The COVID Pod with Dr. Ashish Jha

Episode 10: Approaching a More 'Normal' Fall 2021

On the last episode of The COVID Pod, recorded on the morning of April 9, 2021, Dean of the School of Public Health Ashish Jha is back to comment on Brown’s plans toward a more traditional semester in fall of 2021. The COVID Pod team discusses advice for the incoming class of 2025, efforts to promote more equitable vaccination in the state of Rhode Island and how to stay engaged with public health information even when the overall gravity of COVID-19 improves with vaccination efforts.

Episode 9: Getting Vaccinated (with a side of free donuts)

On March 26, 2021, the COVID Pod team welcomes Dr. Ashish Jha again to discuss expanded vaccine eligibility coming soon to Rhode Island, how to address ongoing vaccine hesitancy and what the summer and next few years may look like after more people are vaccinated. Dr. Jha also provides his perspective on the confusion surrounding the AstraZeneca vaccine. The team also breaks down the sweet incentive Krispy Kreme has  in place for vaccinated Americans and the pros of promoting vaccination for COVID-19.

Episode 8: Marching Forward One Year Later

One year into the pandemic and on the anniversary of the day Brown announced it would be closing to students and faculty in the wake of COVID-19 in March of 2020, The COVID Pod team welcomes Dean of the School of Public Health Ashish Jha to have a conversation about looking ahead. Dr. Jha gives his insight on health disparities and the mental health toll of COVID-19. The Pod team also discusses the future of medicine post-pandemic and what the fall of 2021 will look like on campus.

Episode 7: Optimistic Outcomes and Overcoming Hurdles: Managing COVID-19 in March 2021

In this episode of The COVID Pod with Dr. Ashish Jha, recorded Tuesday, March 2, Dr. Jha speaks to the importance of equitable vaccine distribution, ventilation over sanitation for public spaces and the promises of the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine amid the rise of new virus variants. He also provides expert commentary on how to maintain proper testing regimens despite lasting supply chain issues and what to be wary of when cases in a community, like Brown’s, spike.

Episode 6: Virus Variants, Vaccines and Valentine's

On Friday, Feb. 12, the COVID Pod team sits down with Ashish Jha, dean of the School of Public Health, to discuss the variations underlying the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to stop its spread: virus variants, new vaccines in development — and even a COVID-19-conscious approach to socializing on Valentine’s Day.