MediHealth Podcast

The Power of Narrative: Reshaping Health and Environmental Policies

Have you ever wondered why governments and the public are slow to act, even when threatened with conclusive statistical evidence on public health issues? In this episode, we are honored to invite Dr. Shanahan, an expert in public policy and environmental studies. She will reveal that the core of the problem often lies not in the data itself, but in how we tell the story. Together, we will explore the "Narrative Policy Framework," which she helped develop, to examine how different narratives shape policy decisions. Through analyzing the cases of the Australian spillover of Hendra viruses from bats to horses and humans, and America’s challenges in controlling Lyme disease, Dr. Shanahan will address the following key questions: Why are stories that emphasize "We can solve the problem" more effective than ones that simply instill fear? Why must environmental protection not be overlooked in One Health discussions? How can science and policy communicate more effectively to prevent the next zoonotic disease outbreak? If you care about public health and environmental conservation, or want to learn how to communicate complex issues more effectively, this episode will offer you a fresh and empowering perspective.

Understanding One Health: Interconnecting Humans, Animals and Ecosystem

This is the first episode of the "OneHealth" series on the MediHealth podcast. In this episode, we inviteProfessor Umar from DKU to discuss the definition and practical application ofthe One Health in the current global health field. Let’s embark on thisprofound journey on the interconnection of whole world. Professor Umar begins with research on epidemiologyand antimicrobial resistance, explaining the intricate connections betweenhuman, animal, and environmental health, revealing our shared destiny with theworld around us. He shared how "One Health" has evolved from anacademic concept to policy practice, and used the rabies control in Indonesiaas an example to demonstrate the practical results of interdisciplinary collaboration. However, what we are talking about is not just virusesand epidemics; it is also a shift in the way we view the world. From beingisolated and disconnected to being interconnected and interwoven. Just like theflutter of a butterfly's wing in the Amazon rainforest can trigger a storm; apuddle of water in a discarded tire could be the starting point of the nextepidemic. One Health should not just be a distant concept; itshould be an ingrained belief. And more importantly, an urgent action. Thefuture lies in how we respond to the next flutter of a butterfly's wing. If you are interested in One Health, or other fieldslike global health or policy research, this episode is definitely not to bemissed! Tune in to learn how research can provide solutions toreal-world problems!

Sick Pigs, Big Data: Understanding the Virus at the Heart of China's Pork Industry

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Signature Work Series – Ethan Tung on the Epidemiology of PRRSV in China   Did you know that a virus spreading among pigs can have a significant impact on our food chain and public health policies?   In this latest episode, we're joined by Ethan Tong, a recent DKU graduate, who shares his systematic review and meta-analysis on the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) in mainland China.   By mapping out regional hotspots and analyzing differences in prevention policies, Ethan reveals the current gaps in animal disease surveillance and vaccine distribution in China, and proposes the establishment of a unified national reporting framework.   If you're interested in global health, zoonotic diseases, or policy research, you won’t want to miss this one!

When Science Meets Stigma: Breaking Barriers in Infectious Disease Research

🎙 New Episode Drop! What would you do if you had to tell someone they unknowingly carry a disease in a country that silences such conversations? Our latest episode this week invites Shelley Pleva, a recent DKU Global Health/Biology graduate, to talk about her research in HIV, HPV, and HCV in Lahore, Pakistan. In this episode, Shelley shares: ✨What it’s like to research stigmatized diseases ✨The challenges of working on international lab projects ✨How mentorship shaped her research journey ✨Her big career pivot from STEM to business analytics in the UK Looking for resilience, curiosity, and the courage to tackle tough topics? This episode has it all! #MediHealthPodcast #InfectiousDisease #GlobalHealth #HealthPodcast #DKU #Storytelling #ResearchInAction

Voices and Subjectivities in Dementia Care

✨ NEW EPISODE ALERT! ✨ Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step into the world of someone with dementia? 🤔 In this heartfelt episode of the Signature Work Series, we chat with Lingyi Shen, a recent grad from DKU, who spent months volunteering in a dementia care unit to understand the lived experiences of older adults. 🧠❤️ She shares touching stories, like the former teacher who still worried about her “students,” and reveals how anthropology helps give voice to those often overlooked. If you’re into stories that mix research with real-life emotion, this one’s for you! 🎧💬