University Of Iowa College Of Public Health

This podcast episode explores the critical role of social connections in public health with researcher and faculty member Dr. Paul Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert discusses how social determinants of health, including the social environment and community structures, shape our well-being. He highlights the importance of social ties and the negative impacts of social isolation and loneliness, especially on vulnerable populations. Public health professionals can play a key role in fostering stronger social connections by working with community leaders to create environments that facilitate meaningful interactions. The episode also provides advice for students and young professionals on incorporating social determinants of health frameworks into their future work in public health. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-social-connections-and-public-health/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at C

Lauren welcomes her guest, Dr. Steven Levy, to talk about the role of fluoride in public health and oral health and the controversy about a recent study making an association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ. They also touch on: The history and rationale behind water fluoridation as a key public health intervention to prevent tooth decay, including how it provides benefits across socioeconomic groups and is a cost-saving measure. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ, and the concerns raised in Dr. Levy's editorial about the scientific validity and interpretation of those findings. How the debate around this meta-analysis has been amplified in the media and by opponents of water fluoridation, and the importance of carefully evaluating research evidence from multiple qualified sources. Current fluoride guidelines and standards, and advice for parents and individuals concerned about fluoride exposure, including the safety of c

Lauren welcomes 3 very special guests for this episode exploring leadership and building successful teams: Fran McCaffrey, the head coach of the University of Iowa men's basketball team; Dr. Matt Howard, Chief of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics; and Jon Darsee, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Iowa and president of the Research Park Corporation. Key takeaways from the conversation include: Leadership can be both innate and learned through experience and mentorship. Effective leaders often display humility, empathy, and the ability to build trust within their teams. Humility is an important trait for leaders to cultivate, as it allows them to learn from mistakes and support their team members. Successful leaders often serve as role models by openly acknowledging their own shortcomings. In both sports and medicine, the ability to foster a strong team culture and recognize the value of all team members, including support staff, is crucial for building resilient and hig

In this episode, Lauren welcomes a very special guest; Dr. Jim Yong Kim, partner, vice chairman, and Global Infrastructure Partners (a part of BlackRock) emerging markets chairman as well as former President of the World Bank Group and director of the World Health Organization’s HIV/AIDS department. Dr. Kim's background growing up in Iowa with Korean immigrant parents shaped his practical and moral approach to tackling complex global challenges. His dual MD-PhD training in medicine and anthropology allowed him to bridge the social sciences and practical applications, leading him to co-found the groundbreaking organization Partners in Health. At Partners in Health, Dr. Kim emphasized the importance of accompaniment and community health workers in providing equitable, effective care for the world's poorest populations. After serving as President of Dartmouth College, Dr. Kim was nominated by President Obama to lead the World Bank, where he applied his on-the-ground experience and commitment to moral leaders

This is part 2 of Lauren's conversation with Dr. Wang about his work in atmospheric science and implications for public health. Dr. Jun Wang's lab at the University of Iowa is developing innovative technologies for satellite remote sensing and low-cost environmental sensors to better understand and combat challenges like wildfires, air quality, and climate change. The satellite remote sensing allows them to extract 3D information about smoke layers and fire lines, providing critical data to predict air quality and support firefighting efforts. The low-cost "iCanopy" and "iAir" sensors measure air and soil conditions at a neighborhood scale, helping to address environmental justice issues and inform decision-makers about resource allocation. Dr. Wang's lab is leading an interdisciplinary project to study how severe weather and climate change are affecting rural communities, using sensor networks to collect high-resolution data and make it accessible to local citizens. The research aims to provide tangible

This two-part episode of the "Plugged In to Public Health" podcast features an interview with Dr. Jun Wang, an accomplished scientist and professor in the field of atmospheric sciences at the University of Iowa. Dr. Wang grew up in a rural community in eastern China, where he developed a fascination with weather and climate from a young age. He was inspired by observing the daily changes in weather and its impacts on agriculture in his hometown. After completing his bachelor's degree in atmospheric science in China, Dr. Wang pursued a master's degree and then a Ph.D. in the United States, where he specialized in satellite remote sensing and atmospheric chemistry. Dr. Wang's research combines satellite data and chemistry transport models to investigate critical topics such as air quality, wildfires, and the interactions between aerosols, clouds, and the land-atmosphere system. He has contributed to 10 satellite missions and holds numerous prestigious awards and accolades. In the interview, Dr. Wang discu

Lauren's guest this week is Dr. Tamara Marcus. Dr. Marcus is a climate scientist and activist co-founding Empowered Solutions Collective, a sustainability consulting group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her journey began in undergraduate studies, where she pivoted from pre-med to climate research, working in diverse ecosystems around the world. As an activist, Dr. Marcus is committed to creating accessible, equitable sustainability projects that address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Her work with Empowered Solutions Collective focuses on providing tailored solutions and community-informed initiatives, from resilience hubs to food access projects. Dr. Marcus emphasizes the importance of self-care and staying encouraged in this challenging work, stressing that solutions require collective, relationship-building efforts rather than just data or infrastructure alone. She advocates for more activist approaches in local government to drive urgent climate action. A transcript

Halle Eisfelder, a senior environmental engineering student at the University of Iowa, shares her experiences working on clean water initiatives in rural India. Her journey highlights the critical importance of water access as a public health issue and the power of community-driven solutions. Halle describes the lack of running water and reliance on wells and water tankers in the rural communities she visited. She details how the SM Sehgal Foundation worked to install check dams and rainwater harvesting systems to improve water quality and access. Halle emphasizes the value of open-mindedness and simple but creative solutions in international development work. She encourages students and young professionals to seek out opportunities to gain global experiences and contribute to sustainability efforts. Read more about Halle's work in India at https://tinyurl.com/bde6nsdp A transcript of this episode is available at https://tinyurl.com/4vtjyvb4 Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? Y

