University Of Iowa College Of Public Health

Lauren welcomes UI College of Public Health alumna Madison Snitker Harrelson, who is currently serving as a health educator and emergency preparedness coordinator for Dodge County Public Health in Minnesota. In this role, she combines strategic planning with community engagement to prepare the county for emergencies ranging from extreme weather to infectious disease outbreaks. Snitker Harrelson highlights how her MPH coursework in areas like community-based research, program implementation, and behavioral change theory have been invaluable in her day-to-day work, which involves tasks like grant management, leading public awareness campaigns, and collaborating with community partners. She advises public health students and young professionals to seek out diverse experiences and networking opportunities, particularly in the area of grant writing and management, to prepare for the multifaceted nature of local public health practice. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.ed

Lauren welcomes her guest Megan Mindy, a recent public health graduate from the University of Iowa. Megan shares her journey blending her passions for disability advocacy, inclusive recreation, and entrepreneurship. Her experiences include an internship at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, participation in the LEND program, and a study abroad trip to Cape Town exploring disability culture. Megan has also launched her own adaptive sports startup, Common Ground, to increase access and opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Her story highlights the power of combining personal passion, community engagement, and public health education to create real-world impact. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-talking-disability-advocacy-inclusive-recreation-and-entrepreneurship-with-megan-mindy/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@

Lauren welcomes Gulrukh Mehboob for a discussion about the impacts of relaxed staff training and licensing requirements on nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gul is a Fulbright PhD scholar at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, studying health workforce policy, particularly in long-term care settings. • Between March 2020 and September 2021, 19 states reduced CNA training and licensing requirements in an effort to address staffing shortages in nursing homes. • Gulrukh's study found that these policy changes did not improve CNA staffing levels in nursing homes, even though some scholars had argued that strict training and licensing requirements were a barrier to entering the field. • Gulrukh suggests that improving wages, benefits, and working conditions for CNAs may be more effective than reducing training and licensing requirements for addressing staffing shortages in nursing homes. • Her future research will explore the impact of other workforce policies, such as incentive-based progr

This week's episode inludes a terrific discussion about the Breast Cancer Prevention Program (BCPP) at the National University of Singapore, a multifaceted research initiative aimed at improving breast cancer screening, care, and prevention in Southeast Asia. Led by Dr. Mikael Hartman and Jenny, the program collaborates with medical anthropologist Dr. Cynthia Chou to integrate cultural and community perspectives into its work. The BCPP emphasizes a holistic approach to the breast cancer journey, from screening and early detection to treatment, prognosis, and survivorship. Key priorities include developing culturally responsive screening strategies, leveraging genetics and genomics to personalize risk assessment, and conducting community outreach to address barriers to healthcare access and utilization. The program's international collaborations allow it to study the unique genetic and sociocultural factors shaping breast cancer patterns in Asian populations. A transcript of this episode is available at ht

Dr. Nichole Nidey joins Lauren to talk about the Empower Project; a collaborative effort that aims to improve research and clinical care related to substance use during pregnancy. It includes researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience of drug use during pregnancy. The project has grown from an initial group of 6 mothers in 2019 to over 20 mothers from 8 states. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-changing-stigma-to-support-with-the-empower-project/ 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 episode features an interview with Dr. Shadi Saleh, the founding director of the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut. Dr. Saleh discusses the institute's work to shift the global health paradigm from a North-led, implementer-driven model to one where institutions in the Global South are originators of context-driven solutions. Key highlights include: • The institute's work to create a cloud-based electronic health record system for refugee populations, allowing them to access their medical histories as they move between countries. • Initiatives to integrate "conflict medicine" into the training and education of healthcare professionals, preparing them to practice in disrupted and resource-limited settings. • The institute's role as a regional hub for research and innovation in the use of AI for global health applications, focusing on community health and sexual/reproductive health. • The institute's commitment to diversifying its funding sources to maintain independence and sust

This week, Lauren welcomes UI College of Public Health alumnus and recipient of the college's 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, Dr. Vijay Golla. They discuss his journey into public health that began with his medical training in India, where he became interested in preventive medicine and social medicine. This led him to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial hygiene at the University of Iowa, where he focused his dissertation on assessing pesticide levels and related doses among farm families in Iowa. After graduating, Dr. Golla returned to Western Kentucky University, where he obtained a training grant to support undergraduate and graduate students in environmental health sciences. In his current role as Vice Provost for Research and Health Sciences at Texas A&M, Dr. Golla has been able to significantly increase research funding and expand the university's health science initiatives, which he sees as a critical part of public health's future focus on disease prevention. Dr. Golla emphasizes the importance of field exp

