparities are complex and multifaceted.

In this episode of Population Healthy, we explore the pressing question: Why are certain populations unequally impacted by chemical exposures, and how do these exposures contribute to cancer disparities? Our guest, Justin Colacino, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, delves into the intersection of pollution, environmental exposures, and cancer disparities. Discover how everyday factors like air, water, food, and household products might influence chronic diseases, shedding light on the broader implications for public health.

In this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, get a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of epidemiology. Join two of the University of Michigan's leading epidemiologists, Arnold Monto and Emily Martin, as they discuss groundbreaking moments in the history of infectious disease research, and highlight the challenges and triumphs that have shaped public health practices. Hear about historic breakthroughs, like the development of the polio vaccine, and gain insights into current challenges, such as emerging infectious diseases and combating misinformation, with these influential infectious disease experts.

Listen to a sneak peek of the new season of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. This season, join our faculty experts as they unravel pressing public health issues and share breakthrough research related to loneliness, cancer, stroke, and infectious disease.

In Season 6 of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we look at the health benefits of living with purpose, unexpected sources of air pollution, weight stigma, declining childhood vaccination rates, cancer research, how math can be used to solve some of today's most pressing public health issues, and more!

In this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, joins Matthew L. Boulton, senior associate dean for Global Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in a thought-provoking conversation about childhood vaccination, the demands of the top doctor job, and more.

Together, they analyze the decline in routine childhood immunizations in Michigan following the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover more about the factors keeping some parents from vaccinating their children, and the ongoing efforts to ensure the health and well-being of Michigan's children and communities.

Dr. Bagdasarian, who has been in the top doctor role since 2021, sheds light on the importance of public health communication and shares some of the challenges and triumphs from her career in public health.

In this episode, two researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health outline some of the health and safety challenges faced by farmworkers in the state of Michigan.

Epidemiologists, Alexis Handal and Lisbeth Iglesias-Rios, describe findings from the Michigan Farmworker Project - their ongoing study on the precarious employment and labor exploitation of farmworkers. They share the struggles, exploitation, and health risks these workers endure, and underscore the vital need for data-driven solutions. The researchers discuss how documenting the experiences of this vulnerable population can lead to policy change and improved conditions in the agricultural sector.

In this episode of Population Healthy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Professor of Epidemiology Celeste Leigh Pearce digs into her team's extensive work on cancer research, focusing on ovarian, breast, and cervical cancers. Pearce outlines the possibilities of eradicating cervical and potentially other cancers through vaccination, screening and early detection. Her team puts a strong emphasis on disease prevention, aiming to lessen the occurrence of cancer cases. The ultimate goal is to put oncologists out of business — in other words, to leverage screening and other prevention tools that Pearce believes could ultimately eradicate certain cancers altogether.

Pearce also discussed MI-CARES, a new project that aims to gather insights on the effects of environmental exposure on cancer risk and other health outcomes for people across Michigan.

In this empowering episode of the 'Ahead of the Curve' Speaker Series by University of Michigan, Dean DuBois Bowman and renowned civil rights activist, author, and lawyer Bakari Sellers deep dive into Sellers’ impactful journey packed with resilience, ambition, and public service.

Sellers recalls his childhood memories growing up in South Carolina in an activism-rich family and his trailblazing entrance into politics as the youngest member of the South Carolina State Legislature at just 22. He expresses his unyielding commitment towards progressive policies that aim at addressing entrenched issues such as education, poverty, and domestic violence. Sellers shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his family's traumatic healthcare experiences including his wife's childbirth complications and his daughter's liver transplant, which in turn strengthened his resolve to eradicate healthcare disparity.

He emphasizes how leadership can bolster the fight against health inequity, and the need for politicians to leverage personal narratives over macro data to draw attention to important issues. He emphasizes mental health within the Black community, his bold stance on police violence, calling for significant policy and societal changes, and his unwavering dedication towards the battle against miseducation and anti-intellectualism.

Bhramar Mukherjee, professor of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, explains how biostatistics helps make sense of big data for medical prevention and treatment and how she encourages her students to stay patient, optimistic, and attuned to their own inner voices in their pursuits. You don't need to be a math person to enjoy her journey.

Mukherjee shares her professional journey, from her math-centered upbringing in a family of liberal arts scholars to her roles at Purdue University and the University of Florida, eventually leading her to her academic home at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She discusses her involvement in launching an undergraduate summer program on big data and her work in modeling COVID-19's trajectory in India.