Our guest this week is Kassie Owens, a master's student in health administration and health policy at the University of Iowa. She shares her unique journey that led her to explore healthcare policy and management. Kassie discusses her recent global health internship in Romania, where she worked with the local LGBTQ community on healthcare access and promotion initiatives. She highlights key lessons from her experience, including the universality of healthcare challenges such as funding and staffing issues, the importance of language accessibility, and the value of immersing oneself in different cultures to gain new perspectives. Kassie's insights underscore the applicability of healthcare management and public health knowledge globally, and her passion for improving healthcare equity is inspiring. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-student-kassie-owens-perspective-on-public-health/ Have a question for our podcast crew or a

Lauren interviews Daniela Moga about her professional journey from medical training in her home country of Romania to pursuing degrees in public health and epidemiology at the University of Iowa to her current career in pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Kentucky. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-a-professional-journey-with-dr-daniela-moga/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

This week's episode features a discussion with University of Iowa College of Public Health Dean, Edith Parker. This year is the college's 25th anniversary and Dean Parker touches in some past accomplishments and milestones while looking ahead to future challenges and opportunities. She also talks about her personal journey to the field of public health. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-reflecting-on-the-colleges-25th-anniversary-with-dean-parker/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

New season, new name, new look, same great content. Get 'Plugged in to Public Health' with this terrific conversation about global health and the study abroad experience with epidemiology student Emily Jester, who spent time in Romania last summer working and learning about public health, violence, and injury prevention issues there. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/podcast-public-health-and-the-global-learning-experience/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Part 2 of 2: Lauren and Josiah Rich continue their conversation about the current state of medical education and the opioid epidemic and touch on the history of the crisis, the challenges faced in addressing addiction treatment, and the need for improvements in medical school curriculums. Dr. Rich also highlights the dangers of contaminated illegal drugs, the importance of providing treatment for opioid use disorder, and the need to reduce stigma surrounding addiction. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-addiction-treatment-and-public-health-part-2/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Part 1 of 2...Lauren welcomes guest Dr. Josiah Rich for a discussion on addiction treatment and public health, particularly in relation to the HIV epidemic and injection drug use in Rhode Island. He highlights the impact of a law outlawing the possession of a single syringe, which led to a decrease in HIV transmission. He also mentions the routine testing program in the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, which identified a significant number of HIV cases. Dr. Rich explains the current state of opioid use in the United States and the restrictions on prescribing methadone for opioid use disorder. He emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to address the opioid epidemic and the importance of getting people into recovery. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-addiction-treatment-and-public-health/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also suppo

Dr. Elizabeth O'Neal, a transportation safety expert and professor at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, discusses her research on pedestrian safety, particularly in relation to driverless vehicles and children. She explains that her research uses virtual environments to study how children interact with traffic and make crossing decisions. She also discusses the implications of driverless technology and the need for clear communication between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians, especially children. Dr. O'Neal emphasizes the importance of considering the safety of vulnerable road users when developing policies and recommends teaching children about road safety beyond the basic "look right, look left" approach. She suggests that parents can use talk-aloud protocols to demonstrate their decision-making process when crossing roads. To stay informed about ongoing research and developments in this field, Dr. O'Neal suggests checking the websites of organizations such as the National Highway Traffic

In this episode of "From the Front Row," the hosts say goodbye to two student podcasters who are graduating. They discuss the challenges they faced during their academic journey and offer advice to incoming students. The hosts also reflect on how hosting the podcast has influenced their perspective on their field of study and improved their communication skills. They discuss the most rewarding aspects of being on the podcast and share their future plans. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-graduating-hosts-reflect-on-their-experiences-and-look-ahead/ Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

This episode features a panel discussion on rural healthcare, sponsored by the Student Association of Rural Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. The panelists emphasized the importance of relationships and community and discussed the need for rural primary care providers to be comfortable with being uncomfortable and knowing when to ask for help. They also highlighted the challenges of limited resources in rural hospitals and the need to recognize when a patient needs to be transferred to a different facility. The panelists shared their experiences of practicing medicine in rural communities and the rewards of being a part of the community they serve and encouraged students to consider rural medicine as a way to make a meaningful impact and develop long-lasting relationships. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-rural-health-care-challenges-and-opportunities/ Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for a

Dr. Sivakami, a professor at the Tata Institute of Social Science in India, discusses her background in population studies and her transition from quantitative to qualitative research methods. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and international recognition in advancing research goals. Dr. Sivakami also discusses her work on menstrual hygiene management in India and the challenges faced by women in balancing academic responsibilities with outside commitments. She highlights the significance of ethical practices and gender equality in her work and involvement in various committees. Overall, Dr. Sivakami's experiences have shaped her perspective on studying health, gender, and demographics and have led to impactful projects funded by grants. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-talking-health-gender-and-demographics-with-dr-m-sivakami/ Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH

This week's episode is a panel discussion on rural pharmacies hosted by the University of Iowa's Student Association for Rural Health. The panelists included Erin Riffel, Pharmacist in Charge at Cornerstone Apothecary in Marengo, Iowa; Sarah Fitzpatrick, a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Washington County Hospital & Clinics; and Jeanine Abrons, a Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Science at University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-rural-pharmacies-role-in-providing-vital-health-care-services/ Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Lauren welcomes Dr. Mark Berg and Kaylin Campbell from the University of Iowa's Public Policy Center to talk about intimate partner violence (IPV) from sociological, psychological, and public health perspectives and how views and policies about IPV have been changing. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-intimate-partner-violence-evolving-understanding-and-changing-policy/ Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.