Lauren welcomes Mary Charlton to the podcast to discuss the Iowa Cancer Registry's "99 Counties" project. The "Cancer in Iowa 99 Counties" project aims to educate Iowans about the high cancer rates in the state, the types of cancer driving these rates, and risk factors that can be addressed through policy and community action Iowa has the second-highest cancer incidence rate in the U.S., with the most common cancers being breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and melanoma The project involves creating detailed reports on cancer trends and risk factors for each of Iowa's 99 counties, which are presented to local public health officials and community members to spur action Key findings include geographic patterns in different cancer types (e.g. higher lung cancer in southern Iowa, higher melanoma in northern Iowa), highlighting the complex, multifactorial nature of cancer The goal is to empower Iowans to advocate for evidence-based policies (e.g. tobacco tax increases) and community initiatives to reduce the

This is part 2 with guests, Jeanie Kimbel and Sophie Switzer from the University of Iowa College of Public Health's Career Services Office. They provide practical tips on building authentic connections, asking the right questions, and mapping your next steps, even if you're not sure where you want to end up. They emphasize that networking is more than just formal events - it's about telling the people in your life what you're looking for and letting them help make connections. They also recommend preparing thoroughly for informational interviews, going beyond traditional job boards to find public health-specific opportunities, and being open to exploring different career paths through internships and job shadowing. The conversation covers a range of resources available to both undergraduate and graduate students, including the College of Public Health's career services website and professional associations' job boards. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-item

This two-part podcast episode discusses career readiness and preparation for a career in public health. The guests, Jeanie Kimbel and Sophie Switzer from the University of Iowa College of Public Health's Career Services Office, provide practical advice on getting started with the job search, including tips for crafting resumes and cover letters, avoiding common mistakes, and highlighting relevant experience even from classroom projects. They emphasize the importance of seeking help early and often, as the job search process takes more time than many students realize. The guests also address common misconceptions and concerns from students at different stages of their academic journeys, and provide guidance on how to stand out as an applicant, network, and discover the right career path in public health. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-career-readiness-and-life-after-college-part-1/ Have a question for our podcast crew or

This episode features an interview with Dr. Anjali Deshpande, a clinical associate professor in epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health and the current president of the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA). Dr. Deshpande discusses her journey into public health, the role of IPHA in advocating for and strengthening public health practice in Iowa, and the challenges facing the public health field, particularly around funding. She provides advice for students looking to build careers in public health, emphasizing the importance of getting involved in organizations like IPHA to develop advocacy skills and make connections. Dr. Deshpande expresses hope for the future of public health in Iowa, highlighting the need to build bridges with policymakers and the public to make the work of public health more visible and impactful. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-advocating-for-public-health-with-anjali-deshpa

This week, Lauren introduces some of our newest student podcasters, Raj, Caroline, and Max. They discuss their backgrounds, what excites them about public health, and their experiences so far in graduate school. Key takeaways: The podcasters come from diverse backgrounds, including epidemiology, agricultural safety and health, and public health more broadly. They are passionate about topics like infectious diseases, chronic disease prevention, and environmental/occupational health literacy. They share advice for other graduate students, such as making connections with faculty, balancing work and personal life, and taking advantage of opportunities. The podcasters are excited to bring fresh perspectives to the podcast and explore issues in public health that don't receive enough attention, like qualitative research and the connections between chronic diseases and future conditions like dementia. A transcript of this podcast is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-publ

In this episode, Dr. Denise Jamieson, the Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa, shares her vision and priorities for improving healthcare in Iowa. She focuses on serving the state’s 3.2 million residents through clinical care, education, and research at UI Health Care. Dr. Jamieson discusses her goal of building an integrated, efficient health system that ensures the right care is delivered at the right time and place, while also tackling challenges related to access and workforce shortages. A key topic is her emphasis on the importance of clear communication, particularly during public health crises, and the need to rebuild trust in science and public health efforts. Drawing from her unique experience at the intersection of clinical medicine and public health, Dr. Jamieson outlines how this perspective informs her leadership approach. She concludes by expressing her enthusiasm for the future of academic medicine and the potential for the nex

Tristan and Victor host a discussion with Dr. Alana Knudson, director and Senior Fellow at the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. Key points include: Dr. Knudson's early passion for rural health, stemming from her upbringing in a rural North Dakota community and work with the state's Department of Health. The challenges facing rural communities, particularly around poverty, livable wages, and access to essential services like healthcare. The impact of state and federal policies on rural healthcare delivery, and the need for financing models that account for the unique circumstances of rural providers. The role of emerging technologies, such as remote patient monitoring, in improving access to healthcare in rural areas. Successful community-driven interventions, like community health worker programs, that have made a meaningful impact. Advice for researchers and public health professionals to listen to rural communities and collaborate with them to address their specific needs and concerns. A

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