Public health isn’t giving up: What’s fueling hope for 2026

The search for a surgeon general: Who deserves to be the nation’s top doctor?

The nation's top doctor has been absent for more than 18 months as the Trump administration has advanced surgeon general nominees with limited public health and medical experience. Host Sophia Meador speaks with former Acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak, MD, MPH, and former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, about what they expect from the nation's next chief health officer.

The next outbreak is coming. America may be less prepared than you think

Recent outbreaks are raising concerns about the nation’s preparedness for the next pandemic. Host Sophia Meador speaks with Jay Butler, MD, and Colin Carlson, PhD, about what the next pandemic could look like — and why the nation is not prepared to respond.

Fluoridation: Your secret hack for better health

Fluoride — one of public health’s most effective and equitable tools — is facing a growing wave of policy rollbacks, misinformation and public skepticism. Host Sophia Meador talks with Wade Rakes, MBA, CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and pediatrician Susan Fisher-Owens, MD, MPH, to unpack what’s at stake for oral health, who could be most affected by potential bans and how to build trust in fluoride.

AI chatbots and teens: What’s concerning public health professionals

As loneliness and isolation grow among U.S. teens, some are turning to AI chatbots for companionship, sparking new concerns for public health professionals. Host Sophia Meador talks to experts about what the trend could mean for teen mental health.

Reducing uncertainty: Talking with parents about vaccines

As public confidence in vaccines ebb, clinicians and public health workers are increasingly addressing concerns and confusion with parents. In the latest episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Alexandra Cvijanovich, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss common parental concerns, strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and what lies ahead as federal guidance challenges established vaccine